Cookie-cutter doesn’t work for each person. In fact, when it comes to your dental care, it shouldn’t be anyone’s approach! As a result, not all treatments will be right for you. Dental sedation, for instance, is a great option to make dental appointments easier and better for many patients, but not all. Why would you possibly not make a good candidate for dental sedation? Check out these four reasons!
Reason #1: You Aren’t Afraid of the Dentist.
If visiting the dentist doesn’t bother you or fill you with anxiety, you probably don’t need sedation, which is primarily meant for those who struggle with fear. The medications keep the patient calm during an appointment that would otherwise be stressful. So, if you are already fairly at ease in the dentist’s chair, sedation is superfluous for you!
Reason #2: You Are Undergoing a Short Procedure or Treatment.
Are you going to see your dentist simply to have your finished crown bonded in place or to check in during Invisalign treatment? Will your visit be less than 30 minutes? You may not be in the chair long enough to require dental sedation! Although nitrous oxide can be used even for short appointments, stronger forms of sedation, such as oral conscious or IV sedation, last for several hours. As a result, it wouldn’t make sense to take advantage of these options for a simple, fast appointment.
Reason #3: You Have No Problem Sitting Still.
For some patients, sitting in one position can be difficult. Whether they have physical or developmental special needs or simply get antsy, dental sedation can help these patients stay in the same position for prolonged periods of time. On the other hand, there are those who have no problem sitting still—these people can receive treatment without sedation.
Reason #4: You Have Medical Exemptions.
Not everyone who would like to use dental sedation is able to. The patient may be pregnant, be allergic to certain medications, or be taking medications that could interact badly with the sedation, just to name a few medical reasons. Fortunately, in most cases, sedation can be adapted to the individual patient. For instance, if you struggle with chronic respiratory disease or bronchitis and, therefore, can’t take advantage of nitrous oxide, other available options may work instead.
Just as you don’t want cookie-cutter treatment overall, your dental care, including sedation, should be based on your individual needs. Understanding who can best benefit from this service can help you know whether it may help you have more positive dental appointments.
About the Author
After graduating with his dental degree, Dr. Justin Shirk served as a dentist in the air force, where he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry and received specialty training in various areas of dentistry, including IV sedation. He enjoys the challenge of customizing treatment to each patient’s unique needs and offers nitrous oxide, oral conscious, and IV sedation to patients. Would you like to take advantage of sedation at your next dental appointment? Contact the Lincoln office online or call 402-483-7502.