If the mere thought of going to a dental appointment scares you, you are not alone; dental anxiety is a common phenomenon that almost everyone experiences at some point in life, especially during childhood. If you suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, you will likely delay or avoid dental checkups and treatments at all costs, which is detrimental to your oral health. Thanks to sedation dentistry Litchfield Park, you can relax and stay calm during a dental procedure. Sedation dentistry uses certain pharmacological agents, like nitrous oxide, to make you relax and oblivious to the ongoing dental procedure. Below are a few fun facts to help you learn more about sedation dentistry.

Sedation levels vary

There are different sedatives that your dentist may use; they include nitrous oxide or laughing gas, oral sedation, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. To determine the sedation you need, the dentist considers factors like the severity of your anxiety, overall health, and the type and complexity of treatment. Mild sedation (nitrous oxide) is often sufficient, but in some cases, one may need general anesthesia. Self-medicating before a dental procedure is never a good idea since it can lead to complications.

Laughing Gas has multiple flavors

The interesting thing about laughing gas or nitrous oxide is that it comes in different flavors, like grapes, cherry, and orange; this makes medicine administration stress-free. Nitrous oxide was discovered in the 1770s and was previously used to make people laugh and giggle during parlor games, hence its peculiar name. Laughing gas started to be used in dentistry in the 1960s.

People without dental anxiety or fear can benefit from sedation dentistry

Although dental anxiety is a popular reason for receiving sedation during a dental procedure, there are other reasons why your dentist may recommend sedation dentistry. For example, sedation dentistry is helpful for individuals with sensitive teeth and gums. Sedation dentistry may also benefit individuals who have trouble controlling their gag reflex, need extensive dental work, or have experienced dental trauma.

Sedation dentistry is safe

Sedation dentistry is a tried and tested practice, safe when administered by a qualified dental professional. However, as with any medical procedure, sedation dentistry is associated with some risks that are generally minor and outweighed by the benefits of the treatment. It is important to discuss with your doctor before sedation dentistry, especially if you are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea.

The experience is similar to being out to sleep

After receiving the medication, you may feel so dizzy that you fall asleep throughout the procedure. When you wake up, you might have little recollection of the procedure. Sedation dentistry helps keep away the memories of poking or drilling as your dentist gets into work. 

Dentists also benefit from sedation dentistry

Not only does sedation dentistry make it easier for a patient with dental anxiety to cope during a procedure it also helps dentists work more efficiently and faster.

If you dread dental visits, consult your dentist at Litchfield Dental Care to learn how you can benefit from sedation dentistry.