Many individuals are scared of going to the dentist, so if you are among them, you are not by yourself. Dental anxiety is common to millions of patients globally, and it renders routine procedures daunting tasks. The nice thing is that you can request sedation for dental treatment from your dentist. The majority of dentists understand patient anxiety and are well qualified to talk about the different types of sedation that will make your appointment stress-free and more comfortable.
If you are searching for an Oklahoma City sedation dentist, we do everything we can at Reflections Dental Care to make you comfortable before, during, and after appointments.
Knowing Your Sedation Options
Dental sedation has numerous forms, and each one of them serves to make patients more relaxed while undergoing procedures. The most familiar one is nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas.” It keeps you relaxed but still aware. This sedation is fast-acting and also wears off very fast after treatment.
Oral sedation is accomplished by taking medication prescribed by your dentist before your visit. This method provides a stronger feeling of relaxation, but you will still be awake and able to respond during treatment. Some patients become drowsy for a few hours following treatment.
For more complex procedures or more extreme anxiety, IV sedation may be prescribed by your dentist. It is the deepest level of conscious sedation while still allowing you to respond to commands during treatment. Many patients wonder, can I ask my dentist for sedation? The answer is yes – open communication ensures you receive the most comfortable dental experience possible.
How Sedation Can Change Your Dental Experience
Sedation dentistry has many advantages besides making you feel calm. Because you are so relaxed, the dentist can work more quickly and even perform several procedures during a single visit. That translates to fewer appointments and less time taken away from your busy schedule.
Sedation patients do not usually remember or have a faint memory of the procedure, which is particularly useful for phobic dental patients. Sedation also has the effect of suppressing your gag reflex and making longer procedures more tolerable.
The physical benefits are no less important. When you’re anxious, your muscles tighten, and it’s harder for your dentist to get to areas to treat properly. Sedation enables your body to completely relax, creating a more comfortable working space for precise dental treatment.
If you’re concerned about deeper sedation, you might ask, will a dentist put you to sleep if you ask? Dentists consider your needs and safety to find the best sedation options, including sleep dentistry if appropriate.
Having the Conversation with Your Dentist
It should be simple for you to discuss sedation with your dentist in a non-judgmental way. Reflections Dental Care wants patients to be open about their fear, since it will enable us to give you improved care. Begin by describing the source of your fear or the amount of anxiety you feel during your consultation.
We will review your medical history to establish the most appropriate type of sedation for you. Some medications, allergies, or health conditions may affect our decision. Let us know if you are taking any medication, since this may interact with sedation medication.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Questions about the sedation process itself, how you will feel during and after the procedure, and what to expect should be asked. Knowing what to expect can remove worry about the sedation itself. We will also inform you about preparation requirements, such as fasting for some types of sedation. If you’re wondering how to ask a dentist for sedation, just be honest about your nervousness and ask us to guide you through the available options.
Choosing the Suitable Route for Your Comfort
Asking for sedation for dental procedures is a completely understandable request that shows you’re willing to get involved in your oral health. Sedation not only makes your immediate appointment more comfortable, but also eliminates future anxiety of dental appointments for most patients.
Keep in mind, we want you to be comfortable and relaxed at Reflections Dental Care. By talking about sedation, you’re taking a huge step forward in reclaiming your oral health without extra stress. Don’t allow dental fear to get in the way of receiving the dental care you need – talk to your dentist about sedation services that can make your next appointment a relaxing one.