Dental checkups and treatments form a central part of a good oral health care routine. It is typically recommended that you schedule a dental visit approximately once every 6 months, though this varies from person to person. Many people in the United States put off scheduling appointments to see their dentist, which can affect their oral health.
Dental sedation is a popular and recommended option for people who find dental appointments uncomfortable. There is a range of reasons for this and in this blog post, we will highlight 5 signs that you or a family member should consider sedation dentistry. Let’s get started.
1. You Suffer From Dental Anxiety
More than a third of Americans (36%) say that they suffer from dental anxiety. 12% report experiencing extreme dental fear, which can make dental appointments an ordeal. People who suffer from dental fear, also known as dentophobia, may have a fear of any or all of the following:
- Dental procedures
- Dental environment or setting
- Dental instruments
- The dentist as a person
Dental sedation puts patients at ease during procedures, helping them feel relaxed and calm.
2. You Have a High Gag Reflex
Patients who have a sensitive gag reflex can also benefit from sedation dentistry. Having dental tools inside the mouth can end up triggering the reflex, which can slow down or completely interrupt a dental procedure.
With the right sedation, patients’ gag reflex is subdued. This makes it possible for them to undergo dental procedures without any difficulty or discomfort.
3. You Have Trouble Sitting Still
People with special needs or those who have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time can also benefit. With dental sedation, patients will usually fall asleep and won’t remember very much of the experience. This can speed up the overall process and reduce the amount of time that a patient needs to dedicate to dental visits.
4. You Have Sensitive Teeth and Gums
Some people have a lower pain threshold or have particularly sensitive teeth or gums, which can make dental procedures very uncomfortable. Even the slightest touch of their gums or teeth can result in pain. With sedation dentistry, patients won’t feel any pain or discomfort throughout their time in the dental chair.
5. You Have Feelings of Claustrophobia
Sitting in a dental chair for long periods of time can also elicit claustrophobia in some patients. Sedation dentistry helps patients to overcome this fear and makes them feel completely calm and relaxed.
Many people who are uneasy about dental visits simply choose to avoid scheduling appointments altogether. However, this can make a negative impact on their oral health. With dental sedation, patients won’t experience any pain, anxiety, or discomfort during their procedure.