Sedation dentistry is a way to maintain great oral health care without all the anxiety and pain. If you are afraid of something you are less likely to do it.

There are many reasons that it is good to choose sedation dentistry. Here is a list of some of the most common reasons.

    Very sensitive teeth, that causes severe concern to the patient
    Have a severe gag reflex, which would have problems with regular dentist work
    At some point a traumatic dental procedure or problem happened, deterring the patient's future dental work
    Straight out fear or anxiety of the dentist work. This is probably the most common area that most people fit into. There are not many people that would say, "I love going to the dentist"
    If there is a fear of needles and or shots
    If you have not had a dental visit and are concerned with going
    Are embarrassed about the condition of your teeth and how they look
    Have anxiety issues about cleanliness
    Hate the sounds of the drills, metal tools and suctions tools
    People with phobias
    Patients that are sedated will be able to have more dental work completed in a single setting due to their mouths being more relaxed and there is less pain to tolerate.
    No need for several shots if the first set of shots do not work

Most sedation offices have counselors that are sensitive to the questions, concerns and needs of their patients. These counselors are specifically trained to know how to clear up any concerns you might have.

There are three different ways that sedation for dental care can work. Here are the four different ways and their explanations.

First there is oral conscious sedation- with this type of sedation your dentist will give you a pill, which will make you very tired. You will need to be driven to your dentist appointment. This pill is taken the day of the work that needs to be done, about an hour before. With this form of sedation, you will not be unconscious, however you will be in a very relaxed and calm state.

Second is the I.V conscious sedation- with this type of sedation, your trained dentist will administer medication intravenously directly into your blood steam. The treatment will be done while you are conscious and the dental procedures are complete.

The third option is inhalation- this is often referred to as laughing gas. The mask is placed over your lower face and you breath in the sedative, nitrous oxide. In this case, there will also be a local anesthetic used for pain.

The last method is general anesthesia- this type of sedation requires that your dentist is board certified. With this dental sedation, you are completely unconscious, asleep until the medication wears off.

The dentists that use these procedures are required to get permits that allow them to complete these forms of sedation. They are safe in most circumstances. Dental sedation is a great way to maintain your oral health if you have any of the problems listed.

The best way to get started on a better smile and stronger teeth is to contact a dentist in your area that is permitted to conduct dental sedation. Then set up an appointment for a check-up and diagnosis. Then you and your dentist can work out the best plan for your treatment.