As dental professionals, we, at Buckhead Dental Partners, want to widen our scope of patients, which include those with dental phobia. Fear or anxiety of seeing the dentist does not excuse you from regular dental checkups. Bi-annual visits to the dentist are essential, to ensure optimum oral health. “I don’t need to see the dentist because I’m afraid” may be a common statement of patients with dental phobia. This does not, however, excuse them from dental treatments all their lives. Sedation dentistry can, therefore, be a great way to help patients who need to see the dentist but are afraid or anxious to do so. “We believe that dental care should be available to everyone, even to those who feel that they don’t need it.”
Sedation dentistry makes it possible for you to face your dentist without the nervousness you typically experience. You can even relax and be seated comfortably in the dental chair while the doctor cares for your teeth. Sedation dentistry is administered in various ways by trained dental professionals like Dr. Ballard. These specialists see to it that sedation dentistry is safely administered while they perform the dental treatments you need. Before you know it, your office visit is complete, and you come out with a clean bill of dental health.
Sedation Dentistry through Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking oral sedatives to relax the patient prior to and during dental treatment. The doctor prescribes an oral sedative to the patient, who is instructed to take it at a predetermined time before the scheduled dental procedure. As a result, the patient is relaxed, yet conscious, during the dental treatment. Oral sedation reduces or eliminates anxiety and fear, allowing the dentist to perform the needed dental treatments. Rest assured that the doctor and his team monitor the patient’s vital signs, checking regularly to ensure positive responses to treatment.
Sedation Dentistry is Not Just for Anxious Patients
Sedation dentistry relaxes both the body and mind. It is, therefore, beneficial not only to patients with dental anxiety but also to those who have the inability to control body movement. Sedation dentistry is also great for kids who are hyperactive, or kids who have a phobia of the dentist. It is an area of dentistry that’s beneficial for people who may, otherwise, not be accorded with the necessary dental treatments because of mental or physical disability. It simply gives everyone the chance to achieve optimum oral health.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation dentistry is a safe procedure when performed by the right people. Dentists like Dr. Ballard are well trained to handle sedation dentistry. They will first determine if the patient is a good candidate for sedation dentistry before this treatment is recommended. The patient’s dental and medical history is evaluated, as well as any current medications being used.
Breeze through your Dental Visit with Sedation Dentistry
Patients who are under conscious sedation feel as if their dental treatments happen very quickly. They essentially feel relaxed and happy with their entire dental visit. Healthy teeth and gums can be achieved without being stressed or anxious about the whole experience. This makes sedation dentistry an essential and beneficial field of dentistry as it answers the needs of certain patients who may, otherwise, fail to receive proper dental care.
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