If you get break out in a cold sweat just thinking about a dental visit, the idea that the experience can be anything less than miserable might seem entirely far fetched. And what about actually having a pleasant time at the dentist? Crazy, you say?
It may be time to give the dentist’s office another chance and open yourself up to an experience that you might even enjoy. The goal of sedation dentistry is to make your dental visit a positive experience, even if you have memories of pain and anxiety. Regular dental care is the key to maintaining oral health, and to best care for your teeth, we need to offer a remedy for your nerves so that we can get you in the door and cared for.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
You have a couple choices when it comes to controlling tension and anxiety the day of your dental visit. You can choose to start relaxing before you even walk in the door by taking a light sedative before your visit. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the office, but will otherwise be alert and able to function—you’ll just feel pretty relaxed.
You can also receive nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to calm your nerves while you’re in the dentist’s chair. As with a sedative, you’ll stay awake during your procedure. Nitrous oxide wears off more quickly than a sedative, so you may be able to drive home as soon as your dental providers determine that you’re ready.
Drs. of Smiles dentists Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro are specially trained in sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your visits. To help you overcome your anxiety, they offer sedation dentistry in our Mesa, Arizona, dentistry offices. Contact us for more information.