Few people look forward to going to the dentist. But for some people, sitting in the dental chair can trigger extreme anxiety. If you have a dental phobia, Kenneth Higgins, DDS, and the team at IDTC Dental Center LLC have the right solution for you at their office in Grand Prairie, Texas. Sedation dentistry uses safe, effective treatments to calm dental anxiety and discomfort. To learn more about sedation dentistry, call IDTC Dental Center LLC, or schedule an appointment online today.
Sedation dentistry utilizes medication to promote deep relaxation during your visits to the dentist. There are many reasons people choose sedation dentistry, but the most common is dental anxiety.
If you have dental phobia, you’re less likely to visit your dentist for preventive and restorative treatments. This increases your risk of serious dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Sedatives help you relax during your appointments, which promotes a more positive relationship between you and your dentist and encourages you to seek dental care when you need it.
The type of sedative used for your treatment depends on many factors, including the procedure you’re undergoing. The most common treatments in sedation dentistry are:
Known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a type of sedative that you inhale. It’s mild and instantly relaxes you without any lasting side effects. You’ll be awake during your visit, but you should feel calm. There’s no preparation needed before you take nitrous oxide, and you can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.
During oral sedation, the team gives you a pill to take about an hour before your procedure. Once the medication takes effect, you should feel deeply relaxed. While you’ll be conscious during your visit, you may not be aware of your surroundings. After your procedure, you’ll need a friend or relative to drive you home.
IV sedation, or deep sedation, uses general anesthesia to put you in a semi-conscious state. You may even fall asleep if you feel relaxed enough. It’s typically reserved for extensive dental work. During deep sedation, a member of the team at IDTC Dental Center LLC monitors you the entire time. After your visit, you’ll need someone to care for you while the treatment wears off.
Sedation dentistry gives your dentist the opportunity to perform any necessary dental work while you rest and relax. Talk to the team at IDTC Dental Center LLC about sedation dentistry if you have:
To determine if sedation dentistry is right for you, call IDTC Dental Center LLC, or book an appointment online today.
