4 Unexpected Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

May 11, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drsong @ 8:33 am
A woman receiving sedation dentistry

Like many people, you’ve probably heard of dental sedation. Perhaps you’re aware that it’s used to treat patients’ dentist-related fears. However, did you know that there are other benefits of sedation dentistry? The field can do more than just ease your treatment anxiety. If you’d like to learn about these perks, your local Houston dentist will happily help. To that end, here are four advantages of sedation dentistry that make its options worthwhile.

It Relieves Pain

Often enough, a patient’s fear of the dentist is really a fear of pain. They’re concerned that a procedure might be uncomfortable and make them wince. As such, they’ll delay needed care to avoid potential aches.

Fortunately, sedation offers pain relief. Its ability to help you relax can reduce your discomfort during treatment. Furthermore, dental sedatives numb your pain receptors. You’re thus less likely to ache from care, ensuring a smooth experience.

It Helps You Forget

In most cases, people wouldn’t want to experience amnesia. The condition, even when temporary, can be a real hassle. Still, it’s rather handy during some dental treatments.

In truth, sedation dentistry can cause anterograde amnesia. This state can then prevent further buildup of dental phobias. After all, the patient’s mind won’t create any new memories. The result is that you’d feel less fear at later dental visits and see your dentist more willingly.

It Reduces Your Gag Reflex

Normally, your gag reflex is quite a good thing. It allows your throat to expel intrusive, foreign objects. However, the spasm can be a hindrance in various dental procedures. The gag reflex will interfere if a dentist needs to probe deep into your mouth.

With sedation dentistry, though, this reflex isn’t a problem. A dental sedative paralyzes your throat for the duration of treatment.  From there, the dentist can work faster, more efficiently, and with patient comfort in mind.

It Saves You Time

Sometimes, a patient needs enough procedures that a dentist breaks care into multiple visits. This breakup is yet more probable if anxiety prevents one-day treatment. In that scenario, a patient’s fears force the dentist to work for days or weeks longer.

Thankfully, sedation dentistry could save you time. It would leave you calm enough to receive several services in one visit. You’d then get a healthier and prettier smile all the more quickly.

In the end, the benefits of sedation dentistry are many. Remember the ones above, then, as you consider sedation for your next treatment.

About the Practice

Sunrise Dental Center is based in Houston, TX. Led by its amazing team of dentists, our practice emphasizes top-quality dental care. To that end, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency smile procedures. Naturally, then, you can also trust us for any and all sedation dentistry needs! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (713)-869-9973.