A Dentist Lawrenceville Trusts
A 2014 study conducted by Delta Dental revealed that more than half of their clients experienced some amount of nervousness or fear before dental office visits, and an estimated 15% of US adults cite dental phobia as the reason they avoid the dentist’s office. For many patients, visiting the dentist is associated with bad experiences from the past, and it’s no surprise that aphorisms that reference the dentist typically have negative connotations. For instance, “It’s like pulling teeth,” is used to describe tasks that are difficult or painful, and “I’d rather have a root canal,” is a sarcastic way for a person to say they don’t want to do something. If you’re one of the 40 million Americans who experience dental fear or anxiety, there is good news. At Transforming Smiles, Dr. Bruce E. Carter and his dental team offer sedation dentistry services to help fearful or anxious patients relax and receive the oral health care they need.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
One of the oldest and most popular forms of sedation, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a nasal mask during procedures providing patients relaxation and decreased sensitivity to pain and discomfort. Patients remain awake throughout treatment, but are relaxed and less aware of their surroundings. Nitrous oxide is sometimes called laughing gas due to the euphoric feeling patients experience. This form of sedation has numerous benefits for patients including the ability for the dentist to adjust dosage throughout treatment for optimal relaxation and comfort, and because the effects wear off quickly, patients are able to drive to and from their appointment and return to their daily routine right away.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a great option for anxious patients because relaxation begins before they arrive at our office. Patients take an oral sedative at a predetermined time prior to their procedure. The sedatives typically take effect within half an hour, and the effects are long-lasting. Because the sedative wears off slowly, patients should plan to have a friend or family member drive them to and from their appointment. During treatment, patients report being in a sleepy “twilight” state. In most cases, patients don’t remember their visit the following day. Patients who choose oral conscious sedation should expect to resume their daily routine the following day.
Find out more From Your Sedation Dentist Lawrenceville
Sedation dentistry doesn’t benefit only anxious patients. Those who have difficulty numbing with local anesthetic, have physical or cognitive impairment that makes dental procedures unsafe or painful, and those who need numerous or complex treatments also benefit from sedation. To find out more about dental sedatives or schedule a consultation, contact your Lawrenceville sedation dentist at Transforming Smiles. Your sedation dentist Lawrenceville!