Do I Need Sedation During Cosmetic Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry has a tendency to get mixed up with anesthesia, and it’s easy to see why. When a dentist in Westwood, KS might recommend anything from laughing gas to oral pills, lines get blurred quickly. Here, we’ll look at how sedation applies specifically to cosmetic dentistry, and how you can leverage this branch of dentistry to get the smile you want.

Sedation in Cosmetic Dentistry

Sedation is not usually necessary in cosmetic dentistry. In fact, as the term applies in the industry, it’s not usually necessary at all. While you may need local or even general anesthesia for so-called cosmetic services, like dental implants, sedation typically refers to methods that dentists can use to reduce the anxiety and fear of their patients. For example, an anti-anxiety pill before placing veneers or administer nitrous oxide to enhance a patient’s comfort.

Why Get Sedation in Cosmetic Services?

Sedation in Westwood, KS is highly recommended if you have a phobia or fear of the dentist. Many cosmetic services, like teeth whitening, are relatively low-effort services, with no pain or downtime afterward. However, there are plenty of people who find it difficult to sit in a chair for any length of time and surrender their sense of control. In that case, sedation can be the best (only) way to revamp your smile and take a little more pride in your appearance.

At NKC Dental, we know that there’s no shame in requesting help, especially if the alternative is ignoring the dentist altogether. Here, we’ve seen how cosmetic services often serve as the first step down the road toward better oral health, giving patients renewed interest in their teeth and gums that can last a lifetime.