Can I have Dental Sedation? | Dental Treatment Guide


The categories which may exclude you from being sedated during dentistry vary with the different kinds of dental sedation. However, there are also variations in which dentists or dental practices are allowed to administer sedatives. Some dental practices may not have the right facilities, equipment or licenses which would allow them to practice dental sedation.

There are several reasons why you may want to be sedated during a dental visit or procedure. Some dental procedures such as tooth removals or root canal operations can be very painful. Sedation will reduce the amount of pain which you feel while undergoing these procedures or similar ones. Another form of pain prevention often used by dentists is local anaesthetic, which numbs the area where the procedure is taking place.

However, a fear of needles can make having a local anaesthetic a traumatic experience for you. This is especially true when the needle which administers the anaesthetic is placed inside your mouth (an area which is especially sensitive to pain), as many people feel vulnerable when in the dentist's chair. If you have a fear of needles then this will make you a suitable candidate for dental sedation. Sedation will help you to remain calm and cooperative if an injection has to be administered.

Another phobia which often interferes with effective dental healthcare is a fear of dentistry. This fear can be traced back to a traumatic experience with a dentist or during a dental operation, or it can occur because you feel especially vulnerable while having medical procedures or examinations carried out inside your mouth. Dental sedation can help to relax you when you are with your dentist, helping the procedure or examination to progress well and ultimately benefiting your general health. Sedation can also help to build up positive experiences and memories of dental work, which can outweigh any previous traumatic experiences. In this way, dental sedation may help you to overcome your dental anxiety.

Other factors which may make you suitable for dental sedation are if you:

  • Are embarrassed about your mouth, gums or teeth. This may be because you think they are unsightly, or because you feel that your oral health is in an especially bad state.
  • Are unable to or do not want to have forms of anaesthetic or other alternatives to sedation.
  • Have difficulty feeling the effects of anaesthetics and alternatives to sedation.
  • Need especially complex or major dental work to be undertaken on your mouth, gums or teeth.
  • Are having cosmetic or reconstructive dentistry undertaken.
  • Have sensitive teeth or gums, making it more likely that you will

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