If the thought of a dental appointment makes you nervous, you might have considered asking for some form of sedation. But who is sedation dentistry for? Will your dentist administer it to you, or is it only for special cases?
It never hurts to call your dentist and ask these questions, but if you need some validation to get the process rolling, keep reading. There are four categories of people that sedation dentistry can help.
Patients With Dental Anxiety
Whether your fear of the dentist is mild, moderate, or severe, sedation dentistry is definitely for you. Think of it this way: your emotional discomfort deserves alleviation just as much as your physical discomfort. No one wants you to be anxious during your visit, and many nervous patients will avoid making appointments altogether.
These reactions qualify as impairments in everyday functioning, so don’t feel as though they’re not “bad enough” to need treatment. Call your dentist and talk through your anxieties. They’ll help you determine the best way to guarantee a comfortable visit.
Patients That Can’t Sit Still
A dental appointment can quickly become difficult or even unbearable for patients that have a hard time sitting still. Maybe you experience discomfort in your back, neck, jaw, or other areas, and are likely to develop aches as your appointment draws out. Maybe your condition is more compulsive, as is often the case with Restless Leg Syndrome, ADHD, and anxiety.
Either way, modern research is revealing what you probably already knew: fidgeting isn’t simply a “cute” personality trait. Staying still can cause itching, burning, or painful sensations for these patients. Your dentist can recommend a safe, effective sedation option that will calm your agitated muscles.
Patients With a Sensitive Gag Reflex
Always gagging whenever the dentist needs to check your mouth? You probably have a sensitive gag reflex, which can cause enough discomfort for you and enough trouble for the dentist that sedation is recommended. Even the mildest options will relax your body, allowing you to sit back with ease as the dentist works their magic.
Patients Receiving Complex or Emergency Treatments
This fourth category might be the most obvious. Patients needing extensive or quick dental work can be given sedatives to help them endure a prolonged treatment or potential pain. Don’t worry – if this happens to be the case for you, your dentist will let you know, and make sure you understand your sedation options before they’re administered.
You might have noticed a common theme for all of these categories. Communicating with your dentist is essential. You won’t be the first patient needing sedation dentistry, but each patient does have their own unique needs, so it’s important to talk about previous dental visits. At the end of the day, your dentist wants you to walk away with a positive experience. Don’t hesitate to work with them to figure out how to make that vision a reality!
About the Author
Dr. Chase Smith enjoys getting to know his patients. In his mind, each patient is unique, and building a solid relationship helps him help you. To make sure you’re getting the best, most comfortable care available, Dr. Smith keeps up with continuing education so he can stay on top of the latest dental technologies. In other words, he’s well informed, and will help you find the right sedation option for your needs. Call 740-246-5286 for a consultation or learn more about Dr. Smith and his practice by visiting his website.