Reasons to Choose Sedation Dentistry
Whether you have excessive fears about visiting the dentist or you simply want a more comfortable experience, our competent team can help you feel at ease with our sedation dentistry options. In addition to being useful to patients that suffer from anxiety while at the dentist, sedation dentistry has the following benefits:
1. It’s helpful for patients with sensitive gag reflexes.
It can be difficult for patients with a sensitive gag reflex to keep still while at the dentist — and it can be even more challenging to resist the urge to choke during the treatment. However, with sedation dentistry, these psychological and physiological responses can be subdued to allow patients to gain greater comfort while allowing us to perform the procedure with ease.
2. It allows us to perform multiple procedures at once.
Many patients can cope with staying still in the dentist’s chair for just one procedure — but if you require multiple procedures, it can be challenging to remain calm. With sedation, the pain signals your brain would typically receive are muted. This means that rather than coming back for another separate visit, your care can be completed in one sitting.
3. It helps keep you comfortable.
While many treatments can be completed without the need for needs, others do require local anesthetics. Mild sedatives can be used in combination with local anesthesia to reduce your fear of needles and relax you during the procedure.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
Sedation dentistry employs safe techniques to act on the central nervous system and reduce signals of fear and anxiety. Using a sedative during your appointment can help induce feelings of relaxation if you often feel nervous about being at the dentist. There are multiple different types of sedation dentistry, making it possible for many patients to experience the benefits of this service.
Methods of Sedation Dentistry Offered at Richardson Dentistry
At Richardson Dentistry, our patients can choose from a variety of delivery methods for the sedatives to ease their anxiety during their visit. Our compassionate doctors and dental staff are happy to address all of your concerns with you so you can choose the sedation method that is most beneficial for your needs.
We offer many types of sedation, some of which include:
Intravenous Sedation
This IV drip sedative takes effect the fastest, but may not be suitable for patients who are afraid of needles. Under this option, you’ll be awake and able to speak to the doctor about any concerns — but some patients may have trouble remembering specific details about what happened during their treatment.
Patients who opt for IV sedation may need to fast prior to the appointment, so feel free to inquire about any arrangements you should make. Our team can help you make sure you are as prepared as possible for treatment.
Inhaled Nitrous Oxide
This is a low-impact sedative that still helps patients achieve the desired effect, and is one of the popularly used forms of sedation dentistry. Also known as laughing gas, this light form of sedation is administered through a mask and works immediately to relax the patient. You will feel calm, but you will be completely conscious during the procedure. Laughing gas wears off quickly after your appointment, allowing you to go back to your daily routine following your procedure.
Oral Medication
This method requires the patient to take a pill an hour prior to the appointment, and it is an effective alternative to an IV sedative for someone who feels uneasy about the idea of laughing gas. The effects of the medication take time to wear off, and you will not be able to operate a car before or after your procedure. It’s recommended that patients are driven to and from their appointment by a loved one.
Sedation Dentistry Offered in Richardson
Finding the right dentist to help you with your dental needs is critical — but many patients fear going to the dentist in the first place. Our compassionate dental team is here to change that, and we can advise you on which sedation dentistry option is best for you.
To book an appointment with our dentists at Richardson Dentistry, contact our team by calling (972) 218-0078 or visiting us online today.
