Conscious Sedation Dentistry
Does the thought of going to the dentist cause your heart to race? Countless patients, both young and old, experience dental anxiety. At Three Creek Dentistry, we acknowledge the fact that not everyone enjoys sitting in the dental chair. That’s why we’ve equipped our practice to provide comfortable dental care and accommodate those with dental fear or dental anxiety. Not only do we provide soothing amenities, but we also offer sedation dentistry to help you relax. Sedation dentistry allows anxious patients to get the dental treatments they need and deserve.
Three Creek Dentistry offers sedation dentistry in the form of nitrous oxide (laughing gas). While some patients are put at ease with our friendly atmosphere and comfort amenities, other patients need sedation dentistry to take away their anxiety. Sedation dentistry can be used for a routine dental cleaning as well as a lengthy dental procedure, depending on your unique needs and preferences. Our dentist adheres to a gentle, non-threatening approach in dental care, and we want each patient to experience dentistry in a relaxing and rewarding manner.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is one of the safest and most preferred anti-anxiety agents in dentistry. By wearing a small mask or nose piece, patients can inhale a sweet-smelling gas that causes them to instantly relax. Many patients report a sense of giddiness, which is why this form of sedation is commonly called “laughing gas.” You can expect to be unbothered by the dental work being done, and you may not even remember the actual procedure once it is over. Best of all, nitrous oxide is safe for kids and adults. There are no lingering side effects once the mask is removed, and you can safely drive yourself home if you wish.
Don’t let your dental anxiety stand in the way of a healthy and beautiful smile. Three Creek Dentistry is where you’ll find comfort care dentistry for patients of all ages. Whether you have a severe gag reflex or you’ve had a poor dental experience in the past, we can redefine your perception of the dentist. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for you or a member of your family.
Am I a good candidate for dental sedation?
Most people who are in relatively good health are good candidates for dental sedation. Our team will take your medical history, any medications you are currently taking, and the treatment you are receiving into account before we recommend using dental sedation, if we recommend it at all. Dental sedation works well for patients with dental anxiety, but it can also help patients in the following situations:
- Severe gag reflex
- Numbing agents don’t work well
- Inability to sit still
- Have jaw pain
- Have neck or back pain
- Need a lot of dental work done
Is sedation dentistry safe?
At Three Creek Dentistry, we take the safety of our patients very seriously. We never recommend treatments that are not in the best interest of our patients or could put them at a high risk for injury. That being said, nitrous oxide is one of the safest dental sedation options available since the patient is fully conscious the entire time and the effects can be easily reversed within a few minutes. Laughing gas is safe for both children and adults alike, and it’s one of the few dental sedation options that allows patients to return to their normal activities for the rest of the day, including driving home.
How should I prepare for dental sedation?
The way you will prepare for a dental appointment that utilizes dental sedation will vary depending on the kind of procedure you will be undergoing and the kind of sedation that you wish to utilize. For nitrous oxide, we recommend not eating or eating very little for at least an hour or two before your appointment, as using nitrous oxide on a full stomach can cause nausea. If you have respiratory problems or a stuffy nose, let our team know as that can affect how well laughing gas works. If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, our team will be more than happy to assist.