Is sedation dentistry safe if I’m a coward at the dentist?

I am a coward at the dentist and I have a low tolerance for pain. I know I need sedation but I’m concerned about the safety. A normal person would be numbed with local anesthetic, but it doesn’t work for me. My dentist has tried numbing me 2 hours before my appointment but it has no effect. It’s as if nothing was done at all. He isn’t a gentle dentist either. So I’ve put off any serious dental work. Within the past two weeks I received a postcard in the mail from a nearby dental office. It’s a husband and wife team that practices sedation dentistry. Is this really a safe alternative? Is there any way to tell whether or not it would work on me before the dentist starts drilling in my mouth? Thanks Lizzy

Lizzy – Your case is not unusual.  Millions of Americans have dental anxiety or dental phobia and consider themselves to be dental cowards. It helps to have a gentle dentist, but sometimes that isn’t enough. When the anxiety is high enough, local anesthetic either wears off very quickly or doesn’t work at all. Sedation dentistry is a safe alternative.

Conscious oral sedation uses common anti-anxiety medication to relax you. You’ll still be conscious and have your reflexes, and your vital signs will be monitored. But you’ll be completely relaxed. Some dentists use nitrous oxide to calm the patient so that the local anesthetic will be effective. Remember sedation is not local anesthetic, but it helps you relax so that the anesthetic will work. It can also help you experience less sensitivity to pain.

Sedation Dentistry Is Safe

Sedation dentistry is safer and less expensive than general anesthesia. It helps you to have a pleasant dental experience, and it’s likely that you won’t recall what happened during the appointment. It is safe. Your medical and prescription history is reviewed to determine if you are a candidate for it. During your dental procedure, your vital signs are monitored.

You can find a gentle dentist who enjoys treating fearful and anxious patients. It’s important that you get the treatment you need, so that you can maintain good oral health. Sedation dentistry can help.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.