Sedation Dentistry
Have you ever avoided your six-month teeth cleaning and exam because you have a fear of the dentist? Would you rather put off the dental treatment you need, such as having a cavity filled or getting a new tooth crown than brave your local dentist’s office? If so, you are not alone.
Here at Anderson Family Dental, we believe in a different approach to dentistry. We work hard to ensure every patient who visits our Winter Park dental office has access to safe, gentle, and stress-free dental treatment. If you’re struggling with how to overcome your dental anxiety and access the care you need, we’re pleased to offer sedation dentistry as a solution.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
The term “sedation dentistry” refers to medical methods dentists use to help patients relax and feel at ease during their dental treatment. Sedation dentistry comes in multiple forms, the most well-known probably being nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas.” We also offer an oral option for sedation dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
WHAT IS NITROUS OXIDE?
One solution for easing this anxiety is nitrous oxide sedation, also commonly called “laughing gas”. Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas with a faint, sweet odor that is commonly mixed with oxygen and inhaled through the nose during some dental procedures to reduce anxiety and pain and promote relaxation. At Anderson Family Dental we offer nitrous oxide sedation to our patients for a relaxing stress free dental experience.
ADMINISTRATION
Before your procedure, the Dr. Bryant or Kathleen Anderson will review your medical history and take your vital signs. They will then select the correct size nasal hood and help you place it on your nose correctly. When the dentist observes the gas has taken effect, your procedure will begin.
SAFE TO DRIVE HOME
Under nitrous oxide sedation, you will not be asleep but should feel relaxed and not fully alert. After the procedure is finished, you will receive 100% oxygen for 3 to 5 minutes, and the effects of the gas will begin to lift. Because the gas exits your body quickly, you are able to safely drive home after your procedure.
Oral Conscious Sedation
WHAT IS ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION?
Some patients may be advised to use an oral medicine for sedation during certain procedures. The medicine helps you to feel relaxed and free from anxiety during the procedure.
ADMINISTRATION
Before the procedure begins, you will be given the medicine orally. This medicine may cause a tingling feeling throughout the body and will calm your anxiety. You will be conscious during the procedure but will likely not remember it afterwards.
WAIT TO DRIVE
After the procedure, you should not drive for at least 12 hours. You will need a loved one to drive you home.
Why Should I Choose Sedation Dentistry?
Dental sedation helps people who are otherwise too afraid to visit the dentist to receive the care and treatment they need without going to extreme measures or having post-dental trauma. Approved dental sedatives are affordable, safe, and easy to access.
Although it does not put you fully to sleep, dental sedation helps you feel calm, relaxed, and anxiety-free during your treatment. You can use sedation dentistry for something as simple as a routine teeth cleaning or for more involved procedures such as tooth crowns and cavity fillings.
A sensation of feeling distant and far away from your dental treatment, thereby reducing your anxiety or any in-office stress you might feel
Little or no memory of your dental visit, which helps you feel less anxious about future visits
Temporary effects that wear off almost immediately after you leave the dental chair and don’t leave you with dangerous or negative side effects
Usage that’s completely safe and trusted by dentists