A Patient’s Guide to Comfortable Dentistry

Dentists checking the patient

Everyone deserves a beautiful and healthy smile, but not everyone is willing to go to a dentist’s office to get it. Quite often, dental-related anxieties prevent people from taking care of their oral health. But dental check-ups and treatments don’t have to be uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing. Look for a dentist in Renton, WA who is committed to providing a comfortable, pain-free experience for patients, such as through the use of sedation dentistry.

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

Dentists can use FDA-approved medications that allow patients to fully relax in the treatment room. In some cases, this medicine is administered intravenously. Although the patient will become very relaxed—and probably won’t remember much of the appointment—this medicine does not induce unconsciousness. In other words, if you choose to be sedated, you won’t be forced to fall asleep, although you may become sleepy. This medication does not take the place of an anesthetic. Your dentist will still apply localized numbing medications to the area that is being treated.

Deciding If Sedation Dentistry Is Right for You

Many people are good candidates for comfortable dentistry with sedation, but it’s always best to disclose your full medical history before you have it. This helps prevent any medical problems. For instance, you should inform the technician if you:

Have any allergies
Are pregnant or might be pregnant
Are breastfeeding
Have liver or kidney disease
Have respiratory disorders
Have diabetes
Are taking any medications, both prescribed and otherwise

If a dentist agrees that it’s safe for you to have oral conscious sedation, you can look forward to getting a beautiful, healthy smile without any discomfort or anxiety. Every patient should be free to access comfortable dentistry services, without experiencing the anxiety associated with:

The noise of drills and other equipment
The discomfort of needles and injections
The odors and tastes that accompany dental work

Getting Ready for Your Appointment

In addition to discussing your medical history with the dentist, there are a few things you should do to prepare for your appointment. Since the effects of sedation can linger for hours, you’ll need to have a responsible adult bring you to the office and take you back home. This person should also plan to stay with you for the rest of the day. If you’re having extensive dental treatment, it’s a good idea to ask about the recovery process.