If it's difficult for you to imagine a trip to the dentist that's relaxing and pain-free, sedation dentistry might help change your mind. It's often called "sleep dentistry" or "relaxing dentistry" because the purpose is to help you feel at ease while the dentist provides needed dental care.

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Dental anxiety keeps millions of patients away from the dentist every year. What many people don't know is that sedative dentistry can help ease dental fears and anxieties by helping you to feel relaxed during procedures. Sedative dentistry is also helpful for people who:

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> Have a low tolerance for pain

> Have very sensitive teeth

> Have a bad gag reflex

> Can't sit still in the dentist's chair

> Need a large amount of dental work done at once

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What makes sedative dentistry so ideal is that it virtually eliminates the pain associated with dental procedures. Some forms don't even involve needles!

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Sedative dentistry consists of several different techniques, including oral sedation dentistry and IV sedation dentistry, which leave you mildly relaxed but conscious and aware of your surroundings.