Some people have no problem with visiting the dentist. Others, though, have circumstances that make it extremely difficult for them to stay relaxed and comfortable during treatments. If that is true of you or someone in your family, you may need to visit a dentist who offers sedation. To learn more about how dental sedation helps special needs patients, continue reading this blog post.
Dental Sedation: The Basics
The term “dental sedation” can refer to any of a number of techniques that are used to help patients stay relaxed and calm during oral treatments. The most popular forms of sedation are:
- Nitrous oxide, a gas the produces feelings of calmness and happiness when inhaled.
- Oral conscious sedation, which involves the use of a pill that produces a relaxed, drowsy sensation.
- IV sedation, wherein sedatives are administered intravenously throughout a procedure.
Dental Sedation for Special Needs Patients
Dental sedation can be helpful for virtually anyone. However, it is particularly useful in situations where a patient has limitations that make it extremely difficult for them to sit through dental treatments.
For example, someone might have a physical disability that makes it difficult for them to sit still for extended periods of time. Another individual might have cognitive or behavioral limitations that cause them to be extremely fearful of the dentist.
Sedation can benefit such people in a few ways:
- Sedation can dull the body’s pain response, making treatment more comfortable for even the most sensitive individuals.
- Some forms of sedation cause a patient to forget their dental treatment, so they should have no unpleasant recollections of their procedure.
- Although most types of sedation do not cause unconsciousness, they do cause deep relaxation. Some patients even drift off to sleep while under its influence.
The cumulative effect of these benefits is that dentists are able to safely and efficiently perform treatment that improves a patient’s oral health and ultimately contributes to their quality of life.
Finding an Experienced Sedation Dentist
Not all dentists are equipped to welcome special needs patients, so you might have to do a bit of searching before you find a practice that is a fit for you. Here are a couple of questions you should ask before booking an appointment:
- What forms of sedation do you offer?
- What kind of training has the dentist completed in sedation techniques?
- Do you have experience in treating patients with my particular condition?
It would also be wise to look at a practice’s reviews to get an idea of how they tend to interact with patients.
Everyone is entitled to receive top-quality dental care, including special needs individuals. Sedation can make that a reality.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page, the leader of the team at Capital Smiles, is well-qualified to offer multiple forms of sedation. She and our staff are eager to welcome patients from all walks of life. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you and your loved ones, reach out to our Schenectady dental office at 518-374-0317.