If you find yourself among the 36% of the US population who feel anxious or even fearful at the thought of a dental appointment, you’re likely not getting the care you need. Luckily, sedation dentistry offers a solution, helping you feel calm and comfortable during your visits.
Whether you’re facing a simple cleaning or a complex procedure, sedation with a dentist in Virginia Beach can make the experience a breeze. Let’s dive into the signs that indicate sedation dentistry could be right for you and explore the options available.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Twilight Sedation
With twilight sedation, you’re still awake, but you’re in an extremely relaxed state, almost as if you’re in a comfortable dream. Before treatment starts, you will receive anesthetic medication to numb the specific area being treated and a sedative to make you feel drowsy yet conscious and receptive.
You can respond to basic prompts and questions, but you might not remember much of the procedure afterward. Twilight sedation is perfect for those with mild to moderate anxiety or who need a little help feeling calm.
Best of all, recovery is usually quick, and most patients feel a lot better after this type of sedation.
Deep Sedation
Now, if you need more than just a little help unwinding, deep sedation might be the way to go. This option puts you into a more profound state of relaxation, often to the point where you’re semi-conscious or only partially aware of your surroundings.
Deep sedation is ideal for people with extreme dental anxiety or who are undergoing significant dental work. Though recovery can take a bit longer compared to twilight sedation, the results are worth it for those who need it.
Signs You May Be Suitable for Sedation Dentistry
Severe Dental Anxiety
If your heart races at the thought of visiting the dentist, you may have dental anxiety. For some, it’s just a bit of nervousness, but for others, it can be a full-blown fear that prevents them from seeking necessary treatment.
Sedation dentistry can help ease that fear, turning a nerve-racking experience into a calm, relaxed visit.
Low Pain Tolerance
Are you the type who flinches at the slightest touch? Sedation can help! For people with low pain tolerance, the thought of a dental procedure might be worse than the procedure itself. Sedation helps take the edge off so that you can get treated without the discomfort.
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can turn even a routine dental visit into a stressful ordeal. This discomfort often arises from exposed tooth roots, worn enamel, or cracks in the teeth, causing pain when eating hot, cold, or acidic foods.
For some, the fear of triggering that sharp, sudden pain can create intense dental anxiety, making it difficult to schedule necessary appointments. Sedation dentistry helps by allowing patients to undergo treatments with minimal or no pain, easing both sensitivity and the anxiety it causes.
Multiple Procedures in One Visit
Who wants to visit the dentist multiple times when you can get it all done in one go? For individuals needing extensive work, like fillings, crowns, or dental implants, sedation dentistry makes it possible to undergo a longer procedure with ease.
You’ll walk out feeling like you conquered a mountain of dental work, but without all the stress.
Difficulty Sitting Still for Long Periods
Long dental procedures can be tough for those who have trouble sitting still or maintaining comfort. Sedation helps you stay relaxed and in place, ensuring the procedure goes smoothly from start to finish.
Get Advanced Sedation with Our Dentist in Virginia Beach
Sedation dentistry can make all the difference for people who dread the dentist’s office. Whether it’s for a routine cleaning or extensive dental work, it provides a safe and comfortable way to get the care you need.
If you think sedation dentistry might be right for you, why wait? Contact Advanced Sedation Dentistry today and set up your consultation. Your smile—and your peace of mind—will thank you!