Is Dental Sedation Safe?

Sometimes people wonder whether dental sedation is safe. The answer is yes, it’s very safe. As with any drug, however, there are risks associated with it. A perfectly healthy person can have a poor reaction to any drug, no matter how benign. However, when administered properly and to an age-appropriate patient, dental sedation is extremely safe. The following article discusses dental sedation in more detail:

Sedation options range from general sedation, to IV sedation, oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, and a variety of other modalities that are less commonly used. Sedation is often used in dentistry to help fearful patients complete procedures in a relaxed state without anxiety. It can also make surgery easier to perform because patients are much less likely to move at an inopportune moment, which can make the procedure more challenging.

One of the most common techniques utilized by dentists all over the country is oral conscious sedation. With oral conscious sedation, patients just take a safe little pill one hour before their appointment. This pill helps them to relax and eliminates their dental fear. Most patients snooze through the appointment, feel no discomfort, and have no memory of the procedures.

Many of these fearful patients begin chewing without pain and smiling with confidence for the first time in years. These benefits are often life-changing for people who have procrastinated getting their mouths healthy or enhancing their smiles. Sedation dentistry is even beneficial for patients who aren’t fearful, but would like to be more comfortable during lengthy dental procedures.

Of course, there are inherent risks with the use of any drug, so a careful consideration of one’s age and medical history is essential before utilizing any of these sedation techniques. Additionally, it is important for the dental team to discuss these issues thoroughly so that patients understand any potential drawbacks. However, when sedation is appropriate for a patient and it is administered properly, it is extremely safe.

Source: http://www.valpolife.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4495

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Be Glad for Our Country

The U.S. has been and continues to be the greatest Nation on earth. That’s evident in many different ways, including our dental health. Through years of education and being devoted to clean and healthy teeth, the U.S. population now avoids many problems that are commonplace in other parts of the world where poor awareness reigns supreme. One such place is Nigeria where people either don’t brush their teeth or use toothpaste that has no fluoride. This results in degenerative and rampant dental problems throughout the country. So be glad for our country and be glad you have the knowledge and resources to care for your body. The article states:

Speaking at the occasion, NDA, Lagos State branch chairperson Dr (Mrs.) Lateefah Lara Agbaje pointed out that lack of proper oral hygiene often results in mouth cancers eventually, noting that many Nigerians do not understand the need to brush their mouth both in the morning and last thing at night. Brushing regularly, she said, especially last thing at night takes care of residual bacteria in the mouth which when left unattended to results in various mouth infections.

The theme of the sensitization forum was Oral Ulcerations and Pre-cancerous Lessons and according to Dr. Agbaje; many Nigerians these days are coming down with oral cancers due to poor oral hygiene.

She emphasized that good oral health was very essential and should include daily use of toothpastes that contain fluouride.

“Fluoride is necessary to strengthen and protect the teeth, that is why we recommend that after brushing, do not rinse out all the paste from your mouth. Simply spitting out is enough. Do not use much water to rinse out, such that you retain some of the fluoride in your mouth to strengthen your teeth and gums,” she explained.

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