For some people, the fear of the dentist can be enough to stop you going. While this might be suitable for some months, long-term it can have some severe effects on your oral health. Most dentists recommend having a check-up at least twice a year, and this gives ample time to pick up any problems that could turn into more significant issues without treatment. If you aren’t attending twice-yearly appointments, those small, niggly irritants are bound to grow exponentially bigger.

If you’re one of the one in six Australian adults who suffer from dental anxiety, then sleep dentistry or sedation dentistry, could be for you. Your dentist will put you under a general anaesthetic while they complete your dental work, and you can wake up having never felt any pain or experienced any anxiety. If you believe sleep dentistry could be for you, read on for the many benefits.

1. The dentist can complete the work quicker
If you’re particularly anxious about seeing a dentist, the entire process can take longer. Your dentist checks on how you’re feeling, takes breaks when you need it, and tries to make the process as relaxing as possible. However, if you’re anxious, you may also be prone to fidgeting, and this too can draw out the process. By opting for sedation, your dentist can make quick work of your dental procedure, allowing you to be out and on your way in no time.

2. You don’t feel pain
Aside from caring for your teeth, a dentist’s job is to help you feel as relaxed, with as minimal pain, as possible. With most dental work, however, there can be discomfort felt in both your teeth and gums and no matter how minimal, some people prefer not to feel it at all. From the most straightforward procedure to the most complex, you will feel no pain while you are sedated.

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Sleep dentistry, or sedation dentistry, is when your dentist administers drugs to make you relaxed or asleep for your dental care. They may offer nitrous oxide to relax you, or oral sedatives to make you less anxious. If you would prefer to go to sleep completely, an IV drug can put you into a deep sleep.

Dental O So Gentle advise that sleep dentistry is not right for everyone, but it could be right for you. Read on to discover the many reasons why some people prefer this method for oral care.

You Have a Phobia

Dental phobias are more common than you think, with at least 20 percent of Australians putting off a dentist visit due to fear. As many as 85 percent of people also feel nervous or anxious before their dental check-up. If you have a genuine phobia or anxiety of the dentist, then sleep dentistry could be for you. Talk to your local dentist about the best way to approach your next check-up.

You’ve Had Past Bad Experiences

Unfortunately, accidents can happen. These may not only be traumatic at the time but make you less likely to see your dentist in the future. If you’re experiencing anxiety at the very thought of going for a check-up, then sleep dentistry may be for you. Your dentist might recommend nitrous oxide or an oral sedative to keep you calm.

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