Going to the dentist should be a positive experience. After all, your dentist’s goal is to help you enjoy excellent oral health and all of the benefits that come with it. However, if you find yourself feeling a little anxious — or very anxious — when you have an upcoming dental appointment, you are far from alone. Millions of people struggle with some degree of dental anxiety. How can you conquer those feelings and attend your next appointment with confidence? In this blog post, a sedation dentist in Torrington discusses five signs that sedation dentistry may be your idea solution.
Going to the Dentist Makes You Nervous or Afraid
There are different levels of sedation dentistry to help patients with different levels of anxiety. For patients who just need help to take the edge off, a mild form of sedation is usually best. Individuals who require more powerful sedation may benefit from oral conscious sedation. After your dentist gets to know you and gathers some information about your overall health, they will make a sedation recommendation based on your unique circumstances.
Dental Work Is Painful for You
Dentists automatically numb patients’ mouths when they are performing a procedure that might otherwise cause pain. However, some individuals find that despite anesthesia, they still feel some discomfort while the dentist is working. Sedation dentistry can often help to relieve that pain and induce a feeling of relaxation and calmness.
You Have a Strong Gag Reflex
If you gag during your procedure, it will be uncomfortable for you and may affect your dentist’s ability to successfully treat you. Sedation can calm the gag reflex and thus contribute to a smoother, more comfortable experience for everyone.
You Wish to Remain Conscious
Some people mistakenly believe that sedation induces unconsciousness. That is not true in most cases. While under most types of sedation, you will remain alert enough to respond to directions from your dentist. You might drift off to sleep, but it should be easy to awaken you with a gentle shake.
You Must Undergo a Lengthy Procedure
Some dental procedures may take a few hours to complete. Without sedation, such situations may be quite uncomfortable for patients, who will have to keep their mouth open for an extended period of time. Sedation provides a means for such patients to have a pleasant treatment experience, even if it is lengthy.
Do you believe you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry? Your local dentist will be pleased to help you avail yourself of this valuable resource.
About the Author
Dr. Virginia Graicerstein is the general dentist at Torrington Dental Care. She has decades of experience in her profession, and she has served families in Connecticut since 2003. She is proud to offer oral conscious sedation to help patients enjoy a positive experience in our office, regardless of which type of treatment they may need to undergo. To learn more about Dr. Graicerstein and how our team can help you enjoy optimum oral health, contact us at 860-489-8940.