Misinformation About Dental Sedation

Dental anxiety can lead individuals to make many poor decisions concerning their oral healthcare. Dental sedation can be useful for some patients that experience intense dental anxiety. Yet, many patients will never consider using these treatments to address their anxiety.

Myth: Dental Sedation Is Only Used Prior To Surgery

It is common for individuals to assume that sedation is a type of treatment that is only reserved for major procedures. However, this can be one of the most effective options for letting individuals receive the type of dental care that they require without having to subject themselves to unnecessary panic or anxiety. In particular, this is often used to enable dental anxiety patients to find routine cleanings more tolerable.

Myth: It Is Necessary To Be Fully Sedated

Some patients will refuse the option of dental sedation due to wanting to avoid being completely sedated. Luckily, this is not the case as these sedatives can be applied in varying strengths. This will make it possible for individuals with mild anxiety to receive lighter sedation while individuals with severe anxieties can opt for heavier sedatives. Due to the need for the patient to hold their mouth open during these treatments, most dentists will be hesitant to fully sedate a patient prior to a routine procedure.

Myth: Dental Sedation Is Too Expensive

There will be added costs to undergoing sedation dentistry, and patients will have the tendency to assume that these added expenses are more than they really are. The exact costs of the sedative will vary based on the particular one that is used, but your dentist should be able to provide price information for these services so that you can balance your budget with your need to manage dental anxieties. Furthermore, if these added costs are necessary for ensuring that routine dental cleanings and care are administered, it can be a small price to pay for limit the costs of treating future problems.

Myth: It Is Extremely Dangerous To Be Sedated For Dental Work

Safety concerns may be another factor that limits a patient's willingness to consider dental sedation. Yet, professionally administered sedatives are extremely safe, and the risk of complication is low. There are some minimum health requirements that a patient will need to meet in order to qualify for sedation dentistry. In particular, those with weakened circulation or respiratory systems may not be able to undergo this treatment. As a result, it is common for dentists to require a physical before they will use this treatment approach for a patient.

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