If you dread the thought of going to the dentist, you’re not alone. An estimated 36% of American adults suffer from dental anxiety or dental fear.
Most people don’t look forward to visiting the dentist, but dental anxiety can make you avoid routine dental care. It can also put you at increased risk for tooth decay, gum disease, infection, and more.
Sedation dentistry is a safe option that calms nerves and allows you to get the dental care you need.
J. Paul Fuentes, DDS, Andrew Peterson, DMD, and our team at Arcadia Perio are proud to offer sedation dentistry for people who suffer from dental anxiety. We partner with you and strive to make you feel comfortable during your office visit.
If you’ve been putting off dental procedures, it’s time to find out how sedation dentistry could help you relax so we can care for your teeth, improve your oral health, and protect your overall well-being.
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone get comprehensive dental cleanings twice a year. Routine cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth, and it’s the best way to ensure you’re enjoying optimal oral health.
If you don’t get regular cleanings, bacteria buildup can lead to tooth decay, infection, and periodontal disease. Dental issues like these don’t go away on their own. And if you continue to avoid a visit to the dentist, you could end up with tooth pain or even tooth loss.
Whether you’re anxious about routine care or you need a more advanced dental procedure, sedation can help ease your nerves and make getting the care you need more pleasant.
You could also benefit from sedation dentistry if you have sensitive teeth or low pain tolerance.
The primary purpose of anesthesia and sedation is to relax you so that you don’t suffer anxiety during your dental procedure. Our team is trained in safely administering three different types of sedation, and we tailor your treatment based on your needs and the type of procedure you’re having done.
Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is one of the most common methods of sedation dentistry. You breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, and begin feeling more relaxed.
With nitrous oxide sedation, you remain awake. You can answer questions and remember everything, but you won’t be nervous. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off shortly after you stop inhaling it.
Oral sedation is another option for mild sedation. It involves taking a prescription medication shortly before your procedure to help ease anxiety.
Oral sedatives are available in pill, capsule, or liquid form. Taking a dose prescribed to you by our team can make you feel drowsy and more relaxed. You may remember everything, but some patients fall asleep and can be woken gently after the procedure is over.
IV sedation is a more advanced form of dental sedation. A qualified practitioner inserts an IV catheter before your procedure, and the IV delivers sedating medication, like Demerol®, to your bloodstream.
You remain conscious, but you won’t feel nervous. Many people find that they feel drowsy or dazed, and it’s possible that you might not remember much once your procedure is complete.
At Arcadia Perio, we work with each patient to find the best treatment strategies for their needs. Sedation dentistry could be an option if you’re apprehensive about getting dental work done, from a laser procedure to orthodontic care.
Don’t postpone your dental appointments any longer. Find out how sedation could fit into your treatment plan at Arcadia Perio. Call us or send us a message online now.
