An oral healthcare professional may use various sedation methods, ranging from minimal to general anesthesia, to ensure patient comfort and alleviate anxiety during procedures. For example, a patient undergoing a complex extraction or someone with dental phobia might require deeper sedation than a patient receiving a routine cleaning.
Sedation in dentistry plays a crucial role in making treatments accessible to a broader range of individuals. It allows patients with anxiety or fear of dental procedures to receive necessary care, often preventing the postponement or avoidance of treatment which can lead to more significant oral health problems. Historically, the development of effective and safe sedation techniques has significantly transformed the field of dentistry, enabling more complex and lengthy procedures to be performed with increased patient comfort and cooperation. This has expanded access to essential oral healthcare and improved overall well-being for many.