How Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Keep Dental Anxiety Away

A study published by the US National Library of Medicine reveals that approximately 36% of Americans suffer from dental anxiety, while an estimated 12% suffer from severe anxiety. This means that millions of Americans are ready to suffer through major dental issues rather than consult a dentist. 

If you’re one of them, our dentist, Dr. Jason Lemmon at Picacho Family Dental in Yuma, Arizona, has the solution you need: sedation dentistry. 

With board certification and years of experience treating patients with anxiety, Dr. Lemmon can offer you the important dental treatments and procedures you need while keeping you calm. 

Let’s explore what sedation dentistry is all about.

Sedation Dentistry - What Is It?

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedatives to keep you calm and comfortable when receiving oral care treatments or undergoing dental procedures. 

Here are some examples of cases when sedation dentistry is needed:

• You have a low threshold for pain
• You need extensive oral treatment
• You can’t stay still in a dentist’s chair
• You have a bad gag reflex
• You have extremely sensitive teeth

What Are the Different Types of Dental Sedation?

The types of dental sedation Dr. Lemmon most commonly uses at Picacho Family Dentistry are:

• IV Sedation 

As the name implies, for this type of sedation, Dr. Lemmon uses an IV to relax the patient. With IV sedation, you are conscious but not aware of your surroundings.

• Laughing Gas 

Otherwise known as nitrous oxide, to induce this type of sedation, Dr. Lemmon will place an apparatus over your nose and mouth to help you breathe the gas in. 

• Oral Sedation

In this case, you will be given oral medication to ingest prior to the dental procedure.

• Anesthesia

Anesthesia is the most potent form of sedation. When you are given anesthesia, you are completely unconscious.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Yes, sedation dentistry is safe as long as sedation is administered by certified medical professionals with years of training and expertise, like Dr. Lemmon.

Sedation dentistry is approved by the American Dental Association as an efficient way to treat people with dental anxiety. 

To know more about sedation dentistry, get in touch with Picacho Family Dentistry. Call us at (928) 344-3177, schedule an appointment online, or walk into our office at 3325 S Ave 8 E Suite 4, Yuma, AZ 85365.