Does the thought of a dental procedure make you feel anxious? Have you ever put off seeking treatment due to anxiety? Whether it’s a fear of discomfort, a lack of control, or general uncertainty about what to expect, the thought of a dental procedure isn’t exactly comforting for many people. But it’s completely normal to have anxiety about dental care. In fact, some studies suggest that 36% of adults are afraid of dental treatment, and other studies indicate that fear is higher among those suffering from gum disease.
However, if you’re delaying treatment due to fear, it can lead to major problems. Untreated gum disease can result in tooth loss, jaw atrophy, chronic inflammation, and even heart and brain issues. Rather than delaying treatment, you should seek out a periodontist who offers sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable.
When it comes to dental care, pain management solutions have come a long way. Sedation dentistry is an option that can make your next dental procedure a breeze. If you’re looking for a periodontist who offers sedation dentistry around the Daytona and New Smyrna areas, you don’t have to go far. Dr. Beauchamp at Ormond Beach Periodontics offers pain management options that will keep you calm and minimize discomfort so you can get the care you need.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
Sedation dentistry keeps you feeling calm and relaxed during a procedure. Medication is administered to help patients enter a “twilight state”. You can expect to feel at ease, but you won’t ever lose consciousness. You’ll be awake, but you won’t remember the procedure. When used with local anesthesia, you will feel no pain and no anxiety during a dental procedure.
Sedation dentistry is most often administered orally. You’ll need to arrange transportation to and from your appointment. Your periodontist will give you a pill that can be taken at home prior to your procedure. By the time you’re in the treatment chair, you’ll feel completely at ease. The medication will wear off a couple of hours after treatment, and you might feel groggy for the rest of the day.
Your provider may also decide to administer sedation dentistry through an IV or a mask. This may be the case if your periodontist needs to increase or decrease the dosage during treatment.
Why It’s Important To Find A Periodontist That Offers Sedation Dentistry
Not all periodontists offer sedation dentistry. If you live near Daytona or New Smyrna and you’re suffering from severe gum disease or need dental implants, it’s important to find a provider that does — especially if you suffer from dental anxiety. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Reduced Anxiety and Increased Comfort
Putting off dental care can be detrimental to your oral health, so if fear and anxiety are getting in the way, sedation dentistry is a great solution. Once the medication is administered, any anxiety will immediately dissipate. Not only will you not be nervous during treatment, but you won’t even remember it.
Feeling relaxed during the procedure not only eliminates nerves but also creates a smoother experience. You won’t feel pain, and you may be less nervous about dental treatment in the future.
2. It Can Make Your Treatment More Efficient
When you’re comfortable in the dental chair, your provider is able to work more efficiently. They may even be able to perform multiple procedures in a single appointment, which can reduce the need for return visits. Sedation dentistry can help ensure your treatment is as effective as possible, which can save you time down the road.
3. It’s Ideal For Lengthy Procedures
Some periodontal treatments can take several hours, which is a long time to sit still. If the idea of sitting in a chair for an extended period of time sounds miserable, sedation dentistry can make you comfortable for the entire duration of the procedure.
4. It’s Helpful For Those With Special Conditions
Whether it’s a medical condition or a strong gag reflex, dental treatments can be difficult for some patients. If periodontal care causes you distress or you have difficulty sitting still, sedation dentistry can help ensure you can get the care you need without an issue.
Dr. Beauchamp at Ormond Beach Periodontics is the leading provider near New Smyrna and Daytona, and our practice offers sedation dentistry to keep our patients as comfortable as possible. We’re not just the best practice for sedation dentistry, we’re the top choice for patient care, staff-friendliness, office environment, and experience. Schedule your appointment today!