Sedation dentistry

Don't Let Fear Rot Your Teeth
By Tara Pingle

Fear of the dentist has a long history and originally, way back, there was some physical cause for it. But dentistry has come a long way, and we’re fortunate to live in a time when dentists can and do address this fear. Perhaps you feel afraid of needles, maybe you have an extra-sensitive gag reflex, maybe just lying back in the dentist chair already instills anxiety in you. Maybe even just the idea of sitting in a dental chair brings on the fear. The fear can be on the level of anxiety, or it can be so severe as to be a phobia. A phobia would put you into a state of panic or terror, prevent you from sleeping the night before your appointment, (or several nights), and perhaps cause vomiting.

Sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference:
· In sedation dentistry (also called conscious sedation dentistry), you’re in a drowsy, relaxed state, and conscious of where you are and what’s happening
· In sleep dentistry, you’re asleep and not aware of what’s happening

Ways of Administering Sedatives
Before beginning on any dental work, your dentist will discuss the options with you and listen to your concerns. There are several ways the relaxing medication can be administered, and your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each method:
· Orally – about an hour before your appointment time. You will have already seen your dentist, been given the prescription, and had it filled.

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