Sedation Dentistry: Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Going to the dentist can be very scary for those who are apprehensive about the process. Dental care is important to oral and overall health, but if you are fearful about the visit, your anxiety can prevent the experience from being pleasant. If you have issues with visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry might be right for you.

Important Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can calm and relax patients before and during their dental appointment. There are different degrees of sedation and your dentist will determine what is best for your needs. If you are considering sedation dentistry, there are a number of questions you will want to ask your dentist before the first appointment.

Question 1: How sedated will I be? Will I be completely asleep?

Sedation dentistry is different than sleep dentistry. When you are sedated, you will most likely not be asleep. Instead, you will be very relaxed. Sights and sounds will be less noticeable, but you will still be able to respond to commands if the dentist asks you to turn your head or open your mouth. General anesthesia puts you to sleep, but with sedation, you will not be unconscious. Different dentists operate in various manners so make sure you know what they will do before your appointment.

Question 2: Do you give anesthetics or just sedation?

Sedation will help you relax, but it will not block pain. Make sure the dentist is also going to give you a local anesthetic if you are having a procedure done. Some of the administering can hurt, but dentists can numb the gum surface before an injection. Some do that as standard procedure while you will have to ask others.

Question 3: When do you use sedation dentistry?

Some clinics will offer sedation for major procedures like root canals or tooth extraction while other offices offer the sedation for any treatment, for those that need it. You can find a dentist will give you sedatives for simple cleanings and routine check-ups if your fear is such that you need it.

Question 4: I’m not really afraid, am I still a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the perfect solution for those who have a genuine fear of the dentist’s chair and dental procedures, but it is also great for many others as well. If you have a strong gag reflex, going to the dentist can be really hard on both you and the dentist treating you. Sedation can help with that issue. If you don’t respond well to numbing treatments, you are also a good candidate. When you have physical limitations in your neck or jaw, sedation can help. And if you are going to have several treatments in one visit, it can really help!

Dental Brothers

If you have further questions about dentistry that uses sedation, write them on your list along with those above. Schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist to go over everything you want to know about the process and the procedures you want to have done.

When you choose Dental Brothers as your local sedation dentistry office, we can identify your exact needs before you have any treatment. You will get all the details up front so you know exactly what to expect. During your free consultation, you will reach a plan that both you and your dentist agree upon. When the day of the procedure comes, you don’t have to worry about your anxiety because Dental Brothers will take care of you and your smile with our sedation dentistry.