Not everyone likes the idea of scheduling dental appointments due to various reasons. Fear of the dentist, dental devices, procedures, or needles can get in the way of patients in receiving the oral health care they need and deserve. Seeing a dental professional regularly is an essential practice that is highly advised for everyone. It does not only help them have healthy mouths but a sound body as well.
Fortunately, dentistry now offers various means to help patients feel at ease during any dental procedure or treatment. They can either provide this by injecting near the site, giving a particular pill, letting the patient inhale through a mask, or deliver fluids intravenously. Many patients may have heard about these methods but chose to disregard it due to unfamiliarity. Curious how these are all possible? It is thanks to sedation dentistry! Dentists, including us at McMillan Family Dental, take advantage of the different options it offers to make patients feel at ease during dental appointments. At our practice, patients can choose from Local Anesthesia, Oral Sedation, and IV Sedation.
Reasons to Give Sedation Dentistry a Go
Keeps overall health in check
Unfortunately, oral complications do not just affect the mouth, if left unattended, a person’s general health is also more likely at risk. Gum disease for instance. It starts as a gum inflammation that manifests as the “pink in the sink” but is regarded by most people as harmless and normal. If measures are not taken, it can progress to its advanced stage, leading to tooth loss and even systemic health issues. People who do not seek professional attention due to fear are most likely to develop gum disease without even knowing.
Help patients overcome their gag reflex
The gag reflex is essential since it helps in preventing unwanted entries in the mouth. However, when it comes to dentistry, it can cause discomfort to a patient and trouble to a dentist. It would be hard to continue a dental procedure while a person is repeatedly gagging. Sedation helps by reducing the reflex for the dentist to perform the dental work needed while the patient remains fully comfortable.
Makes dental appointments shorter
Dentists take time to make sure that patients are at ease before performing a particular procedure. If they are too anxious, it would be hard for the dentist to get over with the appointment. The use of sedatives will make patients relax before and during procedures; as a result, a shorter time is spent in the dental chair.
Aside from fear, anxiety, and gag reflex, people with cases listed below are good candidates for sedation dentistry:
- Resistance to anesthetics
- Low pain threshold
- Physical limitations
- Unable to sit still
- Traumatic past experiences
- Needs complicated or multiple dental works
- Fear of needles
- Uncomfortable with drilling sounds, and more.
Everyone deserves an anxious-free and comfortable dental experience. Avail of our Sedation Dentistry options in Meridian, ID! Book your appointment with us at McMillan Family Dental.
