For many patients, going to the dentist is more than just another appointment that might or might not fit into a schedule. A significant number of adults suffer from dental anxiety, making it harder to endure visits and stay on top of their oral hygiene. Luckily, there are solutions out there for you, thanks to a set of options known collectively as sedation dentistry.
Using Sedation to Soothe Patients
Different practices use different sedation methods. For procedures like regular cleanings and cavity treatments, Dr. Gielincki offers both nitrous oxide and oral sedation. The each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Patients with strong anxiety symptoms often opt for the oral sedative, which requires filling a prescription and having someone drive you in, because you will take the sedative roughly an hour before the procedure, from home.
Nitrous oxide is an option for patients who need anxiety relief that wears off faster and requires less preparation, but some patients report it is not as effective for strong anxiety. If you have questions about your symptoms, the easiest way to get them answered is with a consultation appointment. It’s also possible to try each option at different times to make sure you have found the right one.
Advantages of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation is an option for any patient who feels anxious and wants to find an easier way to access dental care. By removing the anxiety from the equation, patients are able to
- Access care more promptly, before conditions escalate
- Endure procedures with less discomfort
- Recover faster from procedures
- Build positive, or at least less negative, impressions of dental visits
- Prevent future oral health problems with cleanings and cavity monitoring
Don’t let anxiety stop you from getting the healthcare you deserve. Contact our office today and make an appointment to come in and talk about using sedation for your dental anxiety. Our staff is ready to assist you during regular office hours.