Key Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Posted on: 4 April 2022

Dentistry has come a long way, and the strides made can be attributed to advancements in technology. However, one area of dentistry that continues to develop is sedation. Notably, sedation dentistry refers to the use of relaxing medication on patients during dental procedures. Today, dentists use various sedatives to help patients feel as comfortable as possible. Some of the most common sedation options include oral sedation, inhaled sedation (nitrous oxide), IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Most importantly, sedation dentistry comes with many benefits for patients and dentists. This article highlights some of the most important benefits.

Induces Anterograde Amnesia -- Dentophobia refers to the extreme fear of visiting a dentist. One of the most common causes of dentophobia are previous experiences during dental procedures. Notably, patients with dentophobia tend to put off visits to a dentist, which can be detrimental to their oral health. Fortunately, sedation dentistry has made it easier for dentophobia patients to go for regular dental care visits because it induces anterograde amnesia. Although amnesia might not be desirable in some situations, it is necessary for patients with dentophobia. The reason is that anterograde amnesia reduces a patient's ability to retain new information. Since the mind cannot create new memories, amnesia significantly reduces dentophobia in subsequent dental clinic visits.

Smooth Dental Procedures -- As much as dentists understand and sympathise with patients with dental phobia, they agree that it interferes with the quality of their dental procedures. It is because performing a dental procedure on a restless and squirming patient can be challenging. In some cases, squirming patients can injure themselves, given that some of the tools dentists use are sharp. Sedation dentistry allows dentists to work faster, efficiently, and safely, which goes a long way in protecting patients. Besides, faster procedures keep a dentist's door rotating, which helps reduce waiting times and allows them to see more patients.

Pain Relief -- Some people equate the thought of dental procedures with pain, making their entire body tense with fear. Thus, they prefer to endure the pain of a toothache than dentists' tools. While the fear is understandable, it is often a figment of patients' imagination. Sedation dentistry numbs the nerves around the teeth and gums and eliminates the element of pain. Once patients encounter a pain-free dental procedure, they do not mind booking another appointment. Even after a dental procedure, dentists prescribe pain relief medication that patients can take as they recover at home.

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