Going to the dentist is just as crucial as maintaining regular doctor’s visits. After all, our teeth don’t come back if we lose them, so we must ensure that we care for them as best we can.
Most of us understand the importance of oral health. In fact, according to the State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, 92% of respondents in 2022 and 2023 believe their oral health is very, if not extremely, important to their overall health.
Unfortunately, many of us also deal with dental anxiety, which can cause us to avoid the dentist. Dental anxiety is common, and it is certainly understandable, but it can also have a significant impact on your oral health.
The good news is there is a great solution to help those with dental anxiety! Sedation Dentistry is the answer. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective solution to help those who struggle with dental anxiety get the care they need to maintain their oral health. Continue reading to learn more about dental sedation, how it works, and how it can help you!
The Root of Dental Fears
According to the Journal of Dental Hygiene, dental anxiety affects up to 13% of the population. The cause of dental anxiety varies, but there are some common causes, including:
- Past negative experiences at the dentist
- Fear of pain from dental procedures
- Embarrassment about current oral health
- Fear of being judged by the dentist
The unfortunate truth is that dental anxiety can quickly become a vicious circle. It can cause you to avoid going to the dentist for general checkups or needed procedures, which can cause your oral health problems to get worse, which in turn worsens dental anxiety, and so on.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry can be an effective and safe way to help you overcome dental anxiety and receive necessary treatment. It uses medication to relax you throughout your procedure. Sedation dentistry is sometimes also known as “twilight sleep” or “sleep dentistry,” but these terms are not completely accurate.
Sedation dentistry is a minimal form of sedation that offers insensitivity to pain, but the patient doesn’t fully lose consciousness. Sedation dentistry is routine and has minimal risk of complications or side effects.
Fortunately, aside from allergic reactions, most side effects or risks of sedation dentistry are minor and will fade once the medications wear off after the procedure. Before any sedation treatment at Bayway Dental, we will ask you about any allergies to medications and review your medical history carefully, involving your medical doctor when necessary.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry offers several benefits to those with dental anxiety, including:
- Comfort: Sedation dentistry can help you feel significantly more comfortable during cleanings and treatment.
- Reduced Pain Perceptions: Sedation dentistry reduces your perception of pain as it eases and calms your mind
- More Efficient Treatment: When you’re under dental sedation, your dentist can perform his procedure quicker and easier because you are relaxed and not fidgeting. This can result in better treatment outcomes.
- Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Sedation dentistry helps you have positive experiences with the dentist. Many of our patients completely overcome their dental anxiety after a few visits with sedation and are eventually able to get procedures WITHOUT sedation!
- Reduction in Gag Reflex: A frequent gag reflex can make dental procedures harder on both the patient and the dentist. Fortunately, certain sedatives can help suppress the gag reflex, making the whole process easier for both parties.
One study from PubMed Central states, “When administered before dental treatments, conscious sedation methods have been shown to aid in the reduction of patient pain and anxiety. Conscious sedation is very useful in encouraging patient cooperation and improving overall patient satisfaction with dental treatment.”
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?
It is important to note that sedation dentistry may not be the right fit for everyone, but it can be beneficial for certain patients. This includes those with dental anxiety, severe gag reflexes, and/or complex dental needs.
To learn more about dental sedation and whether it may be a good option for you, schedule an appointment with us here at Bayway Dental. We can review your individual needs and create a treatment plan that is tailored for you.
Take the first step in overcoming dental anxiety by contacting Bayway Dental about sedation dentistry today at 727-914-2707.
Bayway Dental: Your Partner in Comfortable Care
Our goal at Bayway Dental is to ensure every patient receives the oral and dental care they need. Dr. Sherberg has years of experience in sedation dentistry to ensure even those with severe anxiety can receive the care they require. Our patients speak for us regarding their approval of sedation dentistry. Our patient Kathy said, “I don’t like dentists. I haven’t liked them since I was a child. I’d like to be sedated for everything.”
We want every patient to feel comfortable and in good hands in our office or dental chairs. When you come into our office, we will explain our tailored sedation offerings so you have everything you need to make an informed decision. Don’t let your anxiety keep you from having a healthy mouth; schedule an appointment with Bayway Dental today!
We look forward to helping you be proud of your smile with the best sedation dentistry St. Pete has to offer.
