Talking with Dr. Rodrigues is the first step in deciding if sedation dentistry is for you. Whether you are afraid of needles, have trouble getting numb, or are simply anxious when it comes to dental work, you will be able to discuss your individual case and options.
Sedation dentistry, also know as sleep dentistry, has been around for over 100 years and has continued to evolve over the last 40 years as more options are made available to patients. In order to perform sedation, dentists are required to become accredited and complete additional training.
While it is common practice to be sedated by doctors for medical procedures, for some time there has been the misconception that routine dental treatments are not uncomfortable enough to justify the use of sedation. Fortunately, dental sedation is now used worldwide. It has proven to be a safe and effective option for a variety of patients and procedures.
It is no secret that most of us do not like going to the dentist. In fact, many people go years without even a check-up or cleaning. Some reasons for avoiding the dentist include:
Fortunately, in this day and age these issues are no longer a reason to avoid the dentist. With sedation dentistry, patients are able to have a comfortable, anxiety-free experience while having their dental treatments performed.
Don’t let dental anxiety stop you from getting the dental care you need.
Sedation dentistry is great for all types of dentistry including children’s dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, root canal therapy, wisdom teeth or multiple extractions and extensive restorative dentistry.
Parkview Dental offers nitrous oxide sedation: This most common form of sedation is also known as inhalation sedation or “laughing gas.” A mask is placed over the patient’s nose, and the flow level is adjusted by the dentist until the patient is comfortable. Local anesthesia is still required. One benefit with nitrous oxide is that the sedation effect is gone quickly and patients are able to drive themselves home without escort.
One of the major benefits of sedation dentistry is that people often feel like their dental procedure lasts only a few minutes, when in fact it might have taken hours to perform. Therefore, complex dental procedures such as smile makeovers or extensive rebuilding procedures that normally require multiple visits can often be performed in fewer appointments.
If you are reluctant to change the appearance of your smile because you are afraid or anxious about undergoing long or complicated dental procedures, sedation dentistry can make you feel comfortable during the treatment process and help you achieve a smile you can be proud of.
Also, because sedation dentistry addresses some of the fears that keep people from going to the dentist on a regular basis, sedation dentistry patients are more likely to receive recommended routine care. As a result, they are less likely to neglect their oral health or allow oral health problems to build to the point when drastic dental treatments become necessary.