Does the prospect of visiting your dentist in Newington make you a little nervous? Or do you even feel paralyzed by fear? You are far from alone — many individuals experience some form of dental anxiety. We understand that, which is why we always go the extra mile to make our patients feel welcome. In some cases, though, a caring atmosphere is not enough to soothe anxiety. Therefore, we offer a few sedation dentistry options, including both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. They provide a safe and effective way for you to breeze through your next dental treatment.
Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas” is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet taste that we administer through a nasal mask. As soon as you breathe it in, it begins to produce a relaxed, somewhat giddy feeling. It is easy for us to adjust your nitrous oxide levels throughout your procedure so you remain calm. After your treatment is over and we remove your mask, the nitrous oxide will wear off very quickly. In fact, you will even be able to drive yourself home from your appointment.
If you opt for oral conscious sedation, you will swallow a pill shortly before your treatment begins. As the pill takes effect, you will begin to feel very calm and relaxed. It is unlikely you will fall asleep, but if you do, we can easily awaken you with a gentle shake. You will still be able to respond to any questions we may ask you during your procedure.
Oral conscious sedation is quite powerful, and its effects can linger for some time. That is why you must have a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your appointment. In some cases, oral conscious sedation stops patients from remembering their procedure.
Most patients with dental anxiety are candidates for sedation dentistry. Sedation may also be right for you if you have physical limitations that make it uncomfortable for you to sit still for long periods of time. We often recommend sedation for individuals who are undergoing multiple procedures at once. Your comfort is one of our top priorities, so if you are interested in sedation dentistry, do not hesitate to speak up!
During your consultation, it is important that you are forthright with us about any medical conditions you have. We want to help you choose a form of sedation that will be effective and safe for you.
To learn more about sedation dentistry and how we may be able to use it to help you, contact Family Dental Practice of Newington today.