Sedation Dentistry Eases Dental Anxiety and Fear
Over 50% of the population puts dentistry at the bottom of their healthcare list because they are afraid. Some people are downright fearful while others may have suffered bad experiences in the past that haunt them to this day. Some patients have a bad gag reflex or feel claustrophobic during dental treatment. Still others haven’t gone in such a long time that they now need extensive dental care and simply can’t find enough hours in the day to do the work little by little. The solution is some form of sedation dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous Oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that is fitted over your nose. Nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas” is an affordable and safe way to make you more comfortable while you get your dental work completed. It can be used for anything from a dental cleaning to a large surgical case.
Nitrous Oxide provides some pain relief (analgesia) as well as reducing anxiety and memory of the procedure. It works quickly and requires no preparation at home or follow up at the end of your appointment. You can even drive to and from your appointments with no companion or assistance required. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will hear questions and be able to respond to requests or directions we may give you. Once started, the gas will usually begin to have effect in a few minutes. Once stopped, you will recover in just a few minutes. While in use, patients describe the feeling as light-headed or tingly. Some patients report that it is like drinking a couple of glasses of wine but without the hangover.
All of our operatory rooms are plumbed for Nitrous Oxide sedation using a portable unit that can be brought room-to-room. Let us know in advance if you would like to try using Nitrous Oxide sedation at your treatment appointment. A N2O FAQ is here
Oral Sedation
Imagine if you could get your teeth repaired quickly and safely and barely remember how it happened.
Dr. Victoria Malz is trained by and is a member of the Dental Organization for Concious Sedation (DOCS). After an initial visit with us where all your questions and concerns will be answered, we’ll schedule your sedation appointment. You’ll find your treatment is performed more comfortably than you might ever have thought possible. You will be given a very safe and effective medication to help you relax. Once it begins to take effect, you will be drowsy, and unaware of the time passing by. Our specially trained team will monitor you continually throughout the appointment checking your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen level.
The biggest plus? We can accomplish extensive amounts of dentistry at one time, and you’ll have little or no memory of the experience. For anxious patients, this new treatment is a miracle. Your dental health is important and need not be neglected because you are nervous. You can live your life without worrying about your teeth or dealing with dental pain and emergencies. Oral Sedation Dentistry is as simple as taking a pill.
Wake up to a new, beautiful smile! Please call us today at (704)708-4402 if you have questions about sedation dentistry or are ready to begin.