Sedation dentistry, also referred to as sleep dentistry, is the practice of administering some form of sedation to a patient before completing a dental treatment. The level of sedation can be moderated to fit the needs of the patient. This type of dentistry works well for a lot of people who are apprehensive about getting dental treatments or who have special needs. However, before you elect to use sedation at your next dental appointment, it is important that you understand the pros and cons of this medical technique.
Pros of Using Sedation Dentistry
For many people, sedation is a necessary component of dental treatments. This need can derive from an intense fear of dentists or dental treatments, or it can derive from special medical conditions. Fortunately, sleep dentistry is fairly safe and very effective at keeping patients unaware of the discomfort and pain that is associated with some dental treatments.
There are three main pros of using sedation dentistry. First of all, it helps to alleviate the anxiety that many people have about visiting their dentist. Secondly, it makes dental treatments possible for people that have medical conditions that involve erratic or uncontrollable body movements such as Parkinson’s disease. Finally, it allows dentists to work on the teeth of kids and people with special needs who either can’t sit still for long periods of time or who would otherwise be combative in the dental chair.
Cons of Using Sedation Dentistry
While there are many pros of using sedation dentistry, there are also a few cons. The first con is that it is a lot more expensive than regular dental treatments. This is because it usually has to be done in a hospital setting and involves special medical professionals. Next, it has added health risks, especially when you have to use a general anesthetic and are put under for your treatments. Finally, sedation dentistry can be extremely risky for people who smoke or patients with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, breathing problems and obesity.
Is Sedation Dentistry for You?
For many people sedation dentistry is a safe option. However, it doesn’t come without some risks. Before you decide to use sedation for your next dental treatment, talk to your dentist and to your general doctor about your risks and your options. If your risks outweigh the benefits, don’t use sedation dentistry. If the benefits of getting the dental treatment outweigh the risks that you face, sedation dentistry can be a great option for you.
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