If you ever feel anxious before your dentist visit, either the day of or the night before, just know that you are not alone. It’s been estimated that between 9 and 15 percent of Americans avoided seeing their dentist out of anxiety or fear. That amounts to between 30 and 40 million people who’s oral health suffers because their dentist couldn’t accommodate them. Luckily, thanks to sedation dentistry in Marble Falls, you won’t feel nervous during your treatments.
If you’ve never heard of sedation dentistry before, take a moment to learn more today!
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the practice of using medications specifically for curbing anxiety that patients feel while getting dental treatments. It can come in many forms that all have their own pros and cons for the dentist and the patient. Some are stronger than others, so patients of all different levels of anxiety can get the treatments they need.
While sedation dentistry is typically used for patients who feel anxious, it isn’t exclusively for that condition. It’s also an ideal solution for patients who have a low pain tolerance or sensitive gag reflex. If you have a child with special needs who struggles to sit still in the dental chair, they can also benefit from sedation dentistry.
What is Nitrous Oxide and How Does it Work?
Nitrous oxide is used for patients who have mild to moderate difficulty receiving dental treatments. When administered, it gives patients a subtle yet effective sensation of warmth and euphoria. You’ll still be awake during treatment, so if you need to tell the dentist anything to improve your comfortability, they can do so easily.
Furthermore, nitrous oxide is easier to control on the fly during treatments. If you need more or less nitrous oxide, the dentist can simply turn it up or down as it flows through the nasal mask. Once the treatment ends, you’ll be able to leave the office on your own since no side effects accompany nitrous oxide.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
This method is quite different because it’s administered through a single pill, rather than a nasal mask. This form is ideal for patients who have more severe or intense anxiety prior and/or during their dental visits. Because of this, your sedation dentist in Brady asks patients to organize a ride with a friend or loved one. The effects are so strong, your dentist requires patients to refrain from driving or normal activities for at least 12 hours.
Even though this method is significantly more powerful, you’ll still be awake during the procedure and capable of speaking to the dentist. By the time the medication wears off, you won’t remember much of the treatment at all. This has proven to be a great benefit for patients with extreme dental anxiety.
Is your anxiety getting in the way of your dental treatments? Let sedation dentistry in Marble Falls help you! Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to learn more.
About the Authors
Dr. Greg Ritchie has been practicing dentistry for more than 16 years. They understand how difficult it can be for patients to get checkups when they’re anxious, which is why they offer multiple forms of sedation for patients with all levels of anxiety. To learn more about his practice, contact him through the Ritchie Dental Group website.
