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Do you need to go to the dentist badly but keep avoiding it? When you put off visiting the dentist, you put your teeth at an even greater risk of damage. We understand how going to the dentist can trigger anxiety and fear. Thankfully, sedation dentistry can help you get the major dental work you need.

Here’s why it’s worth looking into sedation dentistry for your next dental visit.

Takes Fear Out Of The Equation

Sedation dentistry offers a stress-free and even pleasant dental experience. Sedatives alter how your nerves communicate. They depress awareness and slow down brain activity, making you relaxed and drowsy.

If you have dental phobia or anxiety, sedation will allow you to relax before and during your procedure. With sedation dentistry, you no longer have to fear the dentist’s chair. You can attend routine checkups and regular cleanings, thus, reducing the risk of major dental damage in the future.

Multiple Options To Suit Your Needs

Sedation dentistry is also referred to as sleep dentistry because some patients sleep through the procedure. Your dentist may administer the sedative orally or intravenously. If you’re not too keen on the idea of sleeping at the dentist’s office, you can choose a comfortable level of IV sedation.

You have three options: minimal, moderate, and deep sedation. Under minimal IV sedation, you will retain full consciousness but will feel at ease. You will still be able to hear and see everything that happens. Minimal sedation may be a good option if you have a slight aversion to dental procedures but not a full-blown fear, or if you’d prefer to be awake.

Moderate IV sedation, on the other hand, induces mild drowsiness. With this level of sedation, you might fall into a light sleep during treatment. If you would like to take it up a notch, try deep IV sedation. You will be asleep throughout the procedure.

If you opt for oral sedation, your dentist will give you a pill that will make you drowsy.

Reduces Your Gag Reflex

Because your dentist will be probing your mouth, your gag reflex may kick in. While this is normal, it can hamper you from safely finishing a dental procedure. Sedation dentistry can completely relax your throat and prevent it from contracting.

Sedation is also helpful for patients who are unable to sit still on their own. It is also beneficial for people with overwhelming tooth sensitivity. If you can’t sit still in a dentist’s chair or have sensitive teeth, your dentist may recommend a mild sedative. Patients that are resistant to local anesthesia can also consider this option.

Parents can also look into sedation dentistry for children who are uncooperative at the dentist’s office. They can use sedation dentistry to get their kids used to regular dental visits until they are mature enough to do without it.

Get More Done In One Visit

Because you are totally relaxed under sedation dentistry, your dentist can get more work done in a single visit. This is a win for both you and your dentist. You get to save time and money since you need to visit the dentist less often. Meanwhile, the dentist gets to accomplish all that needs to be done during your visit. Your dentist can complete multiple procedures while you are under sedation, such as:

• Dental Implants
• Root canal therapy
• Restoring yellowed or stained teeth
• Crown or denture replacement
• Fixing chipped or damaged teeth
• Gum restoration

Useful In Major And Cosmetic Procedures

Sometimes, there’s no way to avoid a major dental operation. Your teeth may be so damaged that surgery is your only option. Fortunately, sedation dentistry is not limited to basic dental procedures. Most dentists offer sedation for root canal surgery, wisdom tooth extraction, and other complex oral surgeries.

You can also undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening, dental crowns, veneers, and implant surgery, under sedation. You can discuss your options with your dental care provider.

Sedation Dentistry In Plantation, FL

Sedation dentistry is safe, effective, and milder than general anesthesia. It also reduces risks and costs. You will wake up to a brand new smile without going through the stress associated with treatment.

If you would like to check whether you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry, visit the Dental Office of Dr. Ernie Soto. Dr. Soto has years of experience performing a wide range of general, cosmetic, and restorative procedures under sedation. You can rest easy at the capable hands of Dr. Soto and our team.

If you want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Soto, call us at (954) 368-6264 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to giving you a stress-free dental experience!