Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Are you afraid of going to the dentist? At Three Creek Dentistry in Derwood, MD, we are dedicated to providing our patients with a comfortable, safe environment and provide sedation dentistry to help you relax in the dental chair. Here, we’ll explain what sedation dentistry is, what kind of sedation we use, and explain why sedation dentistry is safe.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a treatment used for patients who suffer from dental anxiety, a fear of going to the dentist. For those patients there is sedation dentistry, which uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Patients are usually awake during the procedure, but the medication dulls their anxiety so we can perform necessary oral health treatment from a routine dental cleaning to a longer dental procedure.
What Kind of Sedation Is Used?
At Three Creek Dentistry, we use nitrous oxide to sedate our patients. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is one of the safest anti-anxiety medications in dentistry. To begin the sedation process, we’ll place a small mask or nose piece onto your face so that you can inhale the sweet-smelling nitrous oxide gas. You will experience a giddy feeling and immediately feel more at ease and calmer. You may or may not remember the procedure once the nitrous oxide has worn off, but no matter what your anxiety will be long gone while the laughing gas is affecting you.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe. We will be monitoring you the entire time that you are sedated, ensuring your blood oxygen level, temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate are all normal. Nitrous oxide also does not have any side effects after the mask has been removed, and you can even safely drive home after the procedure.
Call our Derwood office today for more information about sedation dentistry.