Sedation Dentist Fort Pierce, FL
Seeing a sedation dentist can help patients relax while receiving dental treatment. Sedation dentistry helps patients who have extreme dental-related fear or anxiety. If you avoid visiting the dentist because you are uneasy, sedation dentistry could be the solution for you.
A sedation dentist is available at Fort Pierce Smiles in Fort Pierce and the surrounding area. Our practitioners can help you determine if you are a good candidate for this type of dentistry. Call us today at (772) 232-7073 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
A sedation dentist administers medicine that helps patients relax during the procedure. For most patients, this comes in addition to the usual pain relief, or a local anesthetic, which is typically administered through an injection or gel to the treatment area. Sedation has the added effect of reducing patient anxiety and awareness of the details of a procedure.
Cleveland Clinic explains that oral conscious sedation for dental procedures is a moderate sedative medication. It is typically in pill form. In some procedures, they may use liquid sedation. This type of sedation will make patients groggy and some may fall asleep. However, they can still communicate with their dentist if needed and can be woken up gently. However, it is important to remember that oral sedation affects memory and motor skills. This means that patients who receive this medication during their procedure will need to have a friend or family member to drive them home.
“A sedation dentist administers medicine that helps patients relax during the procedure.”
Who Should See a Sedation Dentist
Many patients have no problems visiting the dentist, but those who deal with anxiety and fear often have a difficult time staying still for a procedure. A sedation dentist can also help people who have a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth, a bad gag reflex, or require extensive dental work. In some cases, a person's dental fears are so strong that they avoid seeing the dentist altogether. This could negatively impact oral health if a person does not receive the necessary services to care for their teeth properly.
Patients with these issues should consider seeing a sedation dentist so they can relax during necessary dental procedures. The longer a patient waits before having oral problems addressed, the more extensive the damage will be. Therefore, it is a good idea for patients to seek the help of a certified sedation dentist immediately after realizing they struggle with an aversion.
“A sedation dentist can also help people who have a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth, a bad gag reflex, or require extensive dental work.”
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
In a study published by the Journal of Dental Hygiene, 19% of the 308 study participants suffered from moderate to high dental anxiety. A sizable part of this group even reported missing appointments because of dental fear. Sedation is one of the effective ways dentists have found to help patients get the care they need. Patients who have been avoiding necessary dental work due to anxiety can find sedation very helpful.
In addition to patients who suffer from nervousness, candidates for sedation may include those who have difficulty sitting for a long time. Some dental procedures necessitate remaining in the chair for a long time with minimal movement. Various physical and mental conditions can make this extremely difficult for some. Other issues where sedation can help include a strong gag reflex or a low pain threshold.
“Sedation is one of the effective ways dentists have found to help patients get the care they need.”
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Preparing for a Sedation Procedure
Sedation can help patients get through most types of dental procedures. Preparation is key to making things go smoothly. Taking the following steps can help patients get the dental care they need with minimal pain and anxiety:
- Ask about available sedation types: A sedation dentist may use several types of oral medication. Common types of oral sedation include pills and liquid syrup. Patients should also tell the dentist about their preferences.
- Review medical history, including allergies and medications: Some medical conditions or medications may interact negatively with some oral sedation components. It is important for the dentist to have all relevant information in order to recommend oral medications.
- Go over the information with the sedation dentist: A sedation dentist typically provides detailed instructions on how to prepare for a procedure under oral sedation and what to do afterward. It is important to follow these recommendations correctly for optimal comfort and safety. Be sure to ask questions if any instructions are unclear.
- Make arrangements for getting home: Patients undergoing most oral types of sedation are advised to arrange for a ride home. The effects of sedation can linger for some time and can include drowsiness or dizziness, affecting their mobility and memory.
“Preparation is key to making things go smoothly.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How does sedation dentistry work?
Q. Who can benefit from sedation?
Q. How can I prepare for a sedation procedure?
Q. Who should see a sedation dentist?
People Also Ask
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is sedation dentistry safe?
A. Sedation dentistry is safe for many people. However, patients who have sleep apnea or are obese have a higher risk of complications from the medication. They should inform the dentist of their medical history so the practitioner can determine if sedation is the right solution.
Q. Who should see a sedation dentist?
A. Patients who experience severe anxiety over the thought of visiting the dentist should consider sedation dentistry. According to WebMD, this practice also benefits people with gag reflexes, sensitive teeth, or low pain tolerances. It may also be an option for those who have difficulty sitting still for extended periods or need a significant amount of work done.
Q. Why are sedation dentists beneficial?
A. Proper oral hygiene, including routine dental exams and cleanings, is essential for good oral health. However, many people have distress during dental procedures, causing them to avoid the dentist as often as possible. This leads to a decline in oral health and could lead to major problems in the future. A sedation dentist helps patients relax to undergo the cleanings and other procedures they need to maintain healthy teeth.
Q. Can children see a sedation dentist?
A. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, dental sedation is safe for children. Many kids are uncooperative or scared while in the dentist's chair, and sedation makes them feel at ease throughout the procedure. For oral sedation, the dentist may recommend liquid medication, which is easier for kids to take than a pill.
Q. Is there a recovery period after being sedated for dental procedures?
A. Most patients will feel drowsy or groggy for a few hours after seeing a sedation dentist. Patients who receive oral sedation will need someone else to drive them home. Some patients may sleep for a few hours after the appointment. However, all patients can resume their normal lifestyles the day after the procedure.
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Dental Terminology
Consult a Dentist About Sedation During Procedures
Sedation dentistry offers a way to get necessary dental care without fear or anxiety. Talk to the Fort Pierce team about our oral sedation options today. Call us at 772-232-7073 to schedule a visit.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
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