Posted: February 26, 2018
Feeling nervous about dental visits is not an uncommon anxiety. There are hundreds of thousands of Americans who experience fear of dental work. Sedation dentistry is designed for patients who are unable to get the care they need because they are so nervous about going to the dentist.
The good news for those suffering from dental anxiety in Rochester, Greece or any other nearby community is that sedation dentistry represents a solution. A mild sedative can help you relax and get the care you need in order to maintain great dental health. Dr. Sussman and Dr. Pogal have used sedation dentistry to provide our patients with vital dental work for years.
Sedation Dentistry: Safe and Effective
Sedation dentistry is really quite simple. We will provide you with a safe, proven oral sedative – for example, Valium or Halcion – to take before your procedure. Again, these anti-anxiety medications are not dangerous when administered correctly, and we know how to ensure you get the proper dosage.
These medications will place you into a relaxed, pleasant, dream-like state during your procedure. They will encourage a state of calm and allow you to relax from feelings of fear or nervousness from the sights, smells or sounds of a dental procedure.
Now, there is an important distinction to be made between sedation dentistry and “sleep dentistry,” even though the two terms are often used interchangeably. In sleep dentistry, the patient is completely unconscious during the procedure.
However, in the sedation dentistry performed at our office, you will be conscious during your procedure. You will be able to respond to questions and follow our dentists' instructions. It's a pleasant, relaxing situation.
Why Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry offers one simple but significant benefit: it allows you to undergo needed dental work when that was otherwise impossible.
Those who experience dental anxiety are often dealing with problems as varied as:
- Strong memories of an unpleasant dental experience
- An over-active gag reflex
- Extreme teeth or gum sensitivity
- A fear of needles or other dental instruments
Sedation dentistry renders these problems irrelevant. And because the drug you take is an oral sedative, no needles are necessary to administer it.
As such, you're likely a good candidate for sedation dentistry if you haven't been able to undergo needed dental work as a result of your severe anxiety. You need to be completely honest and up-front with us about your past medical history and any allergies – this information will help us evaluate your fitness for sedation dentistry.
You don't have to just “live with” dental anxiety. It can be effectively dealt with, and you can treat the dental problems that for too long have been neglected as a result of your fears.
If you suffer from dental anxiety in Rochester, Greece or any other nearby New York community, sedation dentistry is an exciting solution. Please call Dr. Paul Sussman and Dr. Meredith Pogal today at 585-227-4390 to schedule a consultation and examination.
