For many people, dental care can be stressful. Some people may avoid caring for their teeth due to dental anxiety or fear of the dentist. If dental treatments make you nervous, do not let your anxiety keep you from enjoying a beautiful, healthy smile. At Hollon Dental, we offer sedation dentistry options to soothe your nerves and help you relax during your dental visits. Our office in Mobile, AL, offers both nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation for our patients that prefer extra help relaxing during dental treatments.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For those with moderate to higher levels of dental anxiety, oral conscious sedation may be recommended. This form of sedation dentistry uses an oral medication that is given before the dental appointment to help put patients into a very relaxed state. While patients will still be awake and conscious, they are comfortably sedated and often not aware of what is happening during their dental treatment. It is common for patients not to remember their dental treatment after the effects of the medication wears off.
Oral conscious sedation can be an ideal option for those who suffer from extreme dental anxiety, gag reflex or other conditions that make it difficult to undergo dental treatments. It may also be recommended for more invasive or lengthy procedures like tooth extractions or root canal therapy. Oral conscious sedation does require that patients have someone to bring them to and from their appointment, as patients cannot drive after having this type of sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, has been used for many decades in sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide is very safe – it can even be used with children to help them relax during their dental treatments. Laughing gas is breathed in through the nose during the treatment and puts patients into a mild, euphoric state. Patients remain conscious and aware, but very relaxed. After the treatment is over, a few minutes of breathing fresh air will dissipate the effects of nitrous oxide, making it safe to drive after your procedure.
Sedation dentistry is a game-changer for many patients. Finally, they can get the dental care they need without the stress or anxiety. To learn more about our sedation options, contact us at Hollon Dental in Mobile, Alabama.