Are you or have you always been afraid of seeing the dentist and avoid going because of this fear? Have you had bad experiences in the past? You are not alone- there are millions of people who feel the same way. Here at Carolina Family Dentistry, we understand that dental visits can be overwhelming and downright scary for those with dental fear or anxiety. The best way to decrease that fear and memories of those bad experiences is to replace them with good ones. Fortunately, we offer ways to combat your fear and anxiety and feel calmer about your dental visit. Let’s go over some strategies we recommend to nervous patients, specifically, the sedation dentistry options we offer.
What is Sedation?
Sedation is the use of medication that makes you relaxed and maybe drowsy during dental procedures. Sedation options can be used during any dental treatment. There are different levels of sedation with a range of being relaxed yet awake to somewhat alert to very sleepy. Sedation can reduce the fear or anxiety of dental or doctor visits, leaving patients more relaxed and calm.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous Oxide Sedation, more commonly called Laughing Gas, provides patients with a calming and relaxing sensation, making their dental visit more pleasant and helping with anxiety. The patient inhales the gas through their nose; one advantage to this method is that people mostly remain awake. Another advantage is adult patients can drive themselves. It is very popular among both adults and children.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral Conscious Sedation is another form of sedation we offer at Carolina Family Dentistry. Instead of breathing something in, the patient takes medication prescribed by Dr. Banik. This kind of sedation goes a step further than Nitrous Oxide Sedation because you may not remember much or your appointment. When using this form of sedation for a dental visit, patients must have someone to drive you to and from the appointment. If you have tried laughing gas and still experienced significant fear or anxiety, this is a great option to try.
Combination of both oral and nitrous oxide sedations
Oral and nitrous oxide sedation can be used together also. With this option, you must have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
Choose a Caring Practice
If you have dental anxiety or fear, it is essential to choose a dentist that has experience with patients that go through the same thing. Find a practice that will help you through the anxiety, not add to it. We are proud to work with so many patients that fear the dentist and help them feel as comfortable as possible at their appointment. If you want to discuss your sedation options and methods to prepare for your dental visit, contact us. We are here to help you feel as safe and comfortable as possible during your visit and are happy to try sedation options to find the best fit for you.
