Dental anxiety is a common concern that keeps many people from seeking the oral care they need. Luckily, these individuals can find relief in sedation dentistry. This unique type of dental technology offers patients a more comfortable and relaxing experience during dental procedures.
Does dental anxiety keep you from visiting a dentist, even if you really need to? Don’t let fear keep you from getting the care you need – discuss sedation dentistry with Thomas F. Brown, DDS, in Naperville, IL. Contact us at (630) 369-3120 to learn more!
Like any medical intervention, sedation dentistry comes with its own set of pros and cons. In today’s post, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of comfort dentistry to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Sedation Dentistry Pros
There are numerous advantages to exploring sedation, including:
Anxiety Reduction
Patients who are normally apprehensive about dental procedures often find that sedation is a helpful tool to manage stress levels. Subsequently, these patients often find it much easier to undergo necessary treatments to preserve their oral health.
Increased Comfort
With sedation, patients experience a heightened sense of comfort during dental procedures. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive teeth or those undergoing lengthy and complex treatments.
Time Efficiency
Sedation allows dentists to perform multiple procedures in a single session, minimizing the number of visits required. This is great for both the patient (who spends less time in the dental chair) and the dentist (who can efficiently address various oral health issues in one sitting).
Memory Blockage
One of the benefits of sedation dentistry is that patients often have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. This is particularly advantageous for those with extreme dental phobias, as it helps break the association between the dental office and anxiety-inducing experiences.
Sedation Dentistry Cons
There are very few downsides to exploring comfort dentistry. However, there are a few factors to consider, such as:
Health Risks
While sedation is generally safe, there are inherent health risks associated with any form of anesthesia. Patients with certain medical conditions may be at a higher risk of complications. A thorough medical evaluation with a trained dentist is key to avoiding sedation-related issues.
Cost
Sedation dentistry can be more expensive than traditional methods, as it requires additional training for dental professionals and the use of specialized equipment. And, unfortunately, many insurance providers do not cover comfort dentistry, making it a financial consideration for patients.
Post-Sedation Effects
Some patients may experience lingering effects after sedation, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or nausea.
Limited Communication
Communication between the patient and dentist is essential during certain procedures. Sedation can impede effective communication, making it challenging for the dentist to address patient concerns or obtain real-time feedback.
Not Suitable for Everyone
Sedation may not be suitable for all patients. Dentists may advise against sedation if individuals have a history of substance abuse or specific medical conditions.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry in Naperville, IL
For roughly 15% of the population, mild to severe dental anxiety is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be. A trip to our sedation dentist in Naperville, IL, can make a world of difference. If you’d like to see if dental sedation is right for you, contact Thomas F. Brown, DDS, today. Request your consultation online here or call Dr. Brown at (630) 369-3120 to get started.