According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 50% to 80% of Americans have mild to severe dental anxiety. Fortunately, sedation dentistry is a handy tool for dentists to help their patients overcome dental fear.
At Angela An D.D.S. General Dentistry in San Francisco, California, Dr. Jen Chen, D.D.S., and Dr. Angela An, D.D.S., are experienced in managing dental fear and anxiety with various sedation options.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you feel calm during more invasive or complex dental treatments or if you have a fear of visiting the dentist.
Dentists use the following sedation options:
- General anesthesia
- Oral sedation
- IV sedation
- Nitrous oxide
Reasons to Consider Sedation Dentistry
Fast Recovery
The medications used for dental sedation work quickly, but their effect also wears off quickly. The sedation effect usually lasts no more than 30 minutes.
Your dentist will carefully monitor you throughout the procedure and after to make sure you are fit to leave the clinic.
No Pain or Anxiety
Most cases of dental anxiety are associated with the fear of pain caused by dental procedures. You do not have to worry about such issues with sedation dentistry.
Sedatives not only calm your anxiety, but they also ensure the procedures are pain-free.
You Can Stay Awake
You will not automatically fall asleep after being administered a form of sedation. Depending on your specific situation, the dentist will administer different types of sedation.
With most sedatives, you will be awake during the procedure and able to cooperate with the dentist. Only certain options, such as general anesthesia, will make you fall asleep.
Sensitive Gag Reflex
Some patients have a sensitive gag reflex. Sedatives are very useful in these situations as they help manage the gag reflex and relax the body as well as the throat.
Affordable
With the use of sedatives, your dentist can finish the treatments you require in one sitting. Therefore, you can save money by not requiring further appointments.
To learn more about how you could benefit from sedation dentistry, schedule an appointment at Angela An D.D.S. General Dentistry in San Francisco, California. Call us at (415) 291-8668 or visit our office located at 490 Post St #1020, San Francisco, CA 94102.