Dental phobia is incredibly common, and for some, that fear can be so intense that it can cause individuals to avoid going to the dentist until an emergency arises. At Gentle Dental Care in Menomonie, Wisconsin, our name says it all: we’re in the practice of making sure your dental visit is as gentle and relaxing as possible. One of the ways we do this is by offering patients the option of sedation dentistry. If you have avoided routine dental care due to fear or anxiety, dental sedation can be an excellent tool for you to relax in the dentist’s chair and get the care you need for a healthy smile.
Sedation dentistry covers several uses of medications and techniques to calm patients before or during dental procedures. It can be extremely beneficial for individuals who fear the dentist and is also effective for patients who must undergo extensive procedures. There are 3 main types of dental sedation: Nitrous Oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation.
Nitrous oxide also called laughing gas, is a fast-acting form of sedation that is safe for both adults and children. Nitrous oxide sedation is administered using a mask that is placed gently over your nose, allowing you to breathe in the gas and feel the effects within moments. Nitrous oxide is also quick to wear off, allowing patients to drive home or return to normal activities immediately. We can use it for just about any procedure, from routine dental check-ups to fillings and root canals.
This type of sedation requires patients to take prescribed medication at home before coming into the office for an appointment. Because you will feel drowsy, patients taking oral sedation will need to arrange transportation to and from the office. During the visit, you will feel extremely sleepy and may not have any memory of it at all, although you will still be able to respond to directions from the dentist.
The most profound type of sedation is typically reserved for complex treatment or oral surgeries. Patients will be administered the medication through an IV and remain unconscious for the entire procedure. While under IV sedation, oxygen is administered through a mask and vitals will be continually monitored.
You don’t have to let fear negatively impact your oral health. At Gentle Dental Care, Dr. Andre is proud to offer all 3 options of sedation dentistry to her patients. To learn more about sedation dentistry, call Gentle Dental Care in Menomonie at (715) 600-9004.