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Dental anxiety or fear of the dentist is very common. Many patients avoid going to the dentist for years or even decades because they are so anxious. Sedation dentistry helps dentists take care of patients without causing them any pain or discomfort. Read on to learn the benefits of sedation dentistry. 

Anxiety Relief

When patients are afraid of the dentist, sedation dentistry is an effective solution. New patients with anxiety can benefit greatly from oral sedatives. Oral sedatives are pills that the patient can take at home prior to their appointment. These medications have a sedative effect, so patients are awake during their procedure but feel no pain. Patients can safely drive themselves to and from the dentist with oral sedatives, and they do not require any type of recovery after the visit.

Anterograde Amnesia

After visiting the dentist and getting sedation dentistry services, most patients do not remember much about their visit. This benefit can be particularly beneficial because it eliminates the anxiety that many patients feel before visiting the dental office.

Additionally, patients who use mild forms of sedation will still remember the dental procedures that they have done. However, they will not recall any pain or discomfort during the procedure. If they are sedated with general anesthesia, they will likely not have any memory of the procedure at all.

Patients may not remember everything about their dental treatment, but they usually just remember feeling calm and relaxed during their appointment. They will have no memory of pain or discomfort during treatment.

No Gag Reflex

Many patients experience the gag reflex when a dentist is beginning a procedure. This is the body's automatic reaction to protect itself. Consciously or subconsciously, the patient feels that something may be wrong with their oral health, and the only way for them to feel better is by throwing up. This can lead to a feeling of embarrassment for the patient and can cause them to put off getting the treatment they need.

With sedation dentistry, this gag reflex is eliminated. A patient who is properly sedated will not feel the gag reflex when going to the dentist. Therefore, the patient does not need to worry about gagging at their dentist or feeling embarrassed about their gag reflex at the dentist's office. Instead, they can focus on improving their oral health.

Patients who have severe anxiety about seeing the dentist will find great relief with the benefit of sedation dentistry. 

Pain Relief

Many patients who get sedation dentistry report that they experience little to no pain during their appointments. This is because they are under anesthesia and are not experiencing any mental stress from being at the dentist's office. It is quite common for patients who undergo sedation to forget the pain they experienced during treatment. Patients who are nervous about seeing the dentist should set up a meeting with our team.

The dentist Can Work Faster

Our dentist can perform several procedures at one time while you are sedated. This means that patients can get all of their necessary treatment in one short visit. It also means that you spend less time at the dentist's office and more time enjoying your life!

To learn more, schedule an appointment with Dr. Huston at OC Advanced Periodontics by calling (714) 730-7877 or visiting us at 1076 E 1st St STE F, Tustin, CA 92780.