Sedation Dentistry – Top 8 FAQ’s

Going to the dentist can be a nerve wrecking experience, especially if you are among the thousands of people suffering from dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is a treatment offered by many dentists to help their patients who suffer from dental anxiety. With such treatment, going to the dentist can be a much more pleasant experience. Below are answers to some of the most common asked questions about sedation dentistry.

1. What is sedation dentistry?

This type of dentistry is also sometimes referred to as ‘relaxation’ dentistry. The primary purpose of sedation dentistry is to allow the dentist to work more effectively by helping the patient become as relaxed and comfortable as possible by means of sedative medication administered.

2. What will my dentist use as a sedative technique?

Most sedatives used by dentists were administered by IV. However, there are several other sedative techniques, most of them being medication that you can take either before you go to the dentist or while you are at the office. Some of the most common medications used in sedation dentistry are depressants, anti-anxiety medication, and nitrous oxide.

3. Which patients benefit the most from sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can benefit a lot of people, including people with dental anxiety, fear, gag reflex, back problems, neck problems, acute jaw soreness, time constraints, and finally, people with the desire to have their dentistry done comfortably.

4. Will I still need to receive anesthesia?

If you are having a procedure that usually requires anesthesia, you will need anesthesia since your pain receptors will still be active.

5. What are some side effects of sedative dentistry?

• Dry mouth: The sedatives administered to the patient will decrease the salivary flow, allowing the dentist to work in a dry environment.

• Retrogade amnesia: Due to the amnesic effects of the sedatives, patients often remember little to nothing of their time in the dental chair.

6. What types of dental procedures is sedation dentistry an option for?

It all depends. Some people have so much dental anxiety that they need sedatives just for a normal check-up. Other people may only need sedatives for more invasive dental procedures such as extractions and fillings.

7. Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?

In general, yes, sedation dentistry is covered by insurance. However, in the USA, dental insurance is usually different than regular health insurance. So, if you only have regular health insurance and not dental insurance, it is unlikely that your insurance will cover any dental work.

8. Will I be unconscious?

Most likely you will be awake. However, you will be in a sedative state which means you will be well aware of what is going on around you, but you may feel distant from it all.

Once you have waded through all these questions and you have finally decided to proceed with sedation dentistry, be sure to review the consent form for all details pertaining the procedure and risks. The main idea is to make sure the environment is one in which you can feel comfortable in.