4 Myths About Sedation Dentistry

4 Myths About Sedation Dentistry

If you are one of the 36% of people who suffer from dental anxiety, then just the mere thought of a visit to the dentist can make your heart sink to the bottom of your stomach. Unfortunately, this fear is the reason so many people avoid treating their dental issues or seeing their dentists for preventive oral care. And, in the long run, this behavior can only lead to more problems and complications that will require extensive visits and costly procedures. 

There is a solution, though. 

At Skylyn Dental Associates in Spartanburg, we want to help our patients overcome their fear and get the treatment they need. That’s why we offer sedation options for those who are either too scared to go to the dentist or who may suffer from certain conditions that prevent them from getting proper dental care. We also want to educate people about what sedation dentistry is and the myths they should stop believing. 

Here are some of the most common myths about sedation dentistry. 

1. Only Complicated Medical Procedures Require Sedation

Complicated medical interventions indeed require sedation, but this does not mean that the other less complex procedures do not benefit from sedation. At the office of Dr. Paul Gibas, any patient who suffers from anxiety when visiting the dentist's office can benefit from sedation dentistry to help them calm their nerves. 

2. There Is Only One Type of Sedation Dentistry

Many people believe that there is only one method of sedation, but they are wrong.

There are a variety of methods, such as:

  • Oral sedation
  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) 
  • IV sedation
  • General anesthesia

The first two on the list are generally used during simpler procedures, while the other two are used for more complicated medical interventions.

3. Sedation Dentistry Is Not Safe

Indeed, some people are not perfect candidates to be sedated during a dental procedure, but for the vast majority, this is simply not true.

Laughing gas, for example, is a method of sedation that poses no risk to most people and is even safe for children. 

There is a method of sedation that is compatible for each patient depending on their needs, and your doctor will make sure that they find the right one for you. 

4. Anyone Can Get Sedation Dentistry

As we mentioned before, sedation dentistry is generally safe for most people.

However, there are some cases where sedation is not a valid option, like when:

  • The patient is pregnant
  • The patient is allergic to the anesthetic used
  • The patient suffers from other medical conditions that may worsen if sedated

Fortunately, due to the variety of sedation options, even in these situations there is a chance that the patient will find a method of sedation that is compatible with their needs.

A Calm and Safe Environment at Skylyn Dental Associates

If you want to learn more useful information about sedation dentistry and how it can help you get the treatment you need, at Skylyn Dental Associates we are happy to help you. If you want to get dental treatment in a calm and relaxing environment in Spartanburg, contact us to schedule your appointment today.

4 Myths About Sedation Dentistry