Get Ready For Worry-free Dental Visits

Sedation dentistry is used to treat patients who experience dental anxiety, dental phobia, or who have a sensitive gag reflex. It’s also used to allow the patient to undergo lengthy dental procedures without becoming restless or uncomfortable.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself when considering the treatment:

• Are you afraid of needles?
• Do you have difficulty getting numb?
• Do you have anxiety about visiting the dentist?
• Do you want to be asleep for your entire visit?
• Are your teeth sensitive to touch?

There are many levels of sedation available, and which one is best for you depends on your individual oral needs. A dentist can discuss all of these options with you so that you can determine which one will work best for you.

The most common options are:

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one of the safest and most common sedatives used in dentistry. About 40 percent of U.S. dentists use nitrous oxide. This sedative delivers almost instantaneous results.

With the use of nitrous oxide, patients feel a deep sense of relaxation. It can also help lessen anxiety and discomfort during a dental procedure.

While nitrous oxide can create a sense of euphoria in some patients, others may experience nausea, headaches, and dizziness. In most cases, these effects tend to wear off as soon as the patient leaves the office.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill about an hour before your visit. The pill will make you feel drowsy and relaxed, but not in a deep, unconscious sleep. You will still be conscious and responsive. Most patients don’t feel the pill’s effects until they arrive at our office. This makes it an ideal sedation option if you often suffer from anxiety, fear, or nervousness at the dentist’s office.

IV Sedation

For patients who need extensive dental work, IV sedation may be an option. An IV (intravenous) delivers medication to the patient’s veins, allowing them to get the medication they need while maintaining a normal level of consciousness.

IV sedation can take the pressure off of both the patient and the dentist. The patient will be able to relax during the procedure, and the dentist can focus all of their efforts on the dental work that needs to be done.

Enhanced Smiles, located in Tukwila, WA, offers the best dental care facilities at dentistry. Dial (206) 575-1000 and book an appointment with our dentist in Tukwila to know more about dental restorative dental services and other dental care facilities.