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Dental phobia and anxiety prevent many people from getting the dental care they need. Thankfully, there are anesthetics to relax you before a dental procedure. If you have a dental phobia and need to go to the dentist soon, you’re probably wondering what your choice of sedation should be. When you hear the word “anesthesia,” you might instantly think of going to sleep during major surgery. That’s not always the case!

For a hassle-free dental procedure where you can relax worry-free, sedation dentistry is the best choice. Read on to learn more about why we advocate for it!

It’s Milder Than General Anesthesia

Sedation dentistry is significantly milder than general anesthesia. General anesthesia is very potent and has powerful effects on a patient. Therefore, it requires the administration and supervision of an anesthesiologist. After delivering the medicine that will make you sleep, they will need to monitor your vital functions and breathing closely.

On the other hand, any licensed sedation dentist can administer sedation dentistry. Depending on your needs, you can also choose your level of sedation. There are three levels: minimal, moderate, and deep.

Minimal Sedation

Under minimal sedation, you are awake. However, you will also be far more relaxed than usual. You will still be able to respond to external stimuli, such as answering questions.

Moderate Sedation

While under moderate sedation, you will be in a dream-like state. Your memory of the procedure may or may not be blurred, but you won’t be fully awake.

Deep Sedation

Deep sedation is the most potent form of sedation dentistry. You won’t be fully asleep but will instead be on the edge of unconsciousness.

It Has Fewer Risks

Because sedation dentistry is milder than general anesthesia, there are also fewer risks associated with it, and you are unlikely to experience side effects. Sedation dentistry slows down your brain’s activity and alters your nerves’ communication. This puts you into a state of relaxation and sleepiness.

Meanwhile, general anesthesia suppresses your cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Under general anesthesia, your breathing, heartbeat, and blood circulation are hampered. These effects are why you need to be monitored by an anesthesiologist. If you have the following pre-existing conditions, you are better suited to get sedation dentistry than general anesthesia.

• Seizures
• Stroke
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• History of heavy alcohol use

General anesthesia also puts you at greater risk of nausea, headache, sweating, and hallucinations after your procedure.

All The Benefits Of General Anesthesia

While it is milder and has less risk than general anesthesia, sedation dentistry is just as effective. It suppresses any natural reactions, like your gag reflex, that can hamper a dental procedure. Even if you are only under mild sedation, your throat will not contract. This will allow your dentist to go deep inside your oral cavity, if needed.

Sedation dentistry can also induce anterograde amnesia. Once sedated, you will not be able to remember the procedure. This is especially useful for you if you have a deep fear of dental procedures. You can rest easy, knowing that you won’t remember much (if anything at all) from the dentist’s office.

Lastly, sedation dentistry also allows your dentist to get more treatments done in a shorter amount of time. Because you will be feeling relaxed, your dentist will have fewer distractions. They might even be able to do two or more treatments at a time. This will help you save on both time and money since it will limit the number of dental visits you need.

Sedation Dentistry Services At Plantation, FL

Delaying your visit to the dentist can worsen your dental condition. With anesthetics, you and your doctor can easily manage your fear and any feelings of anxiety. You will be able to get routine checkups and cleanings, preventing the need for primary dental operations later on. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective, low-risk anesthetic, try sedation dentistry!

Here at the Dental Office of Dr. Ernie Soto, we excel in providing the best sedation dentistry services at Plantation, Florida. Dr. Soto has decades of experience in delivering excellent dental care. He is also one of a limited number of dentists licensed to offer sedation here in Florida. He can provide nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation.

Don’t let your dental phobia get in the way of your oral health. Let us provide you the relaxation you need during your dental visit. You may reach us at (954) 368-6264, or you may book an appointment online.