Patients often feel nervous about going to the dentist, and for some, the anxiety can be severe enough to prevent getting needed dental care. Unfortunately, skipping routine cleanings and preventative care can lead to serious dental problems and the need for more expensive emergency treatments. That’s why it’s essential to seek our Willow Glen Dental Care dentist, who offers sedation options to make your appointment more comfortable and relaxing. Those who need multiple dental procedures in one visit may also find sedation can help reduce the likelihood of time feeling like it is passing slowly while in the dental chair.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a small pill about an hour before your appointment so that the medication will put you in a calm state of mind, making lengthy dental procedures much easier for you to tolerate. Patients won’t remember much of their dental appointment after using oral conscious sedation. This helps them remain calm during their procedure while allowing us to complete needed dental work promptly without the patient experiencing stress or pain.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is commonly referred to as laughing gas and is a type of conscious sedation used to calm a patient who is anxious about a procedure or for more complex or lengthy processes. When nitrous oxide is administered through a mask that is put over the nose of the patient, it begins working quickly and wears off quickly once the procedure is complete. Most patients don’t even remember their process afterward.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is used for highly anxious patients or those who need much work completed in one visit. The medicine is injected into your bloodstream. It causes you to feel calm and relaxed throughout the procedure. It even helps patients sleep through lengthy processes.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Patients that avoid the dentist due to anxiety, fear, or embarrassment can significantly benefit from the comfort sedation dentistry provides. While patients remain conscious and awake throughout their appointment, they quickly fall into a state of deep relaxation that feels completely natural. This feeling is entirely safe, and you can rest assured that your sedation dentist will monitor your recovery closely and ensure that you can safely resume normal daily activities following your visit. Many sedatives allow patients to stay awake through the procedure but feel groggy when they awaken and have no memory of the process itself. If a patient is undergoing a lengthy treatment, they may even be able to go home the same day.
Whether our patients need extensive dental treatment or preventative care, we want to ensure they feel comfortable and relaxed throughout their visit. Get in touch with Willow Glen Dental Care at 1600 Willow St, Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95125, or call dentist in San Jose CA (408) 978-0911 to learn more about sedation dentistry.
