Sedation dentistry is typically used for surgical dental procedures and patients that suffer from dental anxiety. But sedation dentistry can be beneficial for a variety of patients. Dr. Drew Shulman, a dentist in Northeast Philadelphia, discusses sedation dentistry and who can benefit.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry utilizes medication to ensure a patient stays calm and relaxed throughout their dental procedure. Dr. Shulman offers two kinds of sedation. He’s trained extensively in sedation dentistry and is a member of the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation. He’s licensed and certified by the state to administer oral conscious sedation to patients. If you’re nervous about sedation, you can take solace that you’re in good hands.
First is nitrous oxide, often known as laughing gas. This is breathed through the nose throughout the procedure. Since it takes effect and wears off quickly, you won’t need someone to drive you to and from the appointment. Laughing gas keeps you calm but alert throughout the procedure. You should still be alert enough to answer questions from the dentist during the treatment.
Oral conscious sedation is administered in pill form. It’s prescribed by your dentist and should be taken about an hour before your appointment. Oral sedation offers deeper sedation. While you won’t be put fully asleep, you may be relaxed enough to fall asleep or not remember parts of your procedure. Since oral sedation takes longer to wear off, you’ll need a ride to and from your appointment.
Sedation Dentistry for Dental Fear
Typically, sedation dentistry is known to be used for patients that have a fear of the dentist. Dental anxiety can be bad enough that it deters people from getting regular dental care that keeps your mouth healthy. This can lead to more serious dental problems that take longer to fix.
Sedation dentistry helps these patients get regular dental care and helps them to get through longer procedures that may be necessary. At your first visit, Dr. Shulman will do an intensive oral exam to determine how your oral health is doing, and if you’ll need any extensive restorative procedures. Sedation can be used for all of your dental care.
Other Patients That Benefit From Sedation
Patients that suffer from dental fear aren’t the only ones that can benefit from sedation. Sedation can be ideal for children and patients that suffer from certain illnesses or disabilities that don’t allow them to sit still for long periods of time. Certain dental procedures can be very precise and require the patients to be as calm as possible.
Sedation is also helpful for patients that have a bad gag reflex. A gag reflex basically fights the dentist as he’s trying to complete his work. Sedation helps to calm that reflex down to make it easier for both you and the dentist. Dr. Shulman can also perform multiple procedures in one appointment with sedation dentistry.
Sedation at Your Northeast Philadelphia Dentist
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