For some people, the fear of the dentist can be enough to stop you going. While this might be suitable for some months, long-term it can have some severe effects on your oral health. Most dentists recommend having a check-up at least twice a year, and this gives ample time to pick up any problems that could turn into more significant issues without treatment. If you aren’t attending twice-yearly appointments, those small, niggly irritants are bound to grow exponentially bigger.

If you’re one of the one in six Australian adults who suffer from dental anxiety, then sleep dentistry or sedation dentistry, could be for you. Your dentist will put you under a general anaesthetic while they complete your dental work, and you can wake up having never felt any pain or experienced any anxiety. If you believe sleep dentistry could be for you, read on for the many benefits.

1. The dentist can complete the work quicker
If you’re particularly anxious about seeing a dentist, the entire process can take longer. Your dentist checks on how you’re feeling, takes breaks when you need it, and tries to make the process as relaxing as possible. However, if you’re anxious, you may also be prone to fidgeting, and this too can draw out the process. By opting for sedation, your dentist can make quick work of your dental procedure, allowing you to be out and on your way in no time.

2. You don’t feel pain
Aside from caring for your teeth, a dentist’s job is to help you feel as relaxed, with as minimal pain, as possible. With most dental work, however, there can be discomfort felt in both your teeth and gums and no matter how minimal, some people prefer not to feel it at all. From the most straightforward procedure to the most complex, you will feel no pain while you are sedated.

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