Dentophobia, also known as the extreme fear of dentists, affects thousands of patients in the United States. This can make even simple checkups and cleanings a hurdle to overcome. At Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, we are here to help our patients feel comfortable at their appointments. We offer sedation as a way to help patients relieve anxiety during standard appointments and feel comfortable during more invasive dental work. In today’s blog, we are here to explain how oral sedation works and how it can help.
What Is Oral Sedation
There are several methods to keep a patient calm and comfortable during treatment. In our office, we opt for a form of anesthesia that does not require an IV. This will typically be prescribed for you to take before your appointment. You will need a friend or family member to take you to the appointment and drive you home. A major benefit of this form of anxiety relief is that you will still be able to be conscious during your treatment. This is helpful for patients who worry about going under anesthesia and it allows you to be responsive during the appointment if necessary.
When Is This Necessary
For patients who experience high levels of stress during cleanings or when more in-depth procedures are necessary, a sedative is helpful. Patients with forms of dentophobia may be less inclined to attend regular checkups, which can put them at higher risk of dental problems.
We may also recommend this method for patients undergoing more invasive treatments. Some restorations may cause discomfort, and this form of sedation can allow you to be at ease during the length of your appointment. Your dentist will determine if this is necessary depending on your needs and the specific procedure.
After The Appointment
This form of anesthesia can last for several hours after your appointment. Unlike general anesthesia, where you are unconscious and then woken up after the procedure, oral sedation will slowly wear off after the procedure. Although you are technically awake, you will not be properly aware of your surroundings. Be sure to have a family member there to drive you home and help you after your treatment.
Depending on the treatment that has been performed, there will be different aftercare instructions. If you have had a standard cleaning done, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for around thirty minutes for the treatment to set. Restorations like a tooth extraction may require you to only eat soft foods. Your dentist will give you detailed aftercare instructions for your recovery.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
For any questions or to schedule your appointment, call Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108. We also happily welcome patients who live in Mount Vernon, Iowa City, Hiawatha, and all nearby communities.
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