Dental fear is one of the main reasons patients avoid the dentist. It can leave many conditions untreated and ultimately have irreversible consequences. Sedation dentistry is focused on creating a solution, and the staff at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage want to explain its benefits. This option is perfect for patients with a dental phobia and will ensure they get the treatment they need on a regular basis.

What Is Conscious Sedation?

Basic dental care doesn’t merit high-impact anesthesia. Exams and even cavities can usually be handled with nothing more than a local anesthetic. However, this isn’t enough for many patients. Rather than putting them completely to sleep, conscious sedation dentistry focuses on reaching a middle-ground. Using light anesthesia, an oral surgeon will put patients in a deeply relaxed state where they’re fully conscious, but certain areas of their mouths are numb. During basic dental treatments, patients should also ask and answer questions. This dialogue has a profound effect on treatment and long-term care. Sedation dentistry allows them to remain cogent enough to still speak with their dentist or oral surgeon without succumbing to their normal fears.

How Is It Administered?

Conscious sedation can be induced several ways. The easiest is inhalation—sometimes known as laughing gas—and is best for light sedation used in basic dental exams. For more extensive procedures or for patients with extreme phobias, oral medications can be taken several hours before their appointment. Lasting side-effects will require a longer recovery, however. IV sedation is the best way to receive immediate effects, though, it is usually reserved for surgeries.

If you suffer from severe dental phobias, the benefits of conscious sedation dentistry may be perfect for you. Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska offers comprehensive sedation options and will ensure you achieve an optimal level of comfort. Call (907) 561-1430 today to schedule an appointment, and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their services.