Understanding What a Sedation Dentist Does

Jul 27
07:41

2012

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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A sedation dentist is a specialist who has been trained to induce a mild state of unconsciousness in order to perform a variety of dental procedures. This article discusses what they do, the risks, and other viable alternatives for this form of dentistry.

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Do you only go to a dentist when you have an absolute emergency? Is it because of the fear that dwells within your mind? If so,Understanding What a Sedation Dentist Does Articles there's something you need to know.

You can go to the dentist for routine check ups and leave your fear at home. You may be wondering how this can be. A sedation dentist is the answer. This form of oral health treatment has been around for a while, but a lot of people don't know it's a viable option. You can have dental procedures with no pain and no fear, because you'll actually be asleep at the time.

There's a lot to know about what a sedation dentist does, such as:

1) How they do what they do.
2) What the risks are in sedation.
3) What your other options are.

The first one is all about the sedation dentist sedating the client in order to perform a treatment. By "putting you to sleep," it allows the specialist to work on the patient without the patient feeling any pain, fear, or other uncomfortable feelings. Other medical specialists use this technique as well; not just dentists.

Depending on the procedure, a range of anesthetic can be used from mild to fully induced sleep. The anesthetic used will only simulate unconsciousness, not actually make the patient totally unconscious. Laughing gas is the most common of these mild anesthetics. There are stronger ones such as oral medications or the use of an IV needle.

The risks of this procedure seem to be minimal. If you're a healthy adult, there's no reason you should fear this type of anesthetic versus having any type of sedation.

Risks, however, do increase for the very young, the elderly and the person who suffers with poor health. If you have poor health, you need to be upfront and completely honest with your dentist so he'll know exactly how to handle this important situation.

A few of the more common risks:

1) Grogginess, even for a few hours afterward.
2) Nausea, dizziness, headaches or vomiting may occur during sedation.
3) A faster heartbeat, slower breathing or drop in blood pressure. (These effects occur rarely but should be noted as possible occurrences.)

Alternatives to sedation therapy:

1) Don't pick a time/date for your dental visit when you're stressed. Choose a relaxing time preferably in the morning so you don't have all day to think about it.
2) Discuss your fears and anxieties with your dental specialist.
3) Find a dentist who uses high-tech distractions such as entertainment such as TV or videos, even noise-canceling headphones to reduce noise. Or, bring your own device with headphones and play your favorite music.
4) Bring a blanket and your favorite pillow with you.
5) Focus on your breathing and not the procedure.
6) Envision yourself in a calming atmosphere. Relive a fun vacation. Get deeply into the scene.
7) Consider acupuncture to lower anxiety just before your dental visit.

There's just so much good a sedation dentist can do for your oral health. Consider one today.

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