Dental care should be a pressing concern, but most Americans hardly consider visiting a dentist unless they are in pain. While everyone knows the significance of half-yearly preventive checks, adhering to them is easier said than done.
According to the CDC statistics, more than one in four adults in the country has untreated dental cavities. Another study shows that one in five adults experience moderate to high dental anxiety that keeps them from seeking oral health treatment.
The US ranks at number nine for dental care, implying it has a lot of work to do in the sector. But most patients have access to the latest and the best in treatments, with many clinics offering top-notch care and pain-free treatment.
Sedation dentistry is widely used in the country, with 18% of adults receiving it during dental treatment at some point in their lives. The procedure limits pain and anxiety, but it is normal to feel apprehensive about using a sedative.
Fortunately, you need not worry about the risks of sedation dentistry because it is safe and effective. Let us clear your doubts about it.
Regulated by State Laws
Surprisingly, dental sedation in the US is regulated by state-specific laws. Currently, 47 states allow dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia to patients. Also, practitioners in 35 states can use nitrous oxide. As a patient, you can check your local laws to be extra sure about the legitimacy of sedation dentistry in your state.
If you are a Colorado resident, you can get sedation at a dental office because it is permissible in the state. According to Colorado Gum Care, anesthetics are safe for both adults and pediatric patients undergoing complex procedures. With state regulations and doctors’ words backing the safety of sedation, you can confidently proceed with it.
Offers Relaxation and Confidence
Pain is the primary reason people tend to delay dental visits and treatment. Procedures like extraction and root canal treatment can be traumatic. Implants are less painful than you imagine, but anxiety levels run high for most patients when it comes to getting a replacement for a missing tooth.
Did you know that nearly 5 million implants are performed in the country each year? A majority of these patients are anxious.
Being in a state that permits dental sedation means you can overcome the fear and feel more relaxed and confident about the procedure. If you want a missing tooth replacement in Broomfield, CO, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your dentist for anesthesia. After all, Colorado permits sedation dentistry.
The more relaxed you are during the procedure, the easier it is for the dentist to perform it. They can quickly wrap up the treatment and ensure better outcomes.
Tailored Solutions
Another reason to stop worrying about sedation dentistry risks is that you can access tailored solutions according to your needs. Here are the ones your dentist may recommend:
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation is fast and effective, leading to instant relaxation. Your experience may be pain-free, and you may not even recollect the procedure. Your dentist can adjust the dosage according to your tolerance levels. The solution is ideal if you have severe anxiety or need a lengthy and complicated treatment.
Inhalation Sedation
The inhalation process entails the administration of nitrous oxide through a special mask. The relaxing effects set in within a few minutes, and the dentist can adjust the dosage and amount of the gas you inhale throughout the procedure.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is administered through sedative medication instead of gas or IV drip. Your dentist prescribes a pill to take an hour before the procedure. Liquid sedation is used for pediatric procedures.
Minimal Precautions
Surveys suggest that 40% of general dentists and 70% of board-certified pediatric dentists use some form of sedation for their patients. The statistics are enough to reinforce the safety of the option, but taking relevant precautions is essential. Fortunately, whichever form of sedation you opt for, you have to follow only minimal precautions during and after its administration.
You must inform your dental specialists about your health conditions and prescription medications before the treatment. Recovery times may vary, but you must bring someone to drive you home after IV or oral sedation. With inhalation, your dentist will ask you to wait until the effect wears off.
The Bottom Line
Sedation dentistry is the best way to deal with dental anxiety and be calm and relaxed even during the most complicated procedures. But you must seek treatment from a seasoned dentist with good experience and a track record with sedation. You will feel safe and less anxious by knowing these facts and finding a reliable provider.