Do you dread going to the dentist because all you can think about is pain? Have you had a bad dental experience that has left you anxious about going to the dentist? There is a way to combat dental anxiety and phobia: sedation dentistry.

 

The first thing to know is that there is a difference between dental anxiety and dental fear. People with dental anxiety feel uneasy when going to the dentist and may have fears of going to the dentist, but they can go. People with dental phobia are terrified of going to the dentist and do everything they can to avoid going to the dentist. It’s been estimated that between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of dental anxiety or dental phobia.

 

 

Regardless of the level of anxiety or phobia, sedation is a great way to calm your nerves and enable you to go to the dentist. We offer three types of sedation dentistry here at Greenspoint Dental.

 

Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas

For people with mild to moderate dental anxiety, nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) is a great treatment option. With nitrous oxide, you will still have normal bodily functions. This safe treatment occurs rapidly and can be used for any length of time, being easily adjustable if more is needed.

 

 

Oral Sedation

With this treatment, you only remember some things about the procedure. Before your dental appointment begins, you will take a pill and you will most likely feel like you’re falling asleep. Your bodily functions are normal with this treatment as well. It is a safe treatment that is easy to monitor.

 

IV Sedation

This treatment infuses the medicine straight into your bloodstream, causing you to go into a deep conscious sedation. This treatment erases most memories of the dental procedure and with this treatment, you will feel like you slept through the entire process.

 

The most common reasons nitrous oxide is used include:

• Keeping children calm during a dental appointment
• Providing a calming effect for adults who are nervous
• To help patients with sensitive gag reflexes

 

The most common reasons oral sedation is used include:

• Procedures that require you to keep your mouth open for a long time
• Restorative dentistry

 

The most common procedures that call for IV sedation include:

• Getting wisdom teeth removed
• Receiving dental implants
• Oral surgery

 

 

It’s critical for your oral health to follow the recommended dental routine; brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist every six months. Whether you get butterflies before your dental cleaning or have severe nightmares about a horrible dental experience, you can go to the dentist. Sedation enables those with anxiety or total fear to go to the dentist and have a calm experience.

 

For more information on sedation dentistry or to schedule a dental appointment, contact Greenspoint Dental in Houston, Texas. We are dedicated to providing you and your loved ones with the best dental care.