Does the thought of going to the dentist’s office make your body tense with fear? Have you been putting off a dental appointment despite having a toothache? You are not alone. Many people fear going to the dentist, so much so that they would rather suffer from pain than receive treatment.

But what if feeling relaxed in the dentist’s chair is possible?

Sedation dentistry helps take away some of the anxiety and can be used for most procedures, from invasive treatments to regular teeth cleaning. It is also sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry. Depending on the patient’s needs, sedation levels can range from minimal, where you feel awake but relaxed, to deep sedation, where you will be unconscious.

Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming dental treatment? Here are seven reasons why you should talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry.

Overcome Past Fear

If a past bad experience has caused you to avoid the dentist for a long time, sedation anxiety can help you overcome that fear and anxiety. You’ll feel relaxed even during the most daunting dental procedures.

Manage Triggers

For some people, the sights smells, and sounds in a dental office can be very triggering. Sedation dentistry helps minimize the effects of these triggers and allows treatment to occur with no mishaps.

Reduce Pain

Pain is a common concern for many patients during procedures such as root canals and dental implant installations. Depending on your procedure’s invasiveness, your dentist will advise the appropriate amount of sedation to keep you comfortable.

Control Gag Reflex

Dental check-ups and procedures can feel very uncomfortable if you have a sensitive gag reflex. You may feel the urge to choke or sputter when tools are placed in the mouth, making simple procedures, like dental X-rays, feel unbearable. Sedation dentistry options, such as nitrous oxide, can help you relax during treatment and paralyze your gagging response temporarily.

Speed Up Procedures

Dental work can take longer than needed because of fidgeting and anxious patients. Sedation dentistry keeps patients calm and helps the dentist focus on the procedure without the fear of causing more stress to the patient.

Fewer Appointments

Some extensive procedures often require multiple visits because they can be too distressing for the patient. However, dental anesthesia can keep patients calm for longer, allowing the dentist to complete the entire treatment in one sitting.

Help Vulnerable Groups

Sleep dentistry is a practical approach for those with disorders, which can make dental work difficult. For example, sensory disorders can amplify the sounds and smell in the dental office, making treatment unbearable. Sedation makes it possible for affected people to feel more relaxed and receive the dental care they need.

Riverview Family Dental is here to provide you and your family with the best dental care possible. Our team of dental professionals uses the latest dental technology and techniques, including sedation or sleep dentistry, to keep your teeth and gums in their best shape. Call us now to book an appointment at our Corunna family dental office.