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Do you suffer from dental anxiety or phobia? Do you hate dental visits? Dental fear is a common condition that keeps people away from going for regular exams, cleanings, and other dental care. And lack of regular dental visits can lead to the onset of several dental diseases or late identification of existing ones. A solution to dental phobia is sedation dentistry, which can reduce your dental fear and help you feel more comfortable at the dentist's office.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is used to treat patients who are anxious or unable to cope with their dental treatments. Sedation dentistry is also sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry.

Sedation dentistry uses sedatives to help patients relax during their dental treatments, so they are able to tolerate the treatment better.

Benefits of sedation dentistry

There are many benefits associated with sedation dentistry. Patients who suffer from dental phobias, those with a sensitive gag reflex, those who have difficulty sitting for long periods of time, or patients who struggle with severe anxiety can benefit from sedation.

Your dentist may recommend sedation dentistry if you have a dental phobia, require extensive dental work, or want multiple procedures done in a single appointment. Sedation dentistry allows you to stay awake during procedures, but you're still able to relax and be comfortable.

Types of sedation 

The major types of sedation used in dentistry are as follows:

• Oral sedation

Oral sedation is a type of conscious oral sedation that involves taking an oral sedative pill. Patients feel relaxed and are usually easy to control.

• Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide also called laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask and will help you relax during dental procedures. The effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed.

• IV sedation

IV sedation involves administering anesthesia through an IV. This helps patients feel deeply relaxed or even sleep throughout the treatment. 

• General anesthesia

General anesthesia is the deepest form of sedation dentistry. If you opt for this level of sedation, you'll sleep through the entire procedure.

Is sedation dentistry right for me?

Sedation dentistry is a great option for many people. It can seem overwhelming to go to the dentist, especially if you're nervous. By using sedation dentistry and being completely relaxed, you can focus on being comfortable instead of worrying about your dental appointment.

When patients experience dental anxiety, it's important for dentists to offer sedation dentistry. For those with dental phobia, sedation dentistry can help patients get the dental care they need without fear. For patients who experience difficulty getting numb, sedation dentistry can help patients get the dental care they need without pain.

Visit Jeanne V. Devi DDS at 595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 603, Pasadena, CA 91101 for the best dental care, or call us at (626) 795-2544 to book an appointment.