Do you get nervous at just the thought of going to the dentist? This is much more common than you may think. In fact, over 30 million Americans experience stress related to the dentist. The good news is that this doesn’t mean that you need to avoid dental care forever. There are several sedation options out there to help even the most fearful patients get the care they need, without all the added stress. Here are the options that you have to choose from.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
This sedation method uses a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen to help the patient feel more relaxed. More commonly called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide sedation is safe and effective for relaxing patients. It can even be used to help children feel more relaxed when they require dental work. If you choose this method, your dental team will give you a mask to wear over the duration of your treatment. You will inhale the mixture of gas throughout the mask. It doesn’t have any taste or odor, and you will remain conscious throughout the procedure. The best part of nitrous oxide sedation is that the effects wear off quickly. You can even drive yourself home from your procedure.
IV Sedation
Just like the name suggests, IV sedation is delivered intravenously. If you choose this method, your dentist will begin your flow of medication before your procedure begins. You will feel relaxed almost immediately. The dental team will monitor your vitals throughout your entire procedure to ensure that you are perfectly safe. You will remain conscious throughout your appointment, so you will be able to answer questions and follow the instructions of your dental team. However, many patients don’t remember much of their treatment afterward. The effects of IV sedation take several hours to wear off, so you will need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your procedure.
Which Sedation Method Is Best for You?
Dentists will typically recommend sedation options for patients based on multiple factors, like their anxiety levels, pain tolerance, and tooth sensitivity. Sedation is also a great option for those who are undergoing long and complex procedures, those with sensitive gag reflexes, and those who struggle to sit still in the treatment chair. If you have mild to moderate dental anxiety, nitrous oxide sedation may be an ideal way to reduce your nerves. However, if you have severe dental anxiety, IV sedation may be more effective for you.
If you have dental anxiety, don’t let it stop you from getting to the area you need. By discussing your options with your dentist, you can find the best option to meet your needs.
About the Practice
At Texas Dental Surgery, Dr. Stephen Walker and Dr. Sammy Houari work together to treat patients in the Prosper area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (469) 296-8680.