Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Overcome Dental Phobia

How Sedation Dentistry Works

Dr. Watson uses gentle, safe sedation to help patients achieve a deep state of relaxation while their procedures are performed. You will remain conscious while under the effects of sedation and can typically respond to directions and questions. However, you should experience very little pain or discomfort, and will typically not remember much if any of your treatment. 

Why Receive Sedation Dentistry

Patients often receive sedation dentistry to avoid the fear and anxiety they associate with sitting in the dentist’s chair. Patients with dental phobia often neglect the restorative dentistry procedures they need for months or even years before seeking a dentist. Sedation dentistry offers them an effective solution for overcoming their fear.

Other patients choose sedation dentistry due to an existing medical condition that makes it difficult to sit for long periods of time. Arthritis, back problems, and a variety of other conditions can prevent these patients from sitting long enough for more extensive procedures.

Finally, some patients undergo sedation dentistry for convenience and comfort. Patients in need of several dental procedures and treatments, typically as part of full mouth reconstruction, will often choose sedation dentistry because it can help them relax through multiple procedures performed in just one session.

Procedures Performed with Sedation

We often recommend sedation dentistry for more extensive procedures, such as:

• Dental implants
• Root canal therapy
• Dental crowns
• Full mouth reconstruction

Patients who are anxious or nervous can also receive sedation for regular cleanings and general dentistry procedures. Your comfort is our priority, and we will work with you to ensure you can receive the care you need.

Types of Sedation We Offer

We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Both forms of sedation are safe and effective options for a wide variety of procedures and surgeries. We can also coordinate with anesthesiologists to offer general anesthesia upon request. You can rest assured that Dr. Watson is highly knowledgeable in this field, as he is a member of the American Dental Society for Anesthesiology (ADSA), an organization dedicated to cutting-edge sedation research.

Nitrous Oxide: This form of sedation is concentrated in the form of a gas, which is inhaled through an appliance worn over the mouth or nose. You will remain awake and alert during your procedure, but should feel relaxed, and you may feel euphoric or giggly. These reactions are why nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas. The effects fade quickly when the gas is removed, and you should be able to drive yourself home from your appointment

Oral Sedation: With oral sedation, you will often take one dose of prescription anxiety medicine at home and another immediately before your procedure begins. These medications can cause a deep state of relaxation and you may not remember all, if any of your procedure. Oral sedation can provide a calming alternative for patients who experience issues with nitrous oxide, or who suffer from severe dental phobia. Oral sedation will stay in your system longer, requiring that you have a ride to and from our office.

Restore Your Oral Health

To discuss how sedation dentistry can help you overcome dental phobia or just relax through your next procedure, contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Watson. He is dedicated to helping all patients comfortably receive the care they need and deserve.