It is a common notion that going to the dentist for dental procedures is one of the most painful experiences one can ever have to keep his teeth and gums strong, healthy, and clean.
While there are people who can tolerate the pain and the desire for their own good overcomes the fear they may have, there are also a few who allow their fear to overrun their yearning to have a healthy set of teeth.
Just like other fields in medicine, dentistry has evolved and advanced in a lot of ways.
One of these advancements includes the creation of a branch in dentistry that focuses on minimizing or eradicating the pain and discomfort associated with dental procedures.
This is known as sedation dentistry.
Currently, there are many sedation dentists who are holding clinics in some parts of the country.
They all have specialized training in the techniques associated with sedation dentistry as well as the equipment and medication required in each procedure which can be done with sedation.
They were also trained in acquiring an analysis of the patient's medical history that involves an evaluation of whether or not he is truly in need of sedatives just to perform a dental procedure that he is fearful, anxious, or phobic about.
The well-known experts in sedation dentistry are Dr.
Morton Rosenberg and Dr.
Kenneth Reed.
You may check on your local sedation dentist if he has had his training with these two world-renowned experts.
If he does, then you are in good hands.
Although dentists have in their power to make us understand the options and procedures involved with sedation dentistry, we as consumers should also be watchful and mindful of our responsibilities to ensure that we are well-informed and knowledgeable before even putting ourselves in the dental clinics.
Take a look at the guidelines below: 1.
Your dentist will make a full analysis of your medical history.
Whatever your answers will be could make or break the procedure he will doing to you.
Therefore, be honest as much as possible.
If you haven't undergone a dental procedure in decades, say so exactly when you had the last time.
Do not be bothered by the thought that your dentist will judge you for your fearful attitude.
The main reason why sedation dentistry even started was to create an alternative for patients with serious anxieties over the sights and sounds normally present in a dental clinic.
2.
Your dentist will then provide you with all the options available that will make your dental procedure as painless and more comfortable as possibly can.
There are ultimately three types of sedation in dentistry: oral conscious sedation, intravenous sedation, and nitrous oxide or "laughing gas".
It is your right to be given a clear understanding on the differences between the three as well as each option's advantages and disadvantages.
The strength of the sedatives that will be used will also vary, depending on the kind of procedure your teeth need.
For example, a procedure that will last at a maximum of three hours will obviously need medications at higher doses.
3.
Once you and your dentist have agreed on the sedative option which could work best for you, your dentist will then proceed with giving your instructions before undergoing the procedure.
Of course, an appointment will be set.
Some medications may be taken or simple precautions before the set date so make sure that you take note on your dentist's instructions.
To be a responsible patient is to follow commands so that every step will be smooth-sailing and the occurrence of accidents is avoided.
While there are people who can tolerate the pain and the desire for their own good overcomes the fear they may have, there are also a few who allow their fear to overrun their yearning to have a healthy set of teeth.
Just like other fields in medicine, dentistry has evolved and advanced in a lot of ways.
One of these advancements includes the creation of a branch in dentistry that focuses on minimizing or eradicating the pain and discomfort associated with dental procedures.
This is known as sedation dentistry.
Currently, there are many sedation dentists who are holding clinics in some parts of the country.
They all have specialized training in the techniques associated with sedation dentistry as well as the equipment and medication required in each procedure which can be done with sedation.
They were also trained in acquiring an analysis of the patient's medical history that involves an evaluation of whether or not he is truly in need of sedatives just to perform a dental procedure that he is fearful, anxious, or phobic about.
The well-known experts in sedation dentistry are Dr.
Morton Rosenberg and Dr.
Kenneth Reed.
You may check on your local sedation dentist if he has had his training with these two world-renowned experts.
If he does, then you are in good hands.
Although dentists have in their power to make us understand the options and procedures involved with sedation dentistry, we as consumers should also be watchful and mindful of our responsibilities to ensure that we are well-informed and knowledgeable before even putting ourselves in the dental clinics.
Take a look at the guidelines below: 1.
Your dentist will make a full analysis of your medical history.
Whatever your answers will be could make or break the procedure he will doing to you.
Therefore, be honest as much as possible.
If you haven't undergone a dental procedure in decades, say so exactly when you had the last time.
Do not be bothered by the thought that your dentist will judge you for your fearful attitude.
The main reason why sedation dentistry even started was to create an alternative for patients with serious anxieties over the sights and sounds normally present in a dental clinic.
2.
Your dentist will then provide you with all the options available that will make your dental procedure as painless and more comfortable as possibly can.
There are ultimately three types of sedation in dentistry: oral conscious sedation, intravenous sedation, and nitrous oxide or "laughing gas".
It is your right to be given a clear understanding on the differences between the three as well as each option's advantages and disadvantages.
The strength of the sedatives that will be used will also vary, depending on the kind of procedure your teeth need.
For example, a procedure that will last at a maximum of three hours will obviously need medications at higher doses.
3.
Once you and your dentist have agreed on the sedative option which could work best for you, your dentist will then proceed with giving your instructions before undergoing the procedure.
Of course, an appointment will be set.
Some medications may be taken or simple precautions before the set date so make sure that you take note on your dentist's instructions.
To be a responsible patient is to follow commands so that every step will be smooth-sailing and the occurrence of accidents is avoided.