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What Is Sedation Dentistry and How Can It Help Patients?

Dentist preparing to sedate a patient

People entering dentist offices can often feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety. The thoughts of the various procedures, their sensitive teeth, or any number of reasons can create an atmosphere of uncertainty and make them more likely to put off dental procedures. However, dentists can take steps to help mitigate and minimize these feelings of trepidation in patients that can provide as calm and soothing an atmosphere as possible. 

Sedation Dentistry Defined

Sedation dentistry aims to alleviate some of the stress associated with going to the dentist. From routine teeth cleaning to more involved procedures, this particular practice seeks to help you sit through whatever procedure you’re about to undergo. Whether it’s a cleaning or cavity filling procedure in Mercer County, NJ, sedation dentistry can help you feel more at ease. From gases and oral medication to taking it intravenously, dental patients have options to ease their anxiety.   

Scenarios Where Sedation Dentistry is Necessary

Any type of dental procedure that a patient is apprehensive about can be considered for sedation dentistry. However, some procedures are more likely than others to be prime candidates for sedation. Lengthy procedures such as root canals, tooth extractions, and the like make sense for sedation to help patients feel at ease or utterly oblivious to the ongoing procedure. 

Types of Sedation Used at the Dentist

Not every procedure or patient requires full sedation. Dentists can use sedation techniques of varying strengths and administration styles to tailor the experience specifically for a given patient. The most common types of sedation used at dental offices involve inhalation or taking oral medication. These low- to medium-dose options are ideally suited for routine procedures that shouldn’t take too long and or require further specialized training. For more extensive procedures, you can get the sedation medications delivered intravenously or through general anesthesia. 

Dental anxiety can prevent patients from getting the dental work they need for extended periods, and the goal of every dentist’s office is to provide the best possible care to their patients while creating as relaxing an atmosphere as possible. With the help of sedation dentistry, your dentist can help you feel more at ease and get you in and through your procedure to adjust your braces or get that root canal you’ve been putting off. Contact Hamilton Dental, your favorite Mercer County, NJ, dentist, to schedule your next appointment today!