Sedation dentistry uses either oral or IV sedation to produce a relaxing and anxiety-free dental experience. The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation estimates that approximately 30% of the population avoids either going to the dentist or getting a long procedure done because of dental phobia. This fear prevents people from receiving regular, routine dental care and can put the health and functionality of their mouth and smile at risk.

IV sedation dentistry is often only considered when people are getting impacted wisdom teeth removed. For people who have a significant fear of the dentist or are going to have a long and possibly painful dental procedure done, IV sedation dentistry can be a great benefit. You want to be sure that your dentist is certified in IV sedation before considering it for a procedure. Your dentist is the best person to discuss IV sedation dentistry with, since only your dentist knows your specific situation. If you want to consider IV sedation dentistry but your dentist is not certified or able to provide it, ask him for a referral to another dentist who is.

Oral sedation dentistry is the most common sedation dentistry technique in the US. Your dentist may recommend either a pill, such as a tranquilizer or anti-anxiety medication, or nitrous oxide to help you relax and raise your pain threshold. Local anesthetics may still used to block the pain from the affected teeth and tissues temporarily. These oral medications will help you maintain a very relaxed state of mind but still be conscious for safety and cooperation.

The biggest benefit of sedation dentistry is that it helps patients relax and can make a lengthy dental procedure seem like it only took minutes. With about 30% of the population suffering from some level of dental phobia, sedation dentistry can help these people receive routine dental care as well as lengthy dental procedures.