5 Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety and phobias exist, and they can keep you from getting the oral care you need to keep teeth and gums healthy. But how do you overcome your fear of the dental chair?

At the offices of Dr. AnnMarie Olson in her dental practice in Austin, Texas, you’ll have the option of sedation dentistry if needed, to help you keep your dental care appointments. Whether you just need a little laughing gas, prefer to be under IV sedation, or would like to achieve some middle ground with conscious oral sedation, we can work with you to make your visit a success.

Five benefits of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry comes in several forms, and each have their own specific benefits. Overall, however, the advantages of sedation dentistry boil down to making your dental appointment less stressful, so you make and keep your appointments and get the care you need.

1. Customizable treatment options

Sedation dentistry offers a wide range of options and can be tailored to your specific needs. For example, nitrous oxide, which used to be known as laughing gas, can be tapered up or down in real time to keep you feeling relaxed but not out of it during your dental procedure.

2. Dental care acclimatization

If you can’t seem to get over fear of the dentist, especially if you’ve had a painful or frightening experience, dental sedation such as oral sedation can help put you into a relaxed state. You’ll be awake, but in a carefree state of mind that blurs the exact details of your dental procedure. This can help you get through multiple dental appointments and slowly reduce your fear of the dental chair.

3. Faster procedures

For long and complicated dental treatments, a solution like IV sedation can put you into a deeper state of relaxation, allowing you to have your dental care delivered in a long session instead of multiple visits. The IV option lets you be put into a relaxed state quickly and brought out of the state quickly, so you don’t have time to get anxious.

4. More regular dental care

Up to 20% of adults say they put off going to the dentist because of dental anxiety. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone! Talk to us about your fears, and we can help come up with a solution, including sedation options, to make you comfortable.

5. Fewer aftereffects

Sedation dentistry can help reduce jaw strain from the mouth retractor often used during oral procedures. When you’re anxious and alert, your jaw automatically fights against being opened. When you’re relaxed and unafraid, your jaw can be held open with minimal effort with  less soreness afterwards.

Ready to take the anxiety out of your next dental visit? Call our office at 512-212-5213 and ask about sedation dentistry options, or book your appointment online.