What Is Sedation Dentistry and How Does It Help?
At Afton Dental, we understand that some of our patients are anxious about setting foot in a dentist’s office, putting their oral health at risk. We’re pleased to offer sedation dentistry options to help you enjoy stress-free dental visits. It’s true. You can relax in the dentist’s chair while receiving the outstanding dental care you deserve.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry, also known as twilight dentistry, is dedicated to creating a calm and relaxed state through the use of sedatives, allowing for anxiety-free dental care. Depending on the level of sedation, you may have minimal recollection of your procedure. Patients who’ve had dental treatments under sedation will tell you it’s a simple and relaxing way to get their needed dental treatments.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Candidates for sedation dentistry include:
- Patients who have dental phobia, an extreme fear of the dentist
- Patients with a sensitive gag reflex
- Patients with extremely sensitive teeth
- Patients with medical conditions worsened by stress
- Patients with past traumatic dental experiences
- Patients who can’t sit still for long
- Patients requiring lengthy or complex dental treatments
What Are Your Sedation Dentistry Options?
At Afton Dental, we offer inhaled and oral sedation to help our valued patients overcome their dental anxiety and relax during their dental appointments.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): This minimal form of sedation is the most frequently used method to ease mild to moderate anxiety. It involves breathing a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask, which helps calm your anxiety, increase your pain threshold, and make it seem like time is passing quicker than usual. After your treatment is concluded and we remove the mask, the effects of the inhaled sedation will wear off immediately, so you can resume your daily activities without interruption.
Oral Conscious Sedation: Anxiolysis is a light sedation option we usually recommend for patients with mild anxiety or those requiring longer or more complex dental procedures. An oral medication taken before treatment will leave you feeling comfortable, relaxed, and drowsy, but you’ll remain awake and responsive to directions. Many patients don’t remember much of their treatment. It may take several hours for your oral sedatives to wear off, so make sure you have a trusted friend or family member drive you home and stay with you until you fully recover.
Sedation Dentistry Near Me
Contact Afton Dental in Concord, NC, to learn more about our safe sedation dentistry options for relaxed and anxiety-free dental care. Our dedicated team never spares any effort to ensure our valued patients are comfortable while receiving the quality care they deserve. Call us and schedule your appointment today!