Sedation dentistry is all about making you feel comfortable getting the dental care you need. Below are some commonly asked questions about sedation dentistry. If you have more questions, call our office! We’re happy to help!
Does dental sedation make treatment painless?
Depending on the type of dental sedation you receive, you will experience little to no pain during your dental procedure. Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is a sedation that is used to calm and relax you, but you can still feel some mild discomfort.
What type of dental sedation do you give your patients?
Here at Pickens Family Dentistry, we offer nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) to help you feel calm and at ease during your dental procedures.
This is a commonly known and used sedation treatment that offers you a calming effect as you inhale nitrous oxide through a nosepiece.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Sedation
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a clinically tested and safe sedative agent that is used to help calm patients. Nitrous oxide is administered with oxygen and inhaled using a mask.
This type of sedation will not put you to sleep. It only has mild effects that allow for relaxation during medical procedures. If you receive nitrous oxide as a sedation treatment, you will still be able to drive home right after and continue with your daily routine.
How do people develop dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is fear, anxiety, or stress associated with a dental setting or situation. When someone has dental anxiety, it can make them avoid the dentist and delay getting necessary treatment. Dental anxiety can caused by several things:
- A traumatic dental or healthcare experience
- Previous trauma to the head or neck
- Generalized anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Trust issues
- Fear of loss of control
How does nitrous oxide (laughing gas) work?
Laughing gas can be offered by your dentist as a sedative agent. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over the nose. This sedative is used to help you relax and be more comfortable during your procedure. It is used to reduce anxiety, dull pain, and create a feeling of euphoria.
Do I need to miss work or school?
With our laughing gas sedation, you’ll be able to drive home and get right back into the swing of things. However, if you receive oral sedation or IV sedation from another practice, we recommend not driving for 24 hours. If you are feeling well enough after a sedation procedure, you may resume back to school or work that same day.
Does dental sedation have side effects?
Dental sedation has very few side effects. Some patients say they don’t remember much of their treatment, and some can say they remember it but were very calm during the procedure. In rare instances, patients can experience mild nausea or sometimes hiccups.
Does dental sedation put me to sleep?
Depending on the dental sedation, you might experience more grogginess and sleepiness without actually falling asleep. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) will produce more of a mild relaxing effect that will not make you fall asleep.
What happens after dental sedation is used and the treatment is finished?
The type of dental sedation used will affect what will happen after the end of treatment. If you receive nitrous oxide (laughing gas), your dentist will provide you with pure oxygen to clear out the nitrous oxide from your system following your procedure.
The laughing gas is quickly eliminated from your system and you will be able to drive yourself home right after the procedure.
What happens if I avoid the dentist?
Many people avoid the dentist due to anxiety, a busy schedule, a low budget, or other issues that come up. However, when you avoid the dentist, some negative consequences can happen, which may result in extensive dental work needed.
If you visit your dentist regularly, you can avoid some of the worst issues that can happen with your teeth and gums. Your dentist can help prevent the following issues:
- Tooth decay
- Bad breath
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Health problems
- Cavities
Do I need to see a special nitrous oxide (laughing gas) dentist?
Many dentists offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as a mild sedation method during dental procedures. Talk to your dentist about whether they offer laughing gas as an option during your dental treatment. At Pickens Family Dentistry, we offer laughing gas on request during procedures.
For More Information, Call Pickens Family Dentistry Today!
If you are needing dental treatment done and are nervous about the pain or anxiety that comes with it, talk to us about how we can offer you a more relaxing experience! We offer dental sedation at our practice and can answer any questions you might have. Please call today!
