The American Dental Association recommends that everyone over the age of two sees their dentist twice a year for a preventive appointment. However, for some, even a routine cleaning and checkup can be extremely challenging due to dental fears and anxieties. This involves more than just sweaty palms. If visiting the dentist is just too overwhelming, you often delay your appointments, placing your oral health at risk. At Distinctive Smiles of Dublin, we understand that you may have unique needs when it comes to your comfort level. To help you relax, we offer sedation dentistry in Dublin to conquer your fears.
Conquer Your Dental Fears
Phobias of the dentist are quite common. In fact, it is estimated that as much as 15% percent of Americans avoid their appointments due to anxieties and fears. Although it may be uncomfortable for you, you must see your dentist every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums. To help you relax during your visit, we offer two types of sedation: nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Together, we will help you overcome your fear to enjoy your time in our office.
Benefit from Sedation Dentistry
In addition to helping those with dental-related phobias, sedation can be used for an array of purposes. Often, we will recommend sedation if you need an invasive or lengthy procedure. We will also suggest it if you need to undergo multiple treatments because it helps to keep you comfortable while we are able to perform the procedures quickly.
In some cases, we can even use sedation if you have certain unique needs due to a strong gag reflex, difficulty keeping your jaw open, or trouble staying in one position for too long. If you have certain physical disabilities, you may also benefit from sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is more commonly referred to as laughing gas. It is an inhaled sedative that has been used for decades because it is safe and effective. A mask will be placed over your mouth and nose to allow you to inhale the sedative. Then, in just a couple of minutes, you will begin to feel relaxed and at ease. After your procedure, the effects will wear off quickly so you can drive yourself home from your appointment.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a prescribed medication that is taken prior to your appointment so you will need to arrange for a friend or loved one to drive you to and from our office. As the medication takes effect, you will no longer be aware of your discomforts and you may even fall asleep. However, you will remain conscious throughout the procedure. You will need to take it easy for the rest of the day because it can take several hours for the sedative to fully wear off.
Relax and Enjoy the Dentist
If you are ready to stop fearing your next appointment with your dentist in Dublin, it is time to see if sedation dentistry is right for you. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.