Although dental procedures have matured over the years, with numerous new techniques and equipment, there are still many patients that nervous and anxious about making a dental appointment. For those that have an inordinate fear of having dental work done they should locate a professional dentist in Downers Grove and discuss the benefits of sedation dentistry.
What is sedation dentistry?
The sights and sounds associated with a dentist’s office are enough to put patients on edge; sedation dentistry uses various methods to clam and relax a patient prior to and during a dental appointment. When a patient is relaxed the procedure goes ahead without the same degree of dental anxiety. No matter how sophisticated dentistry becomes there will always be patients, young and old, that have trouble dealing with just the thoughts of a visit to the dentist. These fears can be mitigated by using sedation dentistry techniques, making it an important part of any professional dental practice.
What methods of sedation are common?
There are different levels of sedation from minimal sedation where the patient is fully awake but relaxed; moderate, deep and the use of general anesthesia where the patient is rendered unconscious.
- Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide, usually called “laughing gas” is perhaps the most common form of sedation. It is a colorless, odorless gas which is administered to the patient through the nose. Once the gas begins to flow, relaxation is almost instantaneous. Nitrous oxide is completely safe and can be administered to any patient, including children. Once the procedure has been completed the dentist will administer oxygen. There are no after affects and the patient is free to resume his or her daily routine.
- Moderate sedation: puts the patient into a deeper level of sedation; as a result they must have someone available to take them home after the dental work has been completed. During the procedure, patients are aware of instructions given by their dentist, but once they are over the effects of the sedative they have little or no recollection of their dental visit.
If you have avoided having your teeth looked after properly out of fear or anxiety, finding a professional dentist in Downers Grove that offers sedation dentistry is the key to overcoming your phobia.
