People have long wished for something to ease their nerves before visiting the dentist. In ancient India, wine was administered to dull the discomfort before dental procedures. It’s not a bad idea — but these days, your dentist in Dublin offers something better. We are pleased to offer two options in sedation dentistry to help you relax: nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Learn more about both from your dentist in Dublin.
Relax Already!
Sedation can help patients in a variety of situations enjoy a more pleasant dental experience. It’s most commonly used to help calm jittery nerves before a general or restorative treatment, but nitrous oxide and/or oral conscious sedation can be helpful for patients who have chronic neck or back pain, which can make sitting in the dentist’s chair uncomfortable. It’s also a great option for people who wish to accomplish multiple dental procedures in a single visit, or for patients who have an especially strong gag reflex.
Talk to your dentist if you think you could benefit from sedation dentistry. We’re here to help you overcome your fears related to the dentist so you can relax through your next appointment!
Two Options in Sedation
Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation offer two levels of relaxation.
- Nitrous oxide: Also known as laughing gas, it’s a good option for patients with mild to moderate anxiety undergoing minor procedures. It is administered through a small nasal mask and induces a light, happy feeling. The effects wear off as soon as the treatment is over and the mask is removed.
- Oral conscious sedation: Delivers a stronger relaxation, oral conscious sedation is administered orally, in pill form you take about an hour before your treatment. Plan for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. You’re still awake while under this sedation, just completely removed from what’s going on around you.
The option that is best for you depends on the procedure being performed as well as your level of stress or anxiety regarding your appointment. Discuss your options with your dentist to ensure you receive the method that’s best for you.
Considerations With Sedation
You don’t have to make any special preparations with nitrous oxide, but if you choose oral conscious sedation, you will need to plan for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. You may doze off during your time under oral conscious sedation, and most patients report not remembering any of the details of their time under this form of sedation. Local anesthesia will most likely be combined with your choice of sedation, so make sure you wait until you regain feeling in the jaw before eating or drinking anything.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you ready to relax at the dentist’s office? It’s possible with options in sedation dentistry. Get in touch with Dr. Buck and Burton to discuss sedation dentistry in Dublin. We can’t wait to help you overcome your dental fear or anxiety for a healthy, long-lasting smile!