Welcome to the second half of this
two-part article series on the benefits and importance of sedation dentistry for many Chicago
residents.
“Odontophobia” is described as a fear of
the dentist and/or of dental treatment. As with most other phobias, the root
cause is generally unknown, but unlike many
other phobias, the consequence of odontophobia could be devastating to the
health of your teeth and gums. Without routine professional teeth cleanings and
check-ups, your oral health is at risk of a whole suite of ailments - such as
cavities, tooth decay and gum disease - all of which are left to worsen without
prompt diagnosis and treatment.
In Part 1, we looked at how sedation
works and the various methods for administering the special medications used
(oral pills, nitrous oxide gas and I.V. sedation). Now, let’s answer some of
your most pressing questions concerning sedation/sleep/twilight dentistry…
What
are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Chicago Residents?
First and foremost, sedation dentistry
helps fearful, nervous patients to receive the treatment they need to keep
their teeth and gums in beautiful, healthy condition. Routine check-ups and
professional teeth cleanings are essential for the long-term maintenance of
good oral health and so, with sedation dentistry helping patients to overcome
the crippling symptoms associated with their phobia, they are now able to
receive this preventative attention.
“Once fearful patients overcome this
initial hurdle, they’ll see just how manageable dental treatment is and will be
far more likely to come in for routine dental care,” explains a Chicago implant
dentist. “They’ll also come to see that dentists aren’t chainsaw-wielding clowns
either, and that we’re really quite friendly and gentle!”
Chicago
Sedation Dentistry: Other Benefits
Aside from the expected, the use of
sedation has enormously benefitted patients who suffer from a weak gag reflex! Because
the sedative medications act as muscle relaxants, patients who might typically
have gagged during a procedure or routine check-up will feel completely relaxed
and comfortable.
Sedation also makes it possible for Chicago Dentists to complete lengthier
and more complex procedures in a single sitting, as opposed to breaking it down
into shorter, more manageable sessions. Because sedation relaxes patients and
blurs their concept of time, an entire hour can go by really quickly, during
which the dentist is able to complete the procedure and the patient is left
none the worse for wear.
This method is less costly and more
convenient for patients who can have their entire dental procedure done in a
single appointment, rather than returning for an additional session. It’s
quicker and easier for both the patient and dentist!
Chicago
Sedation Dentistry: What does it Feel Like?
Sedative medications are Central Nervous
System (CNS) depressants, much like alcohol. So you’ll feel quite woozy and
tired. The key difference is that the sedative medications used are easily
metabolized by the body and don’t leave you feeling sick and hung-over. While
sedated, you’ll feel:
“Extremely relaxed and as though you are
floating in a dreamland,” says a patient.
“Completely detached from reality,
giggly, sleepy and totally happy,” says another.
“I don’t remember anything at all, but I
usually hate seeing the dentist, so it really worked!” says a traditionally
phobic dental patient.
The precise effect sedation has upon you
differs ever so slightly from patient to patient. But, what you will notice is
the absence of fear and anxiety, which has benefitted countless previously
fearful Chicago residents by enabling them to receive the routine and
restorative treatment they need.
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