Sedation Dentistry: What Does It Entail?

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a type of dental treatment that uses medication to help you relax and feel less anxious about your dental procedure. The goal is to make you feel calm and comfortable while still being awake and able to respond to questions and instructions from your dentist. Sedation dentistry San Antonio can be used for all levels of dental treatment, from simple cleanings to complex oral surgery. It is also used for children who are afraid of going to the dentist or have severe phobias about dental work.

Which dental procedures require sedation dentistry?

Cleaning and polishing teeth: Most people fear having their teeth cleaned because they fear it will hurt. However, sedation dentistry can make the process much less painful and more relaxing.

Fillings and root canals: There are many reasons someone might need a filling or root canal treatment, including tooth decay or damage to the nerves inside a tooth. While these treatments can be uncomfortable, they don’t have to be. Sedation dentistry is often used during these procedures to make patients feel comfortable.

Cleaning and polishing teeth: Dental cleanings are a routine part of regular dental care. During a cleaning, the dentist or hygienist removes tartar and plaque from your teeth, which can lead to gum disease if left untreated. Cleanings can be done without anesthesia, but many people prefer sedation dentistry to have a comfortable experience during their visit.

Sealants: Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth with a risk of cavities forming. Although sealants don’t repair existing decay, they can prevent decay from starting in the first place. The dentist applies these sealants simultaneously as you get your teeth cleaned.

The dentist may use local anesthesia for this procedure because it can be uncomfortable for some patients who tend to gag easily when having their teeth worked on by hand. However, if you are comfortable with having your mouth prodded by sharp instruments and don’t want any discomfort that could result from having something inside your mouth, you may want to consider sedation dentistry.

Extractions: Extraction is the removal of teeth from their sockets in the jawbone. This procedure is generally only recommended when teeth are severely damaged or decayed and cannot be saved. Extraction is often performed with sedation dentistry because it is easier for patients to relax during this procedure when they are not awake enough to feel pain or anxiety.

Fillings: Sedation dentistry can also be used for filling treatments. If you have an old filling that needs replacing due to chipping or discoloration, sedation dentistry can help take away some of the stress and anxiety associated with having a filling placed in your mouth. Sedation helps reduce pain and makes it easier for patients who are afraid of needles to sit still while their teeth are treated with fluoride or sealants.

Sedation dentistry is a form of dental sedation that allows patients to receive treatment in a relaxed state. This type of sedation aims to make the patient feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable during their appointment. Schedule an appointment with AB Dental & Oral Surgery to learn more about sedation dentistry.