It’s common knowledge that some patients avoid seeing their dentist because of dental anxiety. They’d rather endure a throbbing toothache than call a dental professional and schedule an appointment. This is especially dangerous on so many levels. Thankfully, you can rely on sedation dentistry in Greenville, SC, for a painless dental procedure.  

sedation dentistry in Greenville, SC helping a young girl with dental anxiety  

Top Things You Should Know About Sedation Dentistry

What is Sedation Dentistry?

For years, it has been a problem for many, especially dentists, that some patients fear the idea of sitting on a dentist’s chair. There are many reasons for this fear and most tend to be understandable. Although, some reasons remain to be perplexing up to this day.  

Thus, dental professionals thought it through and have come up with a clever innovation to help patients ease out for a dental appointment.  

With sedation dentistry, a sedative, in the form of gas, pill, or IV fluid, is introduced to the patient to help them calm down. They’re not really meant to make you sleep during the procedure, but some patients can’t help but doze off during theirs.  

What are the Types of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry comes in different types, depending on the severity of the fear. Some sedatives are taken the night before the procedure, so it’s best to ask someone to accompany you to the clinic. Also, whatever type of sedation you may get, it’s still highly suggested that you ask someone to drive you home after. 

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as “laughing gas,” this type of sedation is done by inhaling the gas. A mask is placed over your nose so you can easily breathe it in. Oxygen is also mixed with nitrous oxide to ensure the safety of the process.  

Usually, this doesn’t make you sleep during the procedure. You will only feel sleepy and may forget most of what happened during your appointment.  

Oral Sedation

This type of sedation employs the use of a pill, a sedative, to help you relax. This is usually done when the fear is greater. Sometimes, laughing gas is also introduced to the patient aside from taking the pill to ensure that they get to relax.  

Like nitrous oxide, your dentist would strongly suggest that you ask someone to drive you home even though you might feel like the effect has already subsided.  

IV Sedation

In extreme cases of dental anxiety, IV sedation may be the best option. This is the strongest type of sedation available. Your dentist will introduce the sedative to the patient through an intravenous fluid. To ensure safety and monitor your status, an anesthesiologist will stay with the dentist to note your breathing, oxygen level, and other concerns.  

Because this entails higher expertise, not all dentists can perform this. Only those that are trained and certified are allowed to administer IV sedation.  

What are Common Causes of Dental Anxiety?

Traumatic Dental (or related procedures) Experience

Some people avoid going back to the dentist if they’ve had a negative experience in the past. This can be because of an uncomfortable procedure in the past, which they are afraid of experiencing again.  

Fear of Pain

Probably the most common, patients don’t visit their dentist because they have a low tolerance for pain. Fortunately, with sedation dentistry, you will feel little to no pain or discomfort because the sedative puts you in a relaxed state.  

Fear of Needles

This can be absurd to some, but many people are afraid of needles. The sight of it alone is good enough reason for them to freak out.  

Fear of Loss of Control

Bodily autonomy is crucial to other people, so they keep away from situations where they feel they’d lose their sense of control. Unfortunately, being pinned down to a dentist’s chair triggers this; thus, they steer clear from it.  

Low Self-Esteem

As sad as it may be, patients who choose not to visit their dentist are also those that suffer from dental issues. They think it’s embarrassing to feel vulnerable and expose their uncleaned mouth in such proximity that the dentist can easily see and smell. 

a young girl receiving sedation dentistry in Greenville, SC 

Looking for Sedation Dentistry in Greenville, SC?

If you think you can’t sit through a dental appointment without drenching your shirt with sweat, then sedation dentistry is right for you. Many people of varying ages can use some help through a sedative as they are extremely safe. Through sedation dentistry, dental treatments can be done in a breeze. 

Here at Pelham Links Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand every fear our patients have, and we go the extra mile to help simmer it down. In every procedure that we handle, we always provide a positive environment for a worthwhile experience. Give us a call today to learn how we can help you.