Many people fear dental appointments, especially if they must undergo a longer or more complex procedure. Fortunately, your dentist can provide sedatives to ease your frayed nerves and help you feel more comfortable throughout your visit. Multiple types of medications can be used to induce a sense of relaxation so you don’t have to worry.
However, anxious patients aren’t the only ones who can benefit from these services. Continue reading to learn about 3 additional advantages of dental sedation that you might not have already known!
Perk #1: Lowers Discomfort
The sedatives your dentist uses can do more than help you feel calmer. They can also be used to provide pain relief during more complex cases. For instance, nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) slows down your nervous system to induce a sense of euphoria. It does so by stimulating the pathway in the brain responsible for releasing norepinephrine, which inhibits your body’s pain signals. Meanwhile, the medications used for oral conscious sedation bind with specific receptors to suppress activity in your central nervous system to dull its response to external sensations.
That means it reduces anxiety and hinders your body’s natural responses to painful stimuli, so you remain comfortable the entire time your dentist works.
Perk #2: Faster Procedures
Many people struggle with sitting still for longer periods, making dental appointments particularly challenging. Whether you’re having a basic checkup and cleaning or have a more complicated treatment scheduled, your dentist can work faster on a patient who isn’t squirming, wriggling, or trying to talk the entire time.
This might be enough to complete your procedure in a single visit rather than having to schedule multiple appointments, saving you both time and expenses. Plus, your dental team can provide more accurate treatments when they can focus without interruptions for more beautiful, longer-lasting results.
Perk #3: Reduces Gag Reflex
Under normal circumstances, your gag reflex protects your throat by expelling intrusive foreign objects. When it comes to oral care, an easily triggered gag response can hinder your dentist’s ability to work effectively. It’s harder for them to access your teeth to examine, clean, or repair them if your body spasms whenever they draw near.
Thankfully, sedatives paralyze this reflexive muscle contraction so that you can safely receive the services you need to protect and preserve your teeth and gums.
If you’re still feeling unsure whether sedation dentistry is right for you, the best way to find out is to consult with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Robert Mitchell delivers a comprehensive array of award-winning services to help people build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. He earned his DDS from the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas and is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association. Whether you need a checkup and cleaning or require more complex services, he can help! Plus, he can ensure your comfort by offering nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation options. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 233-1311.
