While people have many reasons for why they don’t visit the dentist, anxiety and fear are actually some of the leading ones. While we do everything possible to create a warm and welcoming environment, Dr. Brice understands that poor experiences with previous dentists can ruin every future visit, especially if they occurred at a young age. With three different levels of sedation available, you don’t have to sacrifice your oral health simply because of fear. Contact our office to learn which strength of sedation can most benefit your next appointment!
If you have moderate levels of fear or anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist, oral conscious sedatives might be the best option to make you feel comfortable. This sedative is taken orally prior to your appointment, making you ready to receive treatment by the time you arrive. You’ll still be awake to tell the dentist about your comfort levels, but we ask that you have a friend or family member drive you to and from the practice for your own safety.
For those with milder levels of anxiety, nitrous oxide is a great option. Not only is it fast-acting, but the effects also dissipate almost instantly, which prevents you from having to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your visit. If you are interested in learning more about this calming solution, don’t hesitate to reach out to our San Antonio dental team or read on!
Nitrous oxide is safe for patients of all ages. So, if you struggle with mild anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, a fear of needles, or head/neck/jaw pain in the treatment chair, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us! From there, we can review your medical and dental history as well as learn more about your dental needs and smile goals. If we determine that you’re a good candidate, then we will add nitrous oxide to your treatment plan. If you aren’t a good candidate because you’re pregnant or you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, like asthma, then we will explore the other options available.
As we mentioned above, nitrous oxide is incredibly fast-acting, making it ideal for those who want to feel the relaxing effects of dental sedatives as soon as they begin their appointment. Once you arrive at our office and settle into the treatment chair, we will put the nasal mask in place and turn on the nitrous oxide. After a few minutes of breathing in the odorless, colorless gas, you will feel a wave of relaxation, alleviating any stress, worry, or anxiety in the process.
Important reminder: Nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep. You’ll be completely at ease, but able to respond easily to verbal cues we give you or ask any questions you have throughout your time in the treatment chair.
Of course, one of the biggest benefits of nitrous oxide is that the effects start to dissipate as soon as we remove the nasal mask. As a result, you don’t need to take the rest of the day off work or arrange for someone to drive you home from your appointment. To put it simply, this calming solution makes it easy to continue your day – no matter what you have planned!
For those with severe levels of anxiety or fear that make it very difficult to get treatment completed, IV sedation can be provided entirely in-house. Keep in mind that while this method of sedation is the strongest available in dentistry (and some patients do fall asleep after receiving it), it is not designed to put you to sleep like general anesthesia. You’ll still be able to speak with the dentist directly, receive instructions, and inform us of your comfort levels so we can make on-the-fly adjustments as needed.
If you're a candidate for sedation dentistry, it is safe when administered by a trained dental professional, like Dr. Brice. Dental sedation is safe for most patients with good health. Dr. Brice will learn more about your medical history and any medications you're taking to look for anything concerning. He will choose the safest sedative for your needs. Generally, nitrous oxide is the safest for children and adults.
Each sedative causes a different experience while in the dentist’s chair. You're more likely to remember your procedure if nitrous oxide is used, but it's not unusual for your memory to be fragmented with oral conscious sedation. You will probably have little or no memory of your appointment if IV sedation is used.
It depends on the type of sedative used, but here's what you can expect with the most popular options:
Dr. Brice can use a local numbing agent along with a sedative if necessary. You won't have any pain during your treatment, but depending on the procedure, your mouth may be tender after the numbing medication wears off. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and applying a cold compress. Dr. Brice may have additional aftercare instructions, like eating soft foods. Dr. Brice will keep your comfort as his top priority, so you don't have to worry about a painful day in the dentist’s chair.