When you think of going to the dentist, what feelings come to mind? For many people, it’s panic. For others, it’s frustration. The point is, our Mt. Holly dentist knows that visiting our office evokes a range of emotions.
However, dental sedation has transformed patients’ perceptions of their visits. At Opal Dental, we are proud to offer comfortable dentistry solutions to make your experience as pleasant as possible. Let’s explore the five unexpected benefits of sedation dentistry that you might not be aware of.
1. Anxiety Relief
Dental anxiety is common, affecting about 36% of Americans, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Whether it’s the sound of the drill, the fear of pain, or just a general unease about being in the dental chair, sedation can help.
Our Mt. Holly dentist offers both nitrous oxide and IV sedation to give you options. Nitrous can be great for minor dental anxiety, while severe dental phobias can benefit from the deeper calm of IV sedation. Having access to these options not only makes the experience more pleasant but can also encourage regular dental visits, essential for maintaining oral health.
2. Minimized Gag Reflex
A gag reflex is a natural defense mechanism that prevents objects from entering your throat. That’s a good thing. However, in a dental setting, a strong gag reflex can be a bit of a problem. It can make procedures like taking impressions or X-rays uncomfortable and challenging for both you and our dentist.
Sedation helps to relax the body, including the muscles that trigger the gag reflex. By minimizing the gag reflex, sedation dentistry enables procedures to be performed more comfortably.
3. Enhanced Precision and Efficiency
Sedation doesn’t just benefit you as our patient; it also aids our dentist. In a typical dental appointment, anxiety and movement can lengthen the time we have to work to perform procedures. When you’re relaxed and still, it allows us to complete our job more efficiently and accurately.
Having our Mt. Holly dentist use sedation for a smoother experience also means we can perform more complex procedures in a single visit, reducing the number of trips you have to make to our office. You get to return to your daily routine even sooner.
4. Pain Management
One of the most appreciated benefits of sedation dentistry is pain management. While local anesthesia is used to numb specific areas, sedation adds an extra layer of pain relief (or just an extra layer of reassurance for you).
If you have a low pain threshold or are undergoing extensive dental work, such as a root canal or oral surgery, sedation can make a big difference. You’ll feel more confident going into your procedure and more comfortable during.
5. Improved Oral Health
Yes, dental sedation can lead to improved oral health! Many people avoid going to the dentist due to fear or anxiety, which can result in neglected dental care and worsening oral health issues.
By reducing anxiety and making visits more comfortable, sedation can help you feel more willing to reach out for care. We can even use it during routine procedures, like cleanings and checkups, if you’re particularly anxious.
Why Choose Us for Dental Sedation in Mt. Holly?
At Opal Dental, our team is highly trained in various sedation techniques. Whether you choose light sedation with nitrous or a deeper relaxation with IV sedation, we’ll oversee the process and monitor throughout your treatment.
In fact, we keep you safe right from the start. At your initial consultation, we’ll go over your medical history, dental anxiety levels, and the procedures you require. This time to review your unique needs and answer your questions helps us tailor your experience and ensure your comfort.
See for Yourself How Sedation Can Help
Sedation dentistry offers numerous benefits that go beyond just easing anxiety. Discover these advantages for yourself by inquiring about sedation at your next appointment at Opal Dental. Ready to book our dentist in Mt. Holly? We’re standing by at our office to help you relax and reap the rewards. Get started today!