How do you feel about the dentist? If you have anxiety then you may actually fear going to the dentist and avoid treatment when possible. However, this can increase the risk of serious oral health complications. To ease a patient’s fear we may offer a calming solution. When do you need sedation dentistry?
Try Our Sedation Dentistry Quiz
- True or False: This can help anxiety.
- True or False: We offer nitrous oxide.
- True or False: You will be able to return to work/school afterward.
- True or False: Avoiding care can hurt your oral health.
Answer Key
- True. Dental anxiety can be mild or severe. We understand that a patient’s discomfort and anxiety is real and we want to take steps to ease this. From fostering a welcoming environment to offering various amenities, we want all patients to feel relaxed at our office. However, for patients with major dental fears they may require more than just a friendly staff. For them, we may recommend sedation dentistry.
- True. We provide our patients with non-IV conscious sedation. Simply put, we use nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. The patient breathes in the nitrous oxide through a mask over the nose. The gas helps them enter a calm state with no little or memory of the procedure afterward. However, the patient remains conscious and can respond to the dentist’s questions throughout the procedure.
- True. The effects of the sedation will actually wear off almost immediately. You can drive yourself and actually return to work or school if needed. You avoid any excessive grogginess that often accompanies other calming techniques.
- True. The fact is, tooth decay and gum disease can develop when people don’t practice good oral hygiene or see the dentist for checkups and cleanings. Over time these seemingly mild dental issues can lead to infections and even adult tooth loss.
