If you suffer from dental phobia or anxiety, even seeing the dentist for your routine cleanings and checkups might be a challenge. The good news is that your dentist has a solution that may make even the most basic treatments much easier. It’s called sedation dentistry, and it’s used to help patients who are anxious or afraid the dentist feel much more comfortable while they’re in the dental chair. Unfortunately, some patients don’t seek this treatment because of misinformation they’ve heard about it. Here’s the truth about four myths that could be holding you back from getting the dental care you need.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of sedatives including nitrous oxide or oral sedatives during dental treatment to help keep the patient comfortable and relaxed. It can be used for any type of dental procedure, including routine exams and cleanings as well as more complex care such as fillings or cosmetic dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide is “Laughing Gas”
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas that is breathed in through a comfortable tube that fits over the nose. While it’s commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” the good news is that it probably won’t give you the giggles. What it probably will do, however, is help keep you calm and relaxed, so if your dentist does crack a joke during treatment, you’ll be able to laugh at it (well, if it’s actually funny, that is).
You’ll Reveal Your Deepest Secrets
Dental sedation is not truth serum, and won’t cause you to reveal your deepest, darkest secrets. However, if you do by chance say anything you’d prefer was kept private, rest assured that it’s safe with your dental team and will be kept strictly confidential.
Sedation Is Addictive
Nitrous oxide is not addictive, however just like any other medication, it can be abused if put in the wrong hands. Oral conscious sedation has a higher risk of addiction, but your dentist will only prescribe exactly what you’ll need for your appointment, so there should not be any opportunity for it to become habitual.
The Effects Last Too Long
The effects of sedation dentistry depend on the type you’ve selected. With oral conscious sedation, you will likely want to take the remainder of your day off from work or other activities while the medication wears off (usually by the next morning). You will also need to have a trusted friend or family member bring you home (no cabs or ride shares!).
Nitrous oxide takes about five minutes to begin working, and about the same time to completely leave your system. To speed up the process, your dentist will have you breathe pure oxygen after your treatment is over. You should be able to drive yourself home and resume normal activities depending on the treatment you receive.
Remember, sedation dentistry can be extremely beneficial to patients who experience fear or anxiety during dental care. If you’d like to learn more about this treatment and see if it’s right for you, speak to your dental team when booking your next appointment so that arrangements can be made in advance.
About Our Practice
At Baldwin Family Dental, our trio of caring and compassionate dentists want you to feel comfortable during your appointment. We are proud to offer both oral conscious and nitrous oxide sedation as an add-on to any treatment. If you’d like to learn more about how sedation could benefit you, please call our office at 850-215-0128.