Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is becoming much more common practice in the dental industry than it used to be. Many dentists and oral surgeons are recognizing the benefits of using sedation dentistry during treatment, because it allows the patient to relax while treatment is performed.

If you suffer from any of the following complications when going to the dentist, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry, to ensure that you get the dental treatment that you need.

• A general fear of the dentists' office
• Previous traumatic experiences during dental procedures
• Excessive dental problems, which require lengthy dental procedures (may include dental implants, porcelain veneers, TMJ treatment, or other cosmetic dentistry treatments)
• Have not been to the dentist in many years
• Excessive gag reflex which causes difficulty during procedures
• Stress and anxiety disorders
• You suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from being able to control your movements, such as Tourette syndrome, Parkinsons, or cerebral palsy

Unfortunately, even if you experience one of the above conditions, sedation dentistry may not be an option for you. There are certain medical conditions that will prevent sedation from being an option. If you have previously experienced negative reactions to sedation medicine, sedation dentistry may not be an option. Additionally, if you are taking certain medications, you may not be able to be sedated, due to a possible interaction between your medicine and the sedative.

For the most part, sedation dentistry is only available to adults that are in generally good health, with no health concerns and no medical complications. Sedation is not generally administered to children, however in cases where it is absolutely necessary for treatment to be administered, you may be directed to a pediatric dentist that specializes and has experience in administering sedatives to children.

There are many different forms of sedation available, so there may be one that will work great for you, even if you have a condition that you think may prevent you from being able to be sedated. Talk with your cosmetic dentist or oral surgeon, and let them determine whether or not they feel you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry, and could benefit from the procedure.