Sedation Dentistry for Apprehensive Patients

When it comes to finding the right Greensboro dentist, quality of dental care is not the only determining factor on many people’s lists. Dental work comes in many forms, yet many patients that have issues convincing themselves to visit their dentist or dental hygienist can attribute it to one thing: fear.

The horror stories surrounding dental visits started as early as childhood storybooks for some, and many just aren’t able to shake that fear and accept the fact that dental procedures are pain-free, efficient, and easy. Fortunately, there is a solution for these patients– and it’s quite common.

Deep sedation or general anesthesia

As the names may suggest, deep sedation or general anesthesia are more involved than both minimal and moderate sedation, and are usually reserved for serious procedures that may take some time. It’s not uncommon for a trained anesthesiologist to be on site when this sort of anesthesia is administered, as it is often intravenous (though medications can also be administered orally at times) and involves a very specific cocktail of chemicals in order to achieve the desired effect. As most intravenous sedation processes are designed to effectively “knock out” the patient, an assisted breathing apparatus may also be used to assist with patient airway management and basic bodily functions. Many patients consider general anesthesia to be the ultimate in deep relaxation for dental procedures, and it is one of the types of anesthesia most often used in oral surgery.

At Friendly Dentistry, our dental professionals use a number of strategies to help determine what form of anesthesia is right for our patients. Along with assessing the patient’s medical history, we consider the length of the procedure, the relative amount of pain involved, and the patient’s pain thresholds and tolerance levels. We are experts in pain management, and while the dental technology we use allows us to perform most procedures absolutely pain free, we are aware that there are some procedures where numbing from anesthesia is the best course of action in order to mitigate any potential pain. We are well equipped to provide the best in dental sedation practices!

How safe is sedation dentistry in Greensboro, NC?

Here at Friendly Dentistry, we use only approved and certified sedation techniques. Each dental professional you come in contact with is well versed in the anesthesiology process and we have the resources and tools to continue to practice sedation dentistry safely and effectively. 

On top of our own commitment to patient safety, the field of dental sedation is also incredibly safe, thanks in large part to the advent of medicines that can be carefully monitored and manipulated by experienced dentists. While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to patient experience with anesthetics and even basic oral medication, the general rule of thumb is that most individuals are good candidates for the sedation process– though those with obstructive sleep apnea may require a dental consultation before proceeding to help determine the best form of sedation for their particular situation. Any dental practice affiliated with the American Dental Association should also share a form that details the risks of sedation with you before you proceed, and be more than willing to answer any questions you may have about the process. Additionally, your dental provider should have a detailed record of your medical history which they use to assess the type of sedation that my be right for you.