When you have dental anxiety, or special needs and factors like an overactive gag reflex, this can make even minor dental care a difficult process. But we don’t want these factors to stand between you and the bright, healthy smile you deserve. In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist talks about easing dental anxiety with sedation.
Dental Anxiety and Other Concerns
Our team can prescribe a sedation option for people with a fear of the dentist, so they can feel relaxed and comfortable through the treatment process. This can also assist those with special needs and other factors that complicate the ability to undergo dental care. Otherwise, what starts as a toothache and small cavity could lead to infection and tooth loss, and the risk of gum disease and more. Don’t let your oral health suffer, talk to our team about possible solutions. We’re ready to listen and help you undergo the care you need to smile with confidence.
Choosing the Right Selection for You
We have three different options available for our patients. We will choose one for you based on multiple factors, such as your age, weight, and medical history. We also look at any medications you are taking, your anxiety levels, and how extensive your treatment will need to be, for example, whether you are receiving a filling or a dental implant. Combined, these help us select what is right for you.
Three Sedation Options
The most common option we prescribe is a mild form known as nitrous oxide. Also referred to as laughing gas, we administer this through a mask over the nose. You breathe in the gas and enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, and remain conscious throughout the procedure even though you may have little memory of it. The effects end once the procedure does, and you could even drive yourself home.
The next option is a deeper form known as oral conscious. You still remain conscious, but the effects are deeper and you will likely have little memory of it. You take the medication in a pill or liquid form prior to the procedure. The effects will take time to wear off completely, so you need to have someone on hand to take you home afterward.
The deepest form of calming is IV, and is administered intravenously. You enter a deep, almost sleep-like state with no memory of the procedure at all. A trained anesthesiologist will be available to monitor you throughout the process, and the effects will take time to wear off completely, so again you need someone to bring you home afterward.
If you have any questions about how we can offer a calm and relaxing visit with dental sedation, then contact our team today to learn more. You can also use your 2024 dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year!
Schedule a Visit for Sedation Dentistry
We want to help you enjoy a relaxed and comfortable visit with our calming medications. For more information on sedation dentistry, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith and our team by calling Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, today at (972) 262-5111.
