Sedation Dentistry: An Overview
At Laurel Smiles Dental Care, we understand that not everyone loves going to the dentist. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry in Laurel, MD for our patients who need it. They can use it for general dentistry treatments, as well as any cosmetic or restorative work that they may need.
Sedation dentistry makes it possible for patients to be relaxed throughout their dental appointment while also being aware and in control of their body. If you or your child has a fear of the dentist or dental anxiety, do not let this prevent you from taking care of your dental health.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- Enhances the effectiveness of anesthetic
- Decreases gag reflex
- Alleviates anxiety
- Eliminates joint and muscle soreness
- Enables more treatment to be provided in fewer visits
- The dentist can work more efficiently
- No suffering from painful memories
Sedation Dentistry in Laurel, MD
Our goal is to make sure you are calm and comfortable during your entire dental appointment. Sedation dentistry in our Laurel, MD practice is very helpful for this. We will work with patients who have neglected their dental health due to dental anxiety. Our team will come up with a treatment plan that helps them maintain their oral health as well as their mental health.
Who All Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry isn’t just for patients that suffer from dental anxiety. Many other types of patients can benefit from it as well. Some movement disabilities can make it hard or even dangerous for people to get proper dental care. Involuntary movements at random times are hard to account for by the dentist. Sedation helps to relax these movements so that patients can get the dental care they need safely.
Getting many treatments in one visit is faster and easier as well. Sedation will help keep you calm and relaxed so your dentist can get all your treatments done. Patients that have bad gag reflexes can also get through procedures more easily. Sedation helps to deaden the reflex, making care more comfortable for both the patient and the dentist.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. All of our procedures and practices are safe and for the benefit of our patients. Regardless of the kind of sedation method you are prescribed, you will be back to your normal self soon after your dental appointment.
What kind of sedation dentistry options are available?
Nitrous Oxide
You inhale laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, throughout your appointment to keep you calm but also in control of your bodily functions. You will have a cannula that sits just beneath your nose that allows you to breath in this odorless gas. It has been used for many years in dentistry to lessen fear and anxiety during dental treatments and is perfectly safe. The effects will wear off shortly after you stop breathing in the gas leaving you able to drive after treatment.
Oral Sedation
We can also prescribe oral sedatives for you to take before your appointment. An oral sedative will relax you and you may even fall asleep during your treatment. With this form of sedation, you will need a ride to and from your appointment since you will be unable to drive. Additionally, we use local anesthetics during invasive procedures to ensure you do not feel pain.
My child struggles to stay still. What are our options?
Sedation dentistry is very helpful for children who struggle to stay still during their dental appointments. Often, squirming or wiggling is a result of dental anxiety as well as being in an unfamiliar environment. Your dentist can make a suggestion on sedation dentistry options to help keep your child relaxed during their treatment.
Can you drive after sedation dentistry?
It simply depends on the type of sedation you use. If your dentist uses happy gas, you should be fine to drive after the procedure. If your dentist uses IV sedation, patients should plan to have someone drive them home from their appointment.
How long does dental sedation take to wear off?
Dental sedation typically takes anywhere from 2-8 hours to wear off. However, nitrous oxide will wear off right away.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment Today
If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, call our office today at 301-200-1315 and ask about your sedation dentistry options.