In today’s busy dental practices, where general dentists are doing more complex treatment cases, it is more important than ever that dental teams are aware of how the practice makes treatment not only affordable but as comfortable as possible for the patient. In order to do this, team members must understand and explain in detail the benefits of such procedures. For example, sedation dentistry is a popular way to treat patients and may be a covered benefit with dental benefit carriers when major dental procedures are performed.
There are many advantages to the patient and to the dental team for performing sedation dentistry. For dentists, they can control patient movement and cooperation while in the dental chair. For patients, the use of sedation dentistry is an excellent way to provide necessary dental treatment without the anxiety of sitting in the dental chair awake with their mouth open for a seemingly endless amount of time. And for some patients, it has the added benefit of being better for their health.
So how can the dental team help explain the benefits of sedation dentistry? After the dentist explains treatment and that he/she can or will be using sedation during the procedure, the treatment coordinator reviews the treatment and associated fees. This is typically when the patient questions the need to be sedated. However, when the patient questions these fees, we can address their concerns by telling them the very real benefits of sedation dentistry.
These benefits include:
- Less emotional and physical stress
- Increased comfort
- Reduced gag reflex
- Little to no memory of the treatment
- Time saving – fewer appointments needed
Explaining the benefits of sedation dentistry to alleviate the patient’s fear of dentistry is a great way to help the patient understand why the dentist makes this option available to them. It is yet another way that we can provide excellent customer service to our patients while taking care of their dental needs.
This is a really helpful article about the benefits of sedation dentistry. I like that it dramatically decreases emotional and physical stress. I have anxiety when I go to the dentist, so if I have to have any major work done that will take a long time, I think sedation is the way to go.
Wendy,
Thank you for your feedback. I am so glad that you found this article helpful. There are many ways that the front office team can help the patient understand treatment, and the more the patient understands the more likely they are to schedule. It’s a win/win!
I was always anxious to go to the dentist as a kid and I figured it would ware off as I got older, but that hasn’t been the case. I really like the idea of being sedated during visits because like you pointed out, it will make the patient more comfortable. I have also never thought about the fact that it probably makes it easier for the dentist as well because he doesn’t have to worry about how you may act out if you are feeling anxious. I will have to look into a place near me that does this, thanks for sharing!
Well said, Jen. Thanks for reading and commenting! This site has a super easy feature at the top, where you can plug in your zip code and it automatically lists all the practices in your area that offer sedation services – might be a great resource for you! http://www.sedationcare.com
I think sedation would be a great way to not having to deal with the anxiety of being at the dentist. I also agree that with the patient being sedated, the dentist would be able to perform the operation much more quickly. I know I don’t like having to spend more time at any Dr. office than I have to.
Thanks for explaining the benefits of sedation dentistry. I didn’t realize that it made the work easier for the dentist to have the client under sedation. I like that it is mutually beneficial. I will have to ask about sedation dentistry next time I see the dentist. Thanks for the help!
I was put under when I got my wisdom teeth out, and that was the only time. I’m not going to lie, it was pretty awesome. I guess I was pretty funny too, when I was coming out of it. I’ve had plenty of dental procedures done, and it’s nice to not remember getting my wisdom teeth out.
I really like that sedation dentistry can help with your physical and emotional stress. I know that when I visit the doctor I tend to get a lot of anxiety and it can be pretty tough on me. I’ll have to talk to a dentist and see if sedation is an option for me. Thanks for the info!