Do you feel anxious when thinking about visiting the dentist? Well, you’re not alone. Plenty of people have dental anxiety, with some having fear so severe they avoid even minor checkups and cleanings. However, we don’t want these fears to stand between people and the beautiful, healthy smiles they deserve. To help people with fears and anxiety receive the treatment they need, your Greenville, TX, dentist offers a unique solution

Do You Have Anxiety?

Do you fear visiting the dentist? Sometimes this anxiety is a result of never seeing the dentist before, or it could be the result of bad previous experience. Know that we always take time to get to know our patients, discuss treatments in detail, and make sure they feel comfortable and relaxed the entire time. Your comfort, and your oral health, are very important to us. If we think you could benefit from the sedation options we offer, we will look at your medical history and the current state of your oral health. We will also take the level of anxiety you have into account as well.

Nitrous Oxide and Oral Sedation

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is a very common form of relaxation that we offer for kids and adults alike. We administer this through a mask over the nose. The patient breathes in the gas and enters a calm and relaxed state. The effects will wear off as soon as the procedure ends, so you can actually drive yourself home or return to work or school. Oral sedation is a more substantial form of relaxation. In the six to eight hours before treatment we will recommend avoiding large meals and drinking only water. You then take a pill prior to the procedure, which allows you to reach a deep form of relaxation, with little to no memory of the procedure. As with laughing gas, you will remain conscious and able to respond to the dentist. The effects will take time to wear off so we will recommend having a friend or family member available to bring you home.

IV

IV sedation is the deepest form of relaxation available to our patients. Administered via IV, you enter a very deep state of relaxation. You again have no memory of the procedure, and a trained anesthesiologist will monitor your vitals throughout the entire procedure. The effects take time to wear off, so again arrange for someone to bring you home. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the effects wear off completely. You shouldn’t return to work or school that day.

Smith Family Dentistry Ensures Patient Comfort

Don’t let stress and fear keep you from enjoying a bright and healthy smile. With sedation and routine care, we can help protect and preserve your smile’s health and beauty. Schedule an appointment at Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX by calling the office at 903-455-5750.