Do you feel anxious, fearful or nervous about going to the dentist? Does this feeling cause you to avoid seeing the dentist altogether? If so, you are certainly not alone. According to Colgate, as many as 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. While an extra blanket or soothing music may be the fix for some anxious patients, it is not uncommon to need something more. At Gilreath Family Dentistry, we proudly offer sedation dentistry as part of our commitment to provide a positive and rewarding dental visit for each patient.
Dental anxiety (or dental fear) is a very real condition. It can occur at various levels. For instance, you may simply get sweaty palms or a racing heart in the waiting room or you may be paralyzed with fear at the mere thought of sitting in a dental chair. Regardless of how severe your anxiety is, sedation dentistry is a welcome solution.
The most preferred and popular form of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide sedation. This involves wearing a small nosepiece or mask and gently inhaling its gas. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, sweet smelling gas that is safe for both kids and adults. Here are some key benefits of choosing nitrous oxide sedation:
You’re relaxed but still awake. Nitrous oxide has the ability to put patients in a deep state of relaxation and calmness. However, you are not put to sleep. You’ll still be able to communicate with your dentist, but you may not remember what you said or what actually happened once the procedure is over.
You can drive yourself home. An overwhelming advantage to nitrous oxide as opposed to other forms of sedation dentistry (such as oral sedation or IV sedation), is that the effects wear off within minutes of removing the mask. There are no lingering side effects to deal with all day long, and you won’t have to burden a neighbor or family member to drive you home.
Your oral health is not neglected. Last but certainly not least, sedation dentistry allows you to get the care your smile needs to stay healthy. Remember that neglecting your oral health or putting off necessary treatments can significantly impact your overall health and your quality of life. Despite your fears or concerns about seeing a dentist, you can still get the care you need.
If the sights, sounds or smells of the dental office send you over the edge, don’t be afraid to tell us. While we do our best to create an environment that feels like home, we understand that dental anxiety still exists. We are happy to tell you how nitrous oxide sedation can benefit you during your next visit, and our team will go above and beyond to create soothing surroundings for a positive dental care experience. Call our Marietta office today.
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,
