Is Sedation Dental Care Really Safe?

I think a lot of people who are interested in sedation dental care are being held back because that question lingers at the back of their minds. The relative scarcity of Raleigh sedation dental care (or for matter, across the state of North Carolina) may be part of the reason that people don’t know that much about it. The odd thing, though, is that people are routinely sedated by physicians for procedures that are far less invasive than procedures often done in dentistry without using sedation. And yet, patients don’t usually question being sedated in those lesser circumstances.

Fortunately for residents of North Carolina, the State Board of Dental Examiners recently enacted new guidelines to help patients be assured that sedation dentistry is a safe option for them to use. The Board has put in place a rigorous certification process (July 2009), so that you can be assured that your dentist has the appropriate training. The new guidelines cover various levels of sedation, and ensure that your dentist also has the right type of equipment to monitor you while you’re undergoing sedation dental care. To put your mind fully at ease, you can always ask your dentist to show you his or her formal accreditation to provide sedation dental care, especially since the guidelines are relatively new in our state.

For the type of sedation dental care that lets you have more invasive or lengthy procedures performed comfortably, the level of accreditation is referred to as limited moderate conscious sedation dentistry, or oral conscious sedation dentistry. Some patients also need this level of sedation to be comfortable with lesser procedures, such as teeth cleanings or fillings.

If you still have questions or concerns, you may want to read our more detailed description of the new qualifications put in place by the Dental Board. Of course, Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry is happy to personally answer any questions you might have, too, whether you’re an existing patient or not. Learn more about how sedation dental care can free you from the anxiety or pain that might be standing in the way of your own or a family member’s good dental health.