Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry
ntravenous Sedation (“Twilight Sedation”)
Many people are perfectly comfortable with visiting the dentist for any procedure, no matter how complex. However, there are some patients who are so apprehensive about seeing a dentist that the mere thought of a dental appointment might send them into a panic.
While problems such as dental anxiety and dental phobias are very real, if they are keeping you from seeing our dentist, Dr. Rohini Singh, you are putting yourself at risk for serious oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth loss. A healthy smile is more important than you may realize since oral health problems can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory issues and can complicate the problems associated with diabetes.
At All Dental & Braces and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want to make sure that you get the dental care you need and that you feel comfortable and at ease during your visit. To ensure your comfort and enhance your care, we offer the following information about forms of sedation dentistry in Killeen, Texas:
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a wonderful choice for patients who feel anxious or nervous about their dental treatment. Sedation dentistry involves using a sedative medication to help you feel more relaxed and calm during your visit. There are several types of sedation dentistry available based on your individual needs and preferences:
Some of the common dental problems you may face as you age include:
- Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas. This sedative gas is mixed with oxygen and inhaled during your treatment to help you feel more relaxed. Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that wears off within just a few minutes after we stop the flow of gas.
- Oral sedation, which involves taking an oral medication before your treatment. By the time of your appointment, you will feel calm and at ease.
- IV sedation, which involves administering sedative medication intravenously (through the veins). This method of delivery enables our dentist to provide the sedation more quickly, as well as easily control the level of sedation to ensure that you stay comfortable. IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation, meaning that it will not make you unconscious, but you may feel so relaxed that you fall asleep during your treatment. You may also not remember all of the details of your visit.
Sedation dentistry will help you feel more comfortable during your treatment. Our experienced dentist and team will ensure that your entire treatment is safe. Each member of our team is highly trained, and we will carefully monitor you during your visit. Depending on your sedation option, you may need to have a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your appointment.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, if you have had negative experiences at the dentist in the past or if you simply feel nervous about your treatment, sedation dentistry can help you feel more at ease. Sedation dentistry is also a good choice for patients who have difficulty getting numb or who have an extremely sensitive gag reflex.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
People of all ages can have easier appointments through sedation dentistry. Young patients who may be fearful or anxious about their appointments or who may have trouble cooperating during their visit can have easier treatments. Elderly patients who may be fearful or anxious about their visit or concerned about the state of their oral health can relax while they see Dr. Singh. Special-needs patients may also be good candidates for sedation dentistry, and of course, anyone who feels nervous or frightened about visiting the dentist will find it easier to have their dental needs met.
Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare?
If you deal with dental anxiety or a dental phobia, Dr. Singh and the team should know. Call our office before your visit to:
- Discuss your phobia, fear or source of anxiety
- The type of treatment you will be having
- The options for sedation dentistry
- What you should do before your appointment
- What you should plan for after your visit.
Do not let dental anxiety come between you and a healthy mouth! Call All Dental & Braces and Cosmetic Dentistry today at 254-200-1893 to learn more about your options for sedation dentistry and to schedule your appointment.