Does the thought of going to the dentist make you feel anxious or nervous? These feelings are very common, approximately 75% of the population reports feeling nervous with the thought of a dental appointment. There are some people, approximately 10-15% of the population reported, that have higher levels of anxiety, fear and phobia of the dentist. These patients often actively avoid dental care unless absolutely necessary, putting their mouth and their health at risk. Sedation dentistry offers a solution to restore dental health. If you have previously had a bad experience at the dentist, have severe gag reflex, have difficulty getting numb, require complex care, or have a dental phobia you may benefit from our sedation dentistry options!
Customized for care and comfort
Levels of sedation are personalized and tailored to each patient’s desires and health. Possible options for sedation include nitrous oxide (commonly referred to as laughing gas), oral sedation or IV sedation.
Nitrous Oxide is a light anxiolytic and is administered through a small mask fitting over the patient’s nose. Gas is inhaled and takes effect quickly and is also eliminated from the body at the completion of treatment. This option generally helps patients relax during dental appointments and help the time seem to go by faster. In this form of sedation you are safe to drive yourself home after the appointment.
Oral Sedation is a pill form of sedation. This is administered an hour before the procedure and is adjusted throughout the procedure according to your needs. In this sedation you will be continuously monitored through the appointment. Oral sedation is a conscious sedation where you will feel deeply relaxed but remain conscious and able to respond during the procedure, but afterwards generally will not remember much. For this sedation you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
IV Sedation is achieved at our office with a dental anesthesiologist. Throughout the procedure you will be asleep and the anesthesiologist will be monitoring your sedation and health. IV sedation is for more profound sedation, with this option you will be asleep for the entire procedure. It is a good fit for people who have severe dental phobias, special needs patients or very young children. This is the deepest offered sedation and requires someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Sedation dentistry gives options for compassionate dental care for every level of anxiety and fear. If you have any questions or are interested in more information about sedation dentistry contact us today, we are happy to answer your questions and meet your needs.