Why Choose Sedation?
Your dental health is important. Dental disease not only affects your teeth and gums, it can affect your overall health. The same harmful oral bacteria that lives in your mouth and causes tooth decay and periodontal disease has been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and the arteries of people with heart conditions. That is why it is not wise to ignore your dental health. Many people do, however, mostly because of dental fear and anxiety. In fact, it's estimated that 10 to 15 percent of the population suffer from some level of dental fear/anxiety, and that number is higher in children and adolescents. We realize that this is a real issue, and that is why we offer dental sedation.
Dental Sedation Options
Local anesthesia: Sometimes just the thought of sitting in the dental chair with your mouth wide open and at the mercy of another person is enough to cause anxiety. In such cases, just knowing that you will receive a local anesthetic before the procedure is enough to calm you. A local anesthetic can be given via an injection or applied topically, and is designed to minimize discomfort in the immediate and closely surrounding area of the procedure.
Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide is commonly referred to as laughing gas because it produces a feeling of euphoria which can often make people say silly things and break into the giggles. It is a quick-working, mild sedative safe for children and adults, administered via a small face mask. Once the mask is removed it wears off nearly as quickly as it works
Oral sedation: Oral sedation is a stronger option for those patients who suffer from high levels of dental fear and anxiety. It is administered in pill or liquid form. Your dentist might suggest taking a pill the night before, and another about an hour before treatment. Patients taking an oral sedative will require transportation to and from their appointment as the effects can last much longer than nitrous oxide.
A combination: A combination of sedation options is also available depending upon the patient's level of fear and/or anxiety, and the extent of the treatment procedure.