What You Need to Know About these Four Common Dental Sedation Concerns

Sedation dentistry in Phoenix is a great option for those who may have dental anxiety and dental phobias, or who may be unable to sit still or follow directions during a dental procedure. However, when people hear the words “dental sedation,” they often have many concerns. Here are four common worries people have and what you need to know about each.

Concern 1: It May Not Actually Work On You

Many people worry dental sedation may not work for them. It is important to note that there are different types of dental sedatives, including laughing gas, oral sedation, IV sedation and general anesthesia. With various options to select from, a dentist can work with you to find a sedation option that will do what you need it to do. If you need something to take the edge off and help with your anxiety, laughing gas may be a great option. If you need to be unaware of the procedure, IV sedation is a great option. There is something that will work and be the perfect fit for your specific needs.

Concern 2: You Can Still Feel Pain With Sedatives

Another concern that people have is that they may still feel the pain even with the sedatives. With some options, you remain awake and can feel the dentist working in your mouth. However, sedatives have pain-relieving properties that help to relax your body and your muscles and decrease the pain you feel. If this is not enough pain relief, and you still feel discomfort, your dentist will use a topical anesthetic to numb the area they are working on. The anesthetic can be used multiple times to ensure you remain numb throughout the entirety of your procedure.

Concern 3: There Are Risks Involved With Dental Sedation

Another common concern people have are the potential risks involved. Dental sedation is not without risk. Some side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. General anesthesia carries the most risks, and as such, it should only be used when other forms of dental sedation are not an option. If you are concerned about the possible risks or side effects of dental sedation, talk with your dentist. They can explain the risks to you, based on your age, health and other risk factors, and they can explain the benefits and why they think dental sedation is beneficial for you. From there, you can make an informed decision as to whether it is something you want to use during your procedure.

Concern 4: A Dentist Should Not Be Administering Sedation

Dentists administering certain forms of sedation, most notably oral, IV or general anesthesia, have been in the news recently, with some medical professionals arguing that a dentist should not be administering sedation. If you have heard these news stories, you may be concerned about sedation during your dental procedure.

In the state of Arizona, strict rules exist for dentists who administer sedation. They must undergo anywhere from 30 to 60 hours of specialized training. Dentists must also work on five to 20 patients with a licensed professional before administering sedation in their office. They must also take specific training courses for children. Finally, they must obtain a permit in order to provide any type of sedation dentistry beyond laughing gas. As such, dentists in Arizona have the training and skill set needed to properly administer sedation.

Conclusion

Sedation dentistry does have risks, but when administered by a qualified, trained dentist, it is relatively safe. If you can’t get treatment you need due to anxiety or a loved one can’t sit still, sedation dentistry helps. Here at Dental Brothers, we are highly trained in sedation dentistry. Contact us today and learn how we can help you get the dental care you need.