Sedation Dentistry – Springfield IL – Why is Sedation Dentistry an Important Advancement in Dental Technology?

Sedation dentistry has made a great deal of difference in the practice of dentistry, if for no other reason than patients who were afraid of the pain and discomfort of dental procedures are less anxious to pay a visit to the dentist. Since the first steps in sedation dentistry occur before the patient is even injected with a local anesthesia, it also works for patients who are afraid of needles.

Regular dental visits are crucial for the health of a patient’s gums, teeth and mouth. Delaying treatment until the problem becomes unbearable is not only costly but can be dangerous. An abscessed tooth that goes untreated can lead to an infection that can actually be fatal. A dentist can catch the early stages of oral cancer and treat it before it spreads. Some patients aren’t even aware that oral cancer exists, or what its signs and symptoms are. A patient with healthy teeth and gums and a bright smile tends to be more socially confident than a patient with loose, rotting or missing teeth or periodontal disease, or a patient whose oral problems cause them constant pain.

The first sage of sedation dentistry can take place a day or so before the dental procedure. A dentist can prescribe sedatives to their patients that allow them to relax the night before, so even when they walk into the dentist’s office they’re more tranquil than they would be. Then, the patient is given another sedative. If anesthesia needs to be injected, the patient will be in such a state of calm and relaxation that they don’t even register the prick of the needle. Indeed, they might not even remember the visit to the dentist’s office! Another benefit of sedation dentistry is that it allows the patient to be awake during their treatment. This is important because this removes the risks of the patient being unconscious. The patient can also follow the instructions that the dentist might give them.

Sedation dentistry is a safe and very useful development in the practice of dentistry and is highly recommend for patients with dental phobia. Dr. VanderMolen is the expert in sedation dentistry you need. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com