Sedation Dentistry
Comfort-Focused Care with Sedation Options
Fears of the dentist and dental work are very common. They can keep you from seeking the care you need, which can lead to dental issues worsening over time. At Abilene Family Dentistry, our sedation dentistry options, technology, and personalized care are designed to help support your comfort during treatment. Whether you’re anxious about receiving routine care or have a longer appointment scheduled, our sedation options can make you comfortable and support your oral goals.
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What is Sedation Dentistry?
For as long as dentistry has existed, fears of the dentist have, too. We understand it isn’t always easy to open up and say “Ahh”. Because of how common the fear was and is, dentists had to learn not take it personally, and instead think of ways to help patients get the care they need with less anxiety. Enter: sedation dentistry. You’ve probably guessed from the name that it involves the use of a sedative, which is intended to help you feel more relaxed during treatment. There are several different types that can be part of your treatment plan, based on your level of anxiety and your unique needs and preferences.
WHO CAN SEDATION DENTISTRY HELP?
Sedation dentistry may be an option for many patients that are looking to comfortably get the dental care they need. We’ll go over your medical history, which includes allergies we should be aware of, current medications you take, and conditions that may interfere with it working as it should—then we’ll discuss what your fears are. Sedation dentistry may help reduce anxiety during your appointment, depending on your individual response.
Sedation Can Help With
- General anxiety or fear of the dentist
- Fear of dental tools like the drill
- Fear of pain, blood, or needles
- Sensitive gag reflex
- TMJ pain
- Physical disability
- Embarrassment of oral health
- Discomfort with personal space invasion
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, frequently referred to as “laughing gas”, is a commonly used sedative mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small facial mask. It may help you feel relaxed within a short period of time. You may also experience tingling throughout your extremities (arms and legs) and some light—headedness. These effects wear off as quickly as they began when the mask is removed.
The benefits of treatment with nitrous oxide include:
- May help you feel relaxed during treatment
- Your level of sedation can be altered as needed
- Effects typically wear off quickly, but recovery may vary by patient
- No prescription or injections are required
- May help reduce gag reflex sensitivity
Oral Sedation
If your level of anxiety is deeper, or you’re in need of a slightly more invasive treatment that will have you in the dental chair a bit longer, we can offer oral sedation as an option to support comfort. An oral sedative is a prescription pill you can take about an hour before your appointment to help reduce anxiety. This will require you to have transportation to and from our office. You will remain conscious through oral sedation, but some patients report limited memory of the procedure, though experiences may vary. After your appointment, you will return home to recover as advised by your Abilene dentists, Dr. Webb and Dr. Awtrey.
Learn More About Your Options
If you have any questions about sedation dentistry or you’re ready to schedule a consultation with your Abilene dentists, Dr. Webb and Dr. Awtrey, give us a call today or request an appointment online. We are here to discuss options that may help support your comfort during treatment.
Disclaimer: The content of this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified dental professional with any questions you may have regarding your oral health. Individual results may vary.
