Do you feel nervous about your upcoming dental appointment? Perhaps you haven’t been to the dentist for some time and find the experience intimidating; maybe you are actually a bit concerned about a lengthy dental procedure. Regardless of the reason, and no matter your age, dental anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, it is estimated that over 60% of people suffer from a fear of the dentist. While this apprehension tends to originate based on different concerns for different patients, the anxiety is typically precipitated by the anticipation of pain, embarrassment, or lack of control.
At Roswell Complete Dentistry, our team members are well aware of dental anxiety and strive to perform any reasonable accommodation to comfort nervous patients. This may include the following measures:
- Providing a detailed narrative of actions taken at each phase of the appointment: By explaining our process step-by-step, patients can relinquish a feeling of control as they know what is happening and what to expect.
- Offering the support of constructive distractions: These distractions may include anything that does not impact the performance of the dentist or hygienist – such as playing soft music.
- Presenting a calm, supportive atmosphere and compassionate disposition: This is a quality we present to every patient. Regardless of their oral health history, we never make patients feel embarrassed. We only want to be helpful and supportive.
Even in offering the above solutions, we recognize that sometimes patients need additional assistance; that’s why we offer dental sedation at our practice. Dental sedation is designed for the purpose of increasing patient comfort and satisfaction by suppressing sensory receptors that contribute to stress and anxiety.
To learn more about our safe, reliable sedation options, we invite you to read below! If you have any questions or would like to request sedative services for your upcoming appointment, contact our Roswell, GA office today!
Types Of Sedation
Dental sedation can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout your dental treatment. There are various types of dental sedation, and the one right for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.
While some patients may only need a small level of sedation to help them relax during their procedure, others may require a more intense medication. This determination will be based on your medical history, your level of anxiety, and the procedure being performed.
Our team will work with you to determine the best option for you and ensure that you enjoy a positive experience during your time at our office.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation uses oral medication to help the patient relax during their appointment. The medication is taken typically in pill form and usually begins to work within 30 minutes. Oral conscious sedation is different from general anesthesia, which puts patients completely to sleep; with oral conscious sedation, patients remain awake and can cooperate with the dentist, but may not remember much of the procedure afterward.
It is important that the patient waits until the effects of the medication have worn off before driving or returning to normal activities. For this reason, we advise having a friend or family member available to accompany patients to and from our office.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide sedation is a type of dental sedation that uses an inhalable gas to help patients relax during their dental procedure. The gas is administered through a small mask that is placed over the nose, and it takes effect within minutes. Patients remain awake and able to respond to questions under nitrous oxide sedation, but they may feel light-headed or dizzy. Nitrous oxide sedation is a good option for patients who experience anxiety or fear during dental procedures. It can also be used for children who are cooperative but may need help relaxing during their appointment.
The effects of nitrous oxide wear off in minutes, so patients can drive themselves home and return to normal activities shortly following their dental appointment.
Our Commitment To Your Complete Comfort
When you visit the dentist’s office, you deserve to be confident, comfortable, and cared for. While we recognize some patients get nervous, we want to ensure that you have a pleasant experience. With dental sedation, you can visit us free from fear or stress while receiving the care you need.
We never want any patient to turn down quality oral care due to anxiety. If you are interested in dental sedation during your appointment, contact our office today! We will be happy to accommodate you.