Why Sedation Dentistry Could Benefit You

Many patients feel anxiety before going to the dentist. Dental anxiety can be crippling and can prevent patients from receiving routine care, leading to expensive reconstructions later in life.

With sedation dentistry, you don't have to fear the dentist anymore. Using safe medications, we can relieve your worries and help you feel calm, relaxed, and secure in the dental chair.

This blog will explain the many benefits of sedation dentistry and the ways it can help you improve your oral health.

Reduces Anticipatory Anxiety

For many patients with dental anxiety or phobia, the lead-up to the appointment is as problematic as the procedure itself. Dental anxiety can interfere with sleeping, eating, and relaxing for days or weeks before the procedure.

With sedation dentistry, you can feel confident that you will be calm and relaxed during your appointment. You will not be disturbed by the sounds, smells, and sensations of dental work. If you know that you will experience sedation, you may not have the urge to cancel your appointment.

Pain-Free Appointments

Even with advanced local anesthesia, there may be some discomfort associated with a dental procedure. If you have sedation, you will likely feel no pain at all.

Makes Appointments Feel Shorter

When you are under sedation, the length of a dental appointment should not bother you. Many patients, even those without anxiety, dislike sitting through long appointments that could be uncomfortable. Sedation makes these appointments go by more quickly.

Fewer Appointments

Dentists can work faster while patients are under sedation to fit more procedures into a standard appointment. If you need several fillings, for example, the dentist may be able to get them all done at once. This benefit will save you both time and money.

Affordable

Most dental insurance policies typically do not cover sedation dentistry, but a light sedative like an oral medication or nitrous oxide is highly affordable, even out-of-pocket. Anxious patients often feel it is worth any expense to avoid the fear associated with a dental appointment.

Sedation Options

We offer two sedation options: conscious oral sedation and nitrous oxide. With conscious oral sedation, you will take medication before your appointment to help you feel more relaxed. You will need an adult to drive and accompany you to and from your appointment.

Our other option is nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting sedative breathed in through a small mask over the nose. The significant advantage of nitrous oxide is that it wears off so quickly you can drive yourself home from your appointment.

Call Ricco Dental Group

We welcome patients who feel nervous about going to the dentist. Our gentle approach, combined with sedation dentistry, will help you be at ease while maintaining your oral health. Call our office at 516-931-3999 to learn more about sedation dentistry and make an appointment.