Does the idea of visiting the dentist fill you with dread? Discover why you should consider sedation dentistry to help manage this anxiety.

Seeing the dentist on a regular basis is crucial for good oral health but around 15% of the population struggles to do just that. The fear and anxiety a dental appointment causes keeps them from getting their teeth checked or professionally cleaned.

This type of problem can be debilitating and lead to many more serious problems in the future, which will also only be resolved by seeing the dentist. It's a vicious cycle that many were trapped in for too long. Luckily, sedation dentistry is a viable option that allows patients to get the treatment they need without having to deal with anxiety.

Many worry about going this route because it can feel like an extreme solution but the outcomes truly are incredible. Here are seven of the biggest reasons to consider oral sedation dentistry at your next appointment.

1. Reduces Anxiety for Possible Treatment

The biggest benefit of using advanced sedation dentistry techniques is that it allows the patient to relax enough to get the treatment they need. That's the main motive behind the practice and will have the biggest impact.

Dental anxiety is so common because patients feel very out of control during their appointments. They can't generally see what's going on and the noises from instruments can be too much to handle. When the patient uses sedation, they either can't focus on those things because they are so relaxed or they are unaware altogether.

This can be key in even getting a simple cleaning done so the dentist can properly assess the state of the teeth.

2. Keep a Regular Treatment Schedule

In general, a person is advised to go see the dentist at least twice a year. This allows them to get a thorough examination from a professional, often including x-rays to see every angle of the teeth. They'll also get a deep cleaning that removes and build-up teeth get, even with great brushing habits.

Those two visits will help you catch problems before they get too far and keep your teeth healthy. The dentist can then perform other dental services, like fillings or cosmetic procedures, to repair any damage.

When fear keeps you from coming to those appointments, your oral health can be vulnerable.

3. Shorter Treatment Times

When a patient is feeling overwhelmed by the dental visit, it often causes them to make it longer than necessary. Those feelings often take over the logical side and keep them from following instructions like keeping the mouth open or having to take more breaks so the patient can calm down.

With the sedation in place, the dentist and hygienists will be able to move more quickly without those interruptions. Shorter treatment times will help boost positive associations with the dentist as well.

4. Customized Sedation Experience

Some patients hear the word sedation and immediately get overwhelmed. The thought of being completely out during these procedures doesn't do anything to calm nerves. While that sounds amazing to other patients!

The good news is oral sedation dentistry comes in a variety of levels so the patient can have a customized experience.

All patients have the opportunity to choose where they'd like to be on a spectrum of sedation. Since everyone responds to these treatments differently, it's helpful to have a clear consultation with your dentist about what outcome you'd prefer so you can work out a plan together.

5. Ability to Combine Procedures

Many patients who will benefit from sedation dentistry have been putting off procedures they've needed for far too long. Oral health issues have a way of building on each other until you have a mouth full of work that needs to be done, which only compounds the stress they feel.

Oral sedation dentistry not only makes procedures go quicker, but they also make it possible to combine them as well.

This means you can come in for one appointment and get several things done instead of having to come in separately for each one. What a relief that is for patients who hate even coming to the office at all!

6. Improves for Future Appointments

Being able to get all of these procedures done will significantly improve a patient's oral health and hygiene. When there are no lingering issues, it's much easier to keep up with the regular maintenance.

This disruption in the downward cycle missing dental appointments can cause will help improve all of your future appointments. Instead of being worried about what other bad news you're going to get and what procedures you'll have to try to avoid as well, you can enjoy the check-up knowing you're doing all you can for a good report.

Also, sedation dentistry helps patients feel more confident moving forward with dental appointments knowing they can handle more procedures than they thought! This is especially true when thinking about sedation dentistry for children.

7. Focus on Preventative Measures

As you're able to build up strength and good health in your teeth, you and your dentist can start focusing on preventative measures.

Instead of just troubleshooting what you have going on now.

It allows you the freedom and confidence to move forward with cosmetic procedures, like orthodontics or teeth whitening as well. There's a whole world of dental possibilities out there once you know how sedation dentistry can help you tackle it!

Sedation Dentistry for Anxious Patients

Since going to the dentist is such an important part of living a healthy life, it's important to figure out what works best for you to get there. Sedation dentistry can make all the difference and allow you to have the best oral health possible.

This is also a great way to make sure your children are getting the care they need without all of the stress and overwhelm anxiety can cause. Our team of great pediatric dentists in Tijuana, Mexico offer all types of sedation dentistry to help their patients have healthy teeth and hopefully learn to love the dentist.

If you or your child would like to see how this treatment option works, contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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