Relax and Take the Edge Off with Sedation Dentistry

Relax and Take the Edge Off with Sedation Dentistry

sedation-dentist-CharlottesvilleWhen faced with the prospect of oral surgery, many patients become anxious about possible discomfort during the procedure. They may also be concerned about the length of time it will take for the oral surgeon to perform the procedure.

Working with a sedation dentist for oral surgery can help patients overcome any lingering fears and it can make the process feel more quick and comfortable.

A sedation dentist can administer an anti-anxiety medication in advance of an oral surgery procedure like dental implant placement or wisdom teeth extraction. This helps the patient to relax while the surgery is being performed.

Some patients may consider general anesthesia for oral surgery, but sedation dentistry is widely believed to be a safer alternative. Although sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” that latter description is actually inaccurate. While under sedation, the patient remains conscious and able to respond to the oral surgeon’s commands. In comparison, general anesthesia renders the patient unconscious and requires artificial maintenance of the airway.

Although patients do remain conscious while under sedation, they have no recollection of the procedure after the fact. This can prevent the patient from developing negative memories that could increase their anxiety for any future oral surgery that might be recommended.

Furthermore, patients can withstand longer surgery sessions when they receive sedative medications. This can allow the surgeon to complete a complex intervention in fewer appointments, also a valuable characteristic when it comes to oral surgery.

Patients have a number of options when it comes to sedation. The medications can be taken orally or intravenously. Discuss the possibilities with your oral surgeon to decide which one feels most comfortable for you. The option you ultimately choose may require preparation. For example, an oral sedative must be taken far enough in advance of the appointment to give it time to achieve the desired effect.

If oral surgery has been recommended in your case, contact Charlottesville Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center and ask about sedation dentistry to see if this option might be able to help you relax during the procedure.