Sedation Dentistry: Who Is a Good Candidate for It?

August 22, 2025

a dental patient smiling during his checkup

While scheduling regular dental care is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile, you might find your visits nerve-wracking or uncomfortable. Whatever your reason is for avoiding visits to your dentist, you might be able to feel more at ease with sedation dentistry. Keep reading to learn how you might be a good candidate for this kind of treatment.

You Struggle with Dental Fear or Anxiety

If you’ve become nervous or mildly afraid of going to the dentist’s office due to past trauma or a negative experience, then sedation dentistry might be an invaluable option for you. By using “laughing gas” or taking a sedative, you’ll be able to go through your visit much more easily. The medication is designed to calm your nerves, allowing you to relax and feel almost euphoric during your appointment.

You Require Extensive or Complex Treatment

Do you need to undergo a lengthy dental procedure? Are there multiple steps involved in your treatment? If so, sedation dentistry is a useful tool that allows you to remain relaxed and comfortable during complex care, such as with dental implants or root canals. Your dentist and team will be able to also perform multiple steps much more swiftly and efficiently since you’ll be calm throughout the entire visit, which means you’ll be less likely to require more than one visit to complete your treatment.

Dental Visits Are Uncomfortable for You

Many patients experience trouble with their gag reflex, while some have medical conditions that make it difficult to sit still during appointments. Sedation dentistry can help with these kinds of issues, making your visits easier to undergo. With this medication, you can make your gag reflex less sensitive while also reducing your body’s ability to register pain.

Sedation Dentistry Isn’t High-Risk for You

Although dental sedation is quite helpful for patients, not everyone will be eligible for this treatment. Those who are pregnant or have other risk factors might be able to take the sedative. That’s why your team will discuss your medical history before starting your procedure, so that they can determine if this form of dentistry is right for you.

Getting the dental care you need shouldn’t be an uncomfortable or scary experience. Speak with your dentist about sedation dentistry, and they’ll be glad to walk you through their different options.

About the Practice

At Distinctive Smiles, our dental team wants to ensure that patients receive the comprehensive care they deserve while being as comfortable as possible throughout their visit. That’s why we utilize modern techniques and technology to help you stay relaxed, including methods like nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. If you wish to learn more about our options before coming in for your visit, click here or give our office a call at 614-792-1800.