When is Sedation Dentistry Appropriate?

Senior woman patient with dentist team at dental surgery smiling

Does the idea of going to the dentist frighten you? Do you have anxiety or fears about sitting in the dentist chair? Dental phobia is something that is extremely common among Americans. According to Colgate, there are approximately 9-15% of Americans who completely avoid the dentist due to their anxiety and fear, which is about 30-40 million people. So if you dread visiting the dentist, you are not alone.

However, there is a way to still keep your dentist appointments without being frozen with fear. At San Antonio, KRK Implant Center offers sedation dentistry, which is a form of anesthesia specifically used to calm the nerves of patients. This method is especially useful for San Antonio patients who have a fear of the dentist.

HOW DOES SEDATION DENTISTRY WORK?

The medication provided is meant to help the patient relax during procedures so that their fear and anxiety aren’t an issue. Sedation dentistry, depending on the level of anesthesia, can put you to sleep or simply calm and relax you during procedures. Oral sedation is a form of light sedation that provides a more relaxing experience. Intravenous sedation allows you to sleep while you are receiving treatment, which is helpful for San Antonio patients who suffer from extreme anxiety. This is a way for them to seek treatment and avoid postponing their dental appointments out of fear.

WHO ELSE CAN BENEFIT FROM SEDATION DENTISTRY?

 Although sedation dentistry is typically used as a solution for people with fear or anxiety, it can also be useful for other patients. Sedation dentistry is also a great solution for people who:

  • Need multiple procedures done at once
  • Have sensitive teeth or gums
  • Have high dental anxiety
  • Have difficulty sitting still, or
  • Other medical conditions that do not allow you to sit still for long periods of time

IS SEDATION DENTISTRY SAFE?

This medication is extremely safe and will allow patients to fully relax and sleep during their procedure. To be applied, sedation dentistry has to fall under standards that are safe for patients. Dentists, such as our periodontists in San Antonio, have received the proper training and guidelines in sedation and general anesthesia.  Although our dentists are always very careful, there is always a risk with using sedation dentistry. However, if your periodontist has the right training and is qualified, you can rest easy knowing that your procedure will run smoothly. For instance, Dr. Krueger is a specialized professional who has worked with various sedation dentistry techniques before. He will be able to analyze your medical history and provide the best method of sedation for you that is both effective and safe.

Depending on your individual needs, sedation dentistry can be very helpful. Although it may seem like a lot of information to take in, the process of using this medication for procedures is very simple. However, San Antonio periodontists such as Dr. Krueger can also help further explain sedation dentistry and expectations with the medication.

If you have any questions regarding this type of dentistry, please reach out to KRK Implant Center at 210.826.3946. At KRK Implant Center, Dr. Krueger prioritizes comfort, safety, and patient confidence when it comes to sedation dentistry. The most important thing is that you feel relaxed and assured when you are receiving dental treatments. To talk more in depth about this option, call our offices and Dr. Krueger will be happy to assist you.