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Dental anxiety is an extremely common problem in the US. Some studies estimate that nearly 73% of adults are afraid of going to the dentist. Fortunately, dentists like Dr. McInnis take this very seriously and are happy to accommodate nervous patients. One way we can help you feel more at ease during your appointments is with sedation dentistry. Both of the options we provide here at RiverPlace Dental are safe, minimally invasive, and effective.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is administered through a mask that comfortably fits over the nose, and within a few minutes of breathing it in, you should start feeling calmer and more relaxed. The effects wear off quickly too, which means you can quickly return to your daily routine without worry.
Oral conscious sedation is taken orally, which simply means you’ll swallow it as a pill. It takes a bit longer for this type of sedation to take effect, so timing is key – but don’t worry, we’ll tell you when you should ingest the pill. Typically, an hour or two before your appointment is appropriate.
While nitrous oxide is considered to be a “mild” sedative, oral conscious provides a much deeper sense of relaxation. It works best for patients with mild to moderate symptoms of dental anxiety. Part of your sedation dentistry consultation will involve determining which option is right for you, so please try to describe your feelings during dental appointments in as much detail as possible. It’s also worth mentioning whether you’ve tried other sedation methods in the past.
You won’t notice any immediate effects right after you swallow oral conscious sedation. But by the time you get settled in the patient’s chair, your senses will be dulled, you’ll start to feel groggy, and you may even nod off to sleep. We’ll still be able to get your attention for any important instructions or questions, as you won’t technically be “knocked out.” Rest assured, though, that when all is said and done, you likely won’t remember much about your treatment.
It’s important to note that you will need a friend or loved one to drive you to your appointment and take you home from our office. It can take several hours for the effects of this sedative to wear off, and it’s best to limit your activities for the rest of the day.
Oral conscious sedation is generally considered to be safe. That said, certain medical conditions and medications can interact negatively with the sedative. We’ll take your health history into consideration when recommending a dental sedation method to help ensure your wellbeing.
