Does the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair make you nervous? You’re not alone. Dental anxiety is common, and for some people, the fear can be strong enough to cause them to delay or completely avoid necessary dental care.
Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist can allow small dental problems to become more serious. A minor cavity can eventually require a root canal or extraction, while untreated gum disease can progress and affect your overall oral health.
For patients who experience dental anxiety or fear, sedation dentistry can help make dental treatment a much more comfortable experience.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients feel calmer and more relaxed during dental procedures. Depending on the type of sedation used, you may feel less anxious, drowsy, or deeply relaxed while still being able to respond to your dentist.
Sedation does not necessarily mean that you will be asleep. Many forms of dental sedation allow you to remain awake and responsive throughout treatment while feeling significantly more comfortable.
Nitrous Oxide, or “Laughing Gas”
Nitrous oxide is one of the most commonly used forms of sedation dentistry. Often called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose.
The amount of sedation can be adjusted throughout the procedure. You remain conscious and able to communicate with the dental team, but many patients feel noticeably calmer and more relaxed.
One of the advantages of nitrous oxide is that its effects wear off quickly after the gas is stopped. For many patients, this makes it a convenient option for managing mild to moderate dental anxiety.
Oral Sedation
For patients who experience greater dental anxiety, oral sedation may be another option.
Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before the dental procedure to help you relax. Depending on the medication and dosage, you may feel very drowsy during treatment while still being able to respond when necessary.
Because the effects of oral sedation can last longer than nitrous oxide, patients receiving oral sedation need to follow specific instructions before and after treatment. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is not only for people with severe dental phobia. It may be helpful for patients who:
- Feel nervous or anxious about dental treatment
- Have had a negative dental experience in the past
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Have difficulty becoming comfortable during dental procedures
- Need a longer or more involved dental procedure
- Have delayed necessary dental care because of fear
The appropriate type of sedation depends on several factors, including your medical history, medications, level of anxiety, and the dental procedure being performed. Your dentist can review these factors and determine whether sedation is appropriate for you.
Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Keep You From the Dentist
Fear of dental treatment can make it tempting to postpone an appointment, but delaying care often makes dental problems more complicated over time.
At Rapha Dental, we understand that some patients need a little extra help feeling comfortable at the dentist. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation options for appropriate patients to help reduce anxiety and make dental treatment a more comfortable experience.
If dental anxiety has caused you to postpone an exam, cleaning, filling, root canal, extraction, or other necessary dental treatment, talk to us about whether sedation dentistry may be right for you.
Contact Rapha Dental today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our options for patients with dental anxiety.