Also called sedation dentistry, dental anesthesia plays a pivotal role in managing pain and alleviating dental anxiety. Yet despite its benefits, dental anesthesia is surrounded by myths and misconceptions that wind up keeping patients from using it or understanding how it works.
At Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center, Brandon Kang, DDS, uses dental anesthesia to help patients at his Oakland, California, practice stay comfortable and relaxed during their visits. In this post, Dr. Kang reviews some of the myths that could be altering the way you feel about sedation dentistry.
Dr. Kang has extensive experience and advanced education in many types of dental sedation, including sedation types routinely used with kids. What’s more, sedation has been widely used in dentistry for decades, helping patients stay comfortable and relaxed throughout their care.
Before recommending any type of anesthesia or sedation, Dr. Kang reviews your medical history to ensure the type he recommends is safe for you. And of course, you’re monitored throughout your treatment, so you can feel confident about your care.
For years, laughing gas was the primary sedation method offered at dentist offices. But today, there are lots of options ranging from more mild sedatives that provide gentle relaxation to deeper sedation designed for more complex or longer treatments. Dr. Kang will recommend a method specifically for you based on your treatment, your concerns, your medical history, and other factors.
Dental anesthesia is widely used for adult patients, but it’s also routinely used with children. In fact, sedation helps relieve the nervousness and anxiety that many kids feel when they visit the dentist. If your child has dental anxiety, mild sedation can help them relax, and that could mean they’ll be more likely to maintain oral care as adults too.
Dental anesthesia helps many patients feel comfortable and relaxed during all sorts of dental procedures, but it’s also a great solution for patients with dental anxiety. If you’re nervous about an upcoming treatment, sedation may be all you need to overcome your anxiety and finally get the care you need to enjoy better oral health.
While dental anesthesia is generally safe for kids and adults, not everyone is an ideal candidate. Some chronic and acute medical conditions could prevent you from having certain types of sedation. During your consultation, Dr. Kang will review your medical history to identify any issues that could affect your ability to have specific types of sedation.
Although deeper types of sedation can leave you feeling a little groggy immediately after your procedure, it doesn’t take long for the effects of any type of sedation to wear off. Still, it’s important to have someone available to drive you home if you plan on having sedation during your office visit.
If you have a complex procedure coming up or if you suffer from dental anxiety, sedation can help. To find out more about the many options we offer, book an appointment with Dr. Kang online or over the phone today.
