Many patients are uneasy when faced with going to the dentist. But with the availability of sedation dentistry, individuals formerly unable to make the needed trips for their oral care have several options to take the edge off their anxiety.

Those options include:

• Nitrous oxide – Commonly referred to as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and delivered to the patient through inhalation. Patients are put at ease throughout treatment, and the effects of this type of relaxation therapy disappear immediately following treatment. The patient can return to work or school or drive a car right away.
• Oral sedation – With this type of sedation, the patient will take a sedative at home about one hour prior to their dental appointment. Upon arrival for treatment, additional medication is given. The patient is continuously monitored for utmost safety and comfort; and although awake, the patient is totally relaxed and feels as if they slept throughout their procedure. Transportation both to and from this appointment is required, and the patient will be advised to return home to rest for the remainder of the day.
• IV sedation – With IV sedation, the patient is totally sedated. Most often used in conjunction with surgical procedures, the patient is not awake. Transportation home is needed, and the patient will likely sleep off and on for the remainder of the day. If surgery was performed, the individual would want to remain quiet to control bleeding as well.

Fear and anxiety aren’t the only reasons people select sedation for their dental appointment. Patients that are unable to sit or recline for extended periods or individuals with physical or mental disabilities preventing them from sitting still are good candidates.

But the severely anxious patient can rely on sedation to help them overcome their inability to go to the dentist. For many folks, even those six month appointments for getting their teeth cleaned are debilitating for them. The sounds and smells of a dental office are overwhelming.

Daily brushing and flossing are important functions we all perform; but extreme fear and anxiety of the dentist can prevent many people from enjoying great oral health because they struggle to keep those critical six month appointments for complete treatment.

Sedation dentistry makes these visits attainable, and for the many that need this help, it is available.

Call Inspire Dental Group and set up your next appointment at one of our two conveniently located offices.