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Sedated man having a dental check-up

Sedation Dentistry: Everything You Should Know

Are you looking for a comfortable and less-anxious way of going through dental treatments and check-ups? Sedation dentistry is quite an effective procedurefor a comfortable dental treatment. For many people,general dentistry services can induce anxiety and fear. This is where technology has won and found sedation dentistry as a way to make these procedures much more bearable.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation is a medical technique used to relax and comfort the patient. The dentist administers a certain amount of sedatives according to the case, so the patient is comfortable. The sedative either makes the patient unconscious or ensures they’re relaxed enough to continue the treatment.

Dentist is preparing for surgery

The sedative is given before the treatment to ease any anxiety or pain during the procedure. Before injecting you with the sedative, the dentist looks into your medical history to make sure no medical complications occur due to the sedative. This dentistry method is best suited for individuals with moderate or high levels of dental anxiety.

Many dentists in Woodland Hills, CA, opt for conscious sedation dentistry, where the individual is lucid enough to know what’s going on without feeling much. It depresses your central nervous system‘s consciousness, ensuring the treatment is carried out smoothly.

Reasons To Consider Sedation Dentistry

Time Moves Slower During Treatment

No matter how much the dentist tries to put you at ease, time slows down when you undergo prolonged dental treatments. Dental tools can start seeming scarier by the second, forming a gruesome picture in your head. All of this makes going through a procedure excruciating.

Sedation methods are quite effective in relaxing you before the procedure. Consult your dentist regarding sedatives, as they can easily help you through this process.

Sedation Helps With Your Gag Reflex

Another issue that sedation dentistry can help you with is your gag reflex. Dental treatments can be quite uncomfortable if you have a gag reflex. It will force you to gag and sputter when anything comes close to your throat. This prevents the dentist from carrying out any dental procedures.

A dentist is using sedation dentistry to treat a woman

This is where sedation does its magic and controls your gag reflex. The sedative used relaxes the muscles in your mouth and throat, preventing gagging. Take care of your dental needs by getting a check-up by dentists in Woodland Hills, CA.

Reduces Anxiety

Sedation dentistry’s biggest advantage is that it reduces dental anxiety. It makes going through dental procedures a walk in the park. Dental anxiety during treatments is quite common and can be managed easily. However, people with moderate or severe dental anxiety sometimes can’t control these feelings independently.

If the patient has a lot of dental anxiety, it can be difficult for a dentist to carry out procedures. With a nervous patient on their hands, proceeding with the surgery can be challenging. For this, dentists usually resort to other ways to relax the patient. One of these is sedation.

Dentists administer different levels of sedation depending upon the case. There is moderate sedation administered intravenously through medication and deep sedation that usually allows you to be conscious but relaxed. These will keep you calm and at ease.

How To Choose A Sedation Dentist

Since taking sedatives is risky, it’s important to be careful when choosing your sedation dentist. There are a few factors that can help you choose the right dentist for the job:

· Education

Education is one of the most important factors in helping you find the right dentist. When searching for a dentist, you should check their education level and training. In order to carry out IV sedation, you must have a postgraduate degree. Although there are fewer options for dental sedation schools, many education courses can make you an expert in dental sedation.

· Up-to-Date on Current Trends

Choose a dentist that is up-to-date on the latest advancements in technology. Your dentist should be someone who attends training sessions and educational programs to stay updated on the latest technologies and treatment techniques.

A dentist and a nurse are treating a sedated patient

· Meet And Greet

If you have anxiety, you might want to schedule a meet-and-greet before the appointment. You will get to know what you can expect from the appointment, easing up some of your anxiety.

Sedation Dentistry At West Hills Can Help Ease Your Anxiety

Anxiety is an obstacle that can keep you from getting the dental health you deserve. That makes sedation dentistry the perfect solution to your anxiety problems. This way, any dental check-ups you’re putting off can be scheduled without hesitation.

West Hills Smiles has the professionals to provide you with general dentistry services. They also offer professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneer, and cosmetic dentistry. We offer emergency dental services as well.

Contact us to make an appointment.

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