Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry uses various techniques to induce a state of deep relaxation and calm. Methods may include nitrous oxide gas, or Halcion, which acts as a powerful sedative.

At Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, we are certified to offer three different levels of sedation:

• Minimal sedation: Patients are “awake,” but in a relaxed dream-like state.
• Moderate sedation: Patients are conscious enough to respond to basic commands, but remember little.
• Deep sedation: Patients can be awakened, if necessary, but are on the edge of consciousness.

Not every dental patient will want or need sedation dentistry, but there are many benefits for those who do.

Reduces anxiety and fear of dental procedures

Some patients seize up with terror at the mere thought of a dental cleaning. “I can’t even hear the instruments – it just makes my skin crawl,” dental patient Valerie Carlson told The Chicago Tribune. Another patient, Tracy Bowman, said she was hesitant to see a dentist after chemotherapy damaged her teeth and gums before learning about sedation dentistry. “At my age and with what I had just gone through, I didn’t think I could withstand it awake to have all that work done,” she said, adding: “I chose sedation because I knew that I wouldn’t feel it as much and I wouldn’t be as stressed.”

Lowers discomfort

Pain is rarely felt with the use of Novocaine, but many patients squirm at the thought of a needle near their gums. In those cases, sedation makes the situation more tolerable. The business of root canals, implants, tooth extractions, bone grafting and other dental procedures can be unpleasant with all the noise, not to mention the tugging, drilling, pressure, and the need to keep one’s mouth open wide for an extended period of time. Patients feel much more comfortable with these inconveniences when sedated.

Makes time pass faster

Patients often remark that a few hours felt like a few minutes. They report feeling as though they were “in a dream,” rather than sitting in the chair counting down the minutes. They also remember hearing the dentist’s calming words or the beginning of a story, but not much between the first few minutes in the chair and the dentist saying, “We’re all done!”

Enables multiple procedures to be done in one visit

Before sedation dentistry made it easier for patients to sit through multiple steps, dental procedures like the placement of bridges, veneers and crowns required more than one visit. Today, we can often get everything done in one sitting, as patients rest calmly.

Sedation dentistry in Midtown Manhattan

Dr. David Blaustein has been practicing restorative and cosmetic dentistry for more than 20 years. He is certified by New York State to administer oral conscious sedation and is a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. Whether you need a root canal, deep cleaning, or are getting dental implants, sedation dentistry can ease your anxiety, discomfort and fear. For more information on sedation dentistry at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics or to schedule a consultation, please call 347-773-4917.

Resources:

1. WebMD – Can you really relax in the dentist’s chair? http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/sedation-dentistry-can-you-really-relax-in-the-dentists-chair
2. Salt Lake City Dentist – Length of Dental Procedures http://www.saltlakecityutahdentist.com/procedure-length.htm
3. The Chicago Tribune – Dental sedation calms patients, courts controversy http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-09/news/ct-met-sedation-dentistry-20120809_1_sedation-dentists-courts-controversy

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Chelsea Dental Aesthetics Comprehensive, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry located in Chelsea, New York, NY