Although we tend to associate sedation dentistry with people who have an overwhelming fear of the dentist, it can actually help people with sensitive gag reflexes, neurological disorders, TMJ disorder, and physical impairments receive comfortable dental treatment. In many instances, your dentist or specialist may recommend dental sedation for a complex procedure, even if you have no disabilities or outstanding anxiety issues. A few of those procedures include:
1. Placing Dental Implants
Dental implants offer so many great benefits because they are surgically inserted into the jaw bone to mimic the root of a human tooth. For this procedure, your periodontist or oral surgeon will likely suggest either oral conscious sedation or IV conscious sedation (although, in some cases, you may undergo general anesthesia, which renders you unconscious). Both of these sedation techniques allow the periodontist or oral surgeon to perform more complex, time-consuming dental implant procedures – like All-On-4 immediate implant dentures – in a single appointment, rather than having you return for multiple appointments.
2. Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Unless the patient has an outstanding anxiety or physical/neurological issue, simple wisdom tooth extractions are generally carried out using local anesthetic and nitrous oxide, which induces a mild state of relaxation. However, impacted wisdom teeth are still partially or fully embedded in the gum tissue or the jaw bone and will require surgical extraction. IV and oral sedation provide safe, effective ways for you to remain deeply relaxed and at ease throughout the procedure.
3. Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease
If your dentist diagnoses you with gum disease, he will probably refer you to a periodontist for a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. As the name implies, this two-part procedure involves cleaning the area below the gum line to eradicate plaque colonies and infected or inflamed tissue and then smoothing the surface of the roots to discourage plaque buildup in the future. Deep cleanings are a reliable, non-surgical way to treat gum disease but, unfortunately, they’re not a particularly comfortable procedure. Many periodontists actually recommend dental sedation for patient undergoing a deep cleaning because:
- It allows the patient to remain calm and comfortable.
- Since the patient isn’t squirming or fidgeting, he can perform a more accurate, efficient cleaning.
About Dr. Marco Cueva
Marco Cueva, DDS, MS is a board-certified periodontist with extensive training and experience providing a variety of sleep apnea treatment options, including oral appliances and surgical solutions. New patients can schedule an appointment with Periodontic Excellence at our Allen, TX dental office by calling 972-390-9944.
