If you have a difficult time relaxing at the dentist, you’re not alone. Millions of adults struggle with dental anxiety or other concerns that make going to the dentist almost impossible. Our team encourages you to not skip your dental appointments and instead choose to receive calming sedation dentistry at your visit.
Who Benefits from Sedation?
- Dental anxiety or bad past dental experiences
- Dislike the sounds and smells of the dentist office
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Need lengthy or complex dental treatment
- Have sensitive teeth or a sensitive gag reflex
Sedation for Every Type of Patient
Nitrous Oxide
Alternately known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide provides relaxing effects when breathed through your nose. Nitrous puts you into a euphoric and calm state that helps to ease anxiety or restlessness. This is the mildest form of sedation and has no aftereffects, so you’ll be able to drive yourself home after your appointment.
Oral Sedation
Taken by mouth a few hours before your appointment, oral sedation is an anti-anxiety medication that puts you into a very calm state. While the effects last, you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed and won’t be anxious about what is happening around you. Oral medication may last longer than your appointment, so it’s advised that you have someone drive you home afterward.
IV Sedation
Administered intravenously, IV sedation is highly customizable and highly effective at easing discomforts associated with dental appointments. Many patients fall into a light sleep during their visit though they will always be awake enough to respond to verbal commands. If you have more severe anxiety or do not want to remember your appointment, IV sedation is ideal for you.
General Anesthesia
Only reserved for highly complex dental surgeries and those with dental phobia, general anesthesia is medically controlled unconsciousness. Often, patients needing this form of anesthesia receive treatment in a hospital setting, unless the dentist office has a fully equipped surgical suite. An anesthesiologist will be at your appointment to monitor all your vitals during your procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you home and a few days of rest to fully recover after your treatment.
Schedule Your Appointment
Think sedation dentistry can benefit you? Schedule your appointment with our office and learn which option is best for you.
