Are you concerned about pain at the dentist? We will always administer topical and local anesthesia if you feel sensitivity or have a restorative or surgical procedure. Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is also available for children and adults to help you relax or reduce dental fear and anxiety. Sedation dentistry is a part of preventative and general dental care in our Dallas, TX, office to help ensure comfortable patient care.
How to Visit the Dentist with Dental Anxiety
If the thought of going to the dentist fills you with fear, you’re not alone. Many patients have dental fear for a variety of reasons, from a negative past experience or general anxiety. Some may also think dental fear is only a problem for children, but this isn’t true. Patients of all ages can have a fear of pain, loud noises, or a lack of control.
The good news is that we offer accommodations. If you or a loved one have dental anxiety, we recommend these tips:
Get an Office Tour
When you take a tour of our office, you can get to know the space and our team in a calm, no-pressure setting. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to meet our friendly staff, explore the waiting area, and see the exam and treatment rooms. This can help you become familiar with the environment and make it feel less intimidating.
Seeing where your appointment will take place and meeting the people who will care for you can ease many of the unknowns that often contribute to dental anxiety. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share any concerns, and learn about the steps we take to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Bring Headphones and Comforting Objects
If you are sensitive to loud noises, visiting the dentist can feel daunting. Many dental tools, such as drills and cleaning devices, make sounds that might cause discomfort. Noise-cancelling headphones are beneficial during dental visits.
Another way to stay comfortable is by bringing a stress ball or other small, soothing item to hold during treatment. You can also listen to music or a podcast during treatment. They help distract you from cleanings or other treatments.
Ask Questions
One of the most common reasons people feel anxious about going to the dentist is a fear of the unknown. If you don’t know what to expect during a cleaning, treatment, or exam can make the experience overwhelming or even scary.
At our office, we want to help ease those feelings. We encourage you to ask questions about anything you’re unsure of about your dental care. Whether you’re curious about how a specific treatment works, what tools we use, or how long a procedure might take, we can help. Once you have answers, you can feel more comfortable in the dental chair.
Benefits of Sedation
Dental sedation offers many benefits to our patients:
- Painless care
- Reduced gag reflex
- Reduced chance of remembering treatment
We also recommend sedation for a variety of patients, including patients with:
- Long dental treatments
- A poor gag reflex
- Dental fear or anxiety
- Special needs
- TMJ disorders
- Difficulty sitting still
We are here to help relieve your anxiety and treat your dental phobia. Our office will ensure that the type of sedation we use is safe for you.
Is Sedation Safe?
Yes, sedation is safe for most patients when provided by trained professionals and carefully planned. Before your treatment, we will review your medical history, current medications, and any dental concerns.
If you take sleep medications or other medications that can slow your breathing, we might advise against sedation. These medications, combined with sedation, could increase the risk of complications. Also, if you have sleep apnea, we may recommend lighter sedation or other options to ensure your safety.
Also, please let us know if you are allergic to medications or sedation. We want to ensure your safety and comfort.
Our top priority is your health and comfort, so we will always take the time to choose the safest and most effective approach for your dental care. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Sedation Dentistry in Dallas, TX
If you avoid the dentist because of anxiety or previous negative experiences, we’re here to help. We provide comfortable dental care for patients with local anesthetic and nitrous oxide. Our office provides anesthetic to numb areas of the mouth so patients will not feel pain. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, can ensure you feel calm and anxiety-free.
We use nitrous oxide for patients who require longer dental treatments. This is the lightest form of sedation and comes in multiple levels, including minimal, moderate, or deep sedation.
We administer nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask we place over the nose and mouth. Under this sedation, you may feel happy or giggly, and you will also feel relaxed.
Laughing gas is a safe option for patients of all ages. We will control the amount of sedation each patient receives based on age and size. It also takes effect and wears off quickly. As soon as we remove the mask, the effects will wear off.
Can I Go To Work or School After?
Yes, you can usually go to work or school after sedation. Laughing gas wears off quickly after treatment. We will give you oxygen to help clear the gas from your system, and most patients feel back to normal within a few minutes.
However, everyone reacts a little differently. If you feel tired or lightheaded after your visit, rest before you return to your regular activities. If you have any concerns, talk to Dr. Nguyen. She can help you decide what’s best for you.
Get Comfortable Dental Treatment
Do you need to make a dental appointment? Call Lochwood Family Dental for sedation dentistry in Dallas, TX, today at 214-544-9633. You may also schedule a dental visit online.
Please let us know if you have questions about sedation at your next visit. We’re here to help you get the dental care you need.