Several Important Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Visiting the dentist is a routine task, but there are many people that will start to experience anxiety at the thought of going to the dentist. In order to help you with getting the dental care that your teeth require, it is important to make sure that you are informed and aware of the various dental treatment strategies that your dentist may be able to utilize.   

Can You Undergo Sedation If It Is Not Necessary For Your Dental Procedure?

For individuals that suffer from serious dental anxiety or phobias, the thought of being sedated throughout the dental procedure can be very tempting, but patients may assume that sedation is only an option for serious problems and procedures. However, it is also possible for individuals that suffer from intense dental anxiety to benefit from being sedated prior to their procedures. Prior to receiving this type of dental care, it will be important to ensure that you are healthy enough to be sedated, which may require being evaluated by your doctor.  

Will You Be Completely Unconscious During Your Dental Work?

Individuals that are wanting to undergo sedation dentistry may assume that they will be complete unconscious throughout this procedure. Yet, it is not always practical for a dental patient to be completely unconscious as this can make it far more difficult for the dentist to perform their duties. Rather than being completely unconscious, patients will often be sedated enough to be barely lucid but still able to respond to commands from the dentist. For patients with extreme dental anxiety, it may be possible to be completely sedated for your procedure, but this will make your dental work take far longer and be more expensive, as the insurance may not cover this type of intensive elective sedation.

Is Being Sedated The Only Way To Handle Dental Anxiety?

There is a common belief that being heavily sedated is the only option for helping a person to effectively manage their dental anxiety. While sedation can be a highly effective tool for combating this condition, it is far from the only way that you can help to manage this source of distress. On the day of your dental visit, you will want to make sure to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the dental clinic. Being stressed from dealing with traffic or other potential delays can heighten the anxiety that you feel as you walk into the clinic.

Furthermore, you should take something to help you stay relaxed while waiting for the dentist to see you. While there will likely be magazines and other reading materials in the lobby, it can be difficult to focus on reading while experiencing anxiety. For individuals with this problem, a more effective solution may be to download an audio book app for their phone, as listening to a story can be relaxing and more distracting. Contact a company like Dental Implant & Cosmetic, PC to learn more.