Sedation Dentistry Can Make Your Dental Visit More Comfortable

Let’s face it, not everyone looks forward to a dentist appointment. If your co-worker says they’re going to the dentist this week, they’re not usually jumping for joy when they mention it. That’s because, for many patients, the dentist’s office and many other medical practices have an aura of anxiety around them. If just the thought of a dental visit gives you jitters, know you’re not alone. One recent study shows that approximately 19% of the population has moderate to high dental anxiety. To help calm these nerves, Aspire Dental Group offers multiple types of sedation dentistry. This option can be extremely helpful for those who experience anxiety or fear when it comes to dental treatments.

Sedation Dentistry Explained

So, what is sedation dentistry? It’s a pre-procedure option that uses various medications to help patients with dental anxiety relax during a visit to the dentist. It also allows our staff to complete necessary dental procedures more safely, easily, and efficiently. Sedation dentistry can be so relaxing that some patients might even nap through their appointments—that’s OK! Our experienced and caring staff will complete your procedure while you sleep and gently wake you when it’s over.

Sedation dentistry is designed for patients who:

• Get extremely anxious before dental visits
• Suffer from trypanophobia (intense fear of needles in a medical setting)
• Have trouble sitting still in the dental chair
• Know they have a sensitive gag reflex
• Want a more comfortable dental experience during more lengthy or comprehensive treatments

What Are the Common Types of Sedation?

At Aspire Dental Group, we provide two main types of sedation:

1. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): This gas doesn’t necessarily make you laugh but rather helps you feel calm and happy. A small mask lets you breathe it in, and our trained staff will monitor your intake. Laughing gas is popular because the relaxed feeling fades quickly once your procedure is over. You can head straight back to your day-to-day activities and even drive yourself home!
2. Oral conscious sedation: This method involves taking a pill about an hour before your procedure. The medication we use is called Halcion®, which will cause you to relax and feel slightly drowsy. You may fall asleep, but if you stay awake, we’ll be able to speak to you and have conversations—you just won’t remember it afterward. Our professional and responsible staff will monitor your status during the procedure, ensuring your safety throughout the treatment. After the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home, as you’ll continue to feel the effects of the medication for a few hours.

“You know you went to the dentist, you just won’t remember the details.” – Dr. Rameek McNair, on oral conscious sedation

Benefits of Choosing Sedation

Sedation dentistry offers several benefits for both patients and dentists alike:

• Less stress: Sedation dentistry can significantly reduce anxiety for patients with dental fears, helping them feel more relaxed and at ease during their visits. This calming approach can transform a nerve-wracking experience into a peaceful one.
• Pain control: One of the primary benefits of sedation dentistry is its ability to help manage pain. Patients can undergo dental procedures without discomfort, ensuring a pain-free experience.
• More comfort: Sedation can also help patients disconnect from the typical dental environment—diminishing the impact of sights, sounds, and smells that might otherwise be uncomfortable or unsettling.
• Gag less: Sedation dentistry can help those who struggle with a sensitive gag reflex by relaxing it. This makes it easier for the dentist to work efficiently without causing discomfort to the patient.
• Time saving: Sedation often allows dentists to perform multiple procedures in fewer visits. This efficiency benefits both the patient and the dentist, reducing the overall time spent in the dental chair.
• Improved dental health: Sedation dentistry encourages individuals who might avoid dental visits to seek regular care. By making the dentist’s office less daunting, sedation helps maintain and improve oral health for many patients.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Safety is our top concern. When performed by experts like Dr. Harvey and Dr. McNair at Aspire Dental Group, Sedation dentistry is very safe. But it might not be for everyone. Obstacles like allergies, specific health issues, certain medications, or even being pregnant can affect if sedation is right for you. That’s why our knowledgeable staff will discuss your health and medications first. We make sure whatever option we choose is safe and will work best for you.

Have a More Relaxed Dental Experience

If you’ve been putting off a visit because of anxiety or if you’re curious about how sedation dentistry can make your dental experience smoother, now’s the time to reach out to us. Schedule a consultation today and discover how sedation dentistry can improve your dental visits. Your comfort, smile, and oral health are our top priority, and sedation dentistry can make the whole process go more smoothly.