Benefits Sedation Dentistry

Experts estimate that 5 to 10% of the US adult population suffers from an extreme fear of going to the dentist. This fear prevents them from obtaining the dental care that they need to stay healthy. Sedation dentistry is the use of pharmaceuticals to relax a patient prior to and during any dental procedure. The drugs used are called sedatives and they depress the central nervous system. In particular, they impact those areas of the nervous system that deal with conscious awareness.

Sedation Dentistry Steps and Benefits

There are many benefits to the use of sedation dentistry. Among them are:

Peaceful Relaxation

Patients are relaxed enough to allow the Dr. White the ability to complete the necessary procedures.

Comfort & Rest

Anxiety and pain are eliminated and the patient can remain comfortable for the full length of the appointment with Dr. White.

Control of Movement

With complete relaxation, the patient will have less need or desire to move around in the chair. The patient sitting calmly allows the dentist to work more quickly and smoothly.

Alert Patient Involvement

The patient can remain alert the whole time and respond to questions from Dr. White.

Control of Gag Reflex

Sedation dentistry allows individuals with a strong gag reflex to sit calmly for the duration of the appointment.

Recollection of Appointment

Depending upon the patients preference, one feature of the sedation medicine is that the patient can be left with little or no memory of the procedure.

The Easy Steps of Sedation Dentistry

Dr. White can accomplish more in a shorter amount of time and with fewer appointments. Here are the steps that you can expect to assure a successful procedure involving dental sedation:

1. You will be asked to not eat or drink at least eight hours prior to the procedure.
2. Be sure and wear comfortable clothing to the appointment to help make sure that you are able to achieve full relaxation.
3. Have someone take you to the appointment and pick you up.
4. One of our friendly staff will be with you for the duration of the appointment.
5. Your heart rate and rhythm, pulse, oxygen level, and blood pressure will be continually checked while you are sedated.
6. As soon as the sedation medicine is administered, you will begin to feel relaxed.
7. Most patients begin to come out from under the effects of the sedation as soon as the procedure is completed. You should not drive or operate heavy equipment for 24 hours after receiving the sedative.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment or consultation with Dr. Sander I. White, your partner in the quest for a beautiful, healthy smile. Our Broomall office delivers exemplary service and distinctive dental care to residents of Broomall, Philadelphia, Delaware County, and surrounding areas.