If you find yourself undergoing a complex treatment option, such as oral surgery, or if you simply have serious dental anxiety, then you may worry about the procedure. However, with dental sedation, we have options available to help you enter a calm and relaxed state for the duration of your visit. In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist looks at our approach to dental sedation.
Addressing Anxiety and Other Concerns
Studies show that up to 15% of the US population may suffer from dental anxiety, which could be minor or very pronounced. These feelings could mean even a checkup and cleaning is scary enough to avoid visiting the office. However, without routine care the risk of tooth decay, infected teeth, and even gum disease increases, which could mean tooth loss. You may also have other special needs that make undergoing treatment difficult process, or you may simply require a complex procedure, such as wisdom tooth extraction or dental implant placement. With sedation, we help you enter a calm and relaxed state, and allow you to comfortable enjoy a healthier smile.
Nitrous Oxide and Oral Sedation
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is administered through a mask over the nose and mouth. You breathe in the gas and enter a euphoric state, conscious and able to respond to the dentist but with no memory of the experience. The effects wear off right away once the procedure ends. Oral sedation is administered before the procedure in a pill form and offers a deeper state of relaxation. Since the effects take time to wear off you may need a friend or family member to bring you home. For those with serious anxiety or a sensitive gag reflex, we may combine these options!
IV
For the deepest state of relaxation possible, we may administer the sedation through an IV. We will look at your medical history to make sure this option is safe for you, and a trained anesthesiologist will be on hand to monitor your vitals throughout. Again, the effects will take time to subside, so you will need someone to bring you home following the procedure.
Use Your Benefits
Your 2020 dental insurance benefits and any health savings account funds you have will expire at the end of the year unless used. Instead of losing them without putting them to use, give us a call today to discuss treatment options!
Your Greenville, TX Dentist Offers Calming Treatments
At Smith Family Dentistry, we want to make sure everyone, even those with anxiety, enjoy their visit and obtain the care they need. To learn more about how we ensure your comfort during your time in the chair, then contact your Greenville, TX, dentist, Dr. Smith, by calling 903-455-5750.