Do you find yourself constantly putting off or outright avoiding necessary trips to the dentist?
You are not alone! Fear and anxiety associated with trips to the dentist are quite common. Some patients have dental anxiety or mouth phobias that can keep them from getting their routine cleanings and examinations, while others may want to feel at ease during visits when they may be spending extensive time in the dental chair, such as appointments for smile restoration and full-mouth reconstruction.
At Kennebec Dental Excellence in Waterville, Maine, our team wants you to feel relaxed and comfortable at your appointment. We are pleased to offer sedation dentistry to help patients feel at ease and have a positive experience in the dentist’s chair.
The Consequences Of Missed Dental Appointments
Dentists like ours know that patients will often avoid trips to the dentist if they are fearful or experience anxiety about an upcoming visit. When this happens, there can be severe oral health consequences. If regular cleanings are missed, built-up plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach areas can lead to dental decay or gum disease. An essential part of a cleaning is the oral examination that is performed. This allows for the early detection of developing oral diseases, including cancer. Early detection is paramount to successful intervention. This makes it incredibly detrimental to miss out these visits. This is one scenario where sedation dentistry can help. When patients know they will be relaxed, they are less likely to miss these (and other) appointments.
What Is Sedation Dentistry, & How Does It Work?
Sedation dentistry is best described as a means of relaxing the patient through options like oral conscious sedation. Oral sedation is a prescription medication taken before a dental appointment.
This allows the doctors to perform treatment while the patient feels relaxed and rested. Patients must arrange transportation to and from the appointment and are welcome to talk to our team about what to expect on the day of their visit.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
While dental anxiety is a primary reason patients request relaxation options, our clinical team in Winslow, ME frequently recommends these methods for a variety of other situations. You might be an excellent candidate for oral conscious sedation if you experience any of the following challenges during your visits:
- A highly sensitive gag reflex that makes taking digital x-rays or physical impressions uncomfortable
- Difficulty keeping your jaw open for extended periods or conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder
- Extreme tooth sensitivity that is not fully alleviated by standard local anesthetics alone
- The need to complete multiple complex restorative treatments during a single, consolidated appointment
Your Safety & Monitoring Protocols
Your overall health and safety are always our top priorities when administering any form of relaxation medication. Before prescribing an oral sedative, Dr. Bue conducts a comprehensive review of your complete medical history, including any current prescription medications or underlying health conditions. Once you arrive at our practice in Winslow, ME for your appointment, you will be escorted to a quiet, comfortable treatment room. Throughout your entire procedure, our dedicated professionals will continuously monitor your vital signs, ensuring you remain in a safe, deeply relaxed state from start to finish. Because the effects of the medication linger for several hours, you will rest comfortably in our chair until your trusted driver is ready to take you home to fully recuperate. We recommend planning to spend the remainder of your day resting comfortably at home, allowing the sedative to completely wear off before resuming your normal daily activities.
Contact Us Or Schedule An Appointment Online!
It’s time to take care of your oral health. Give us a call today to discuss this reliable solution with our doctor. Our team doesn’t judge individuals who have dental anxiety; instead, we are here to help!
If you live in Winslow, ME; Augusta, ME; Belfast, ME; Bangor, ME; Portland, ME; Gardiner, ME; Waterville, ME; or the surrounding areas and want to learn more about sedation dentistry, contact us today! One of our friendly and knowledgeable team members is standing by to help.