Do you feel nervous about going to the dentist? This actually affects many people and is normal. Dental anxiety can make it tough to get the dental care you need. Horizon Family Dental Care offers sedation dentistry in Baltimore, MD, so you can go to your dental appointments stress-free.
How Can Sedation Dentistry Help Me?
Sedation dentistry is a useful general dentistry service we offer to help patients make it through their dental appointments. Dental anxiety is just one of the reasons why you may need to utilize dental sedation. It is a versatile option that we can use to accommodate your needs. Other reasons you can benefit from dental sedation include:
- Gag Reflex: If you have a strong gag reflex, sedation can help. It relaxes your throat muscles, making it easier for your dentist to treat you.
- Sensitive Teeth: Sedation makes dental work more comfortable. If you find some dental treatments painful due to sensitivity, nitrous oxide can dull the discomfort.
- Complex Procedures: Long or invasive restorative dentistry treatments often require sedation. These procedures can be stressful and tiring. Sedation dentistry will help you remain still and calm during the long appointment.
- Fear of Needles: Sedation will help you if you fear needles or injections. Nitrous oxide can make you less aware and anxious about the needle if the dentist needs to use one.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is often referred to as laughing gas. It is a safe gas that will help calm your nerves. Our Baltimore dental office has used it safely for many years.
When you come in for treatment, we will place a small mask over your nose. You breathe in the nitrous oxide through this small mask. Almost immediately, you will feel the effects of the gas. You will feel calm, relaxed, and giddy.
The effects of the gas will wear off quickly once we take the mask off you. Unlike other sedation options, you are able to drive home after your appointment.
The Benefits of Nitrous Oxide
- Works Fast: With nitrous oxide, you will start feeling calm very fast. The quick results means you do not have to spend extra time waiting for the sedation to take effect.
- Completely Safe: We use this gas every day in our dentist office. Nitrous oxide has a long hisotry of safe use. You will never have to worry about the side effects of the gas.
- More Control: You stay awake and are able to communicate with your dentist. If your dentist asks you questions or gives you instruction, you will be able to repsond.
- No Downtime: Because the effects of the gas wear off fast, you can go about your day once you leave your dentist appointment. Other forms of sedation will leave you groggy or disoriented for many hours after the procedure.
- Real Time Adjustments: Nitrous oxide also offers your dentist flexibility. The dentist can adjust the dosage to meet your needs. If you start feeling too sedated or not sedated enough, we can make quick adjustments. This level of control ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide will slow down your nervous system. By slowing down your nervous system, you will feel less anxious and more comfortable. We have control over the amount of gas you receive during your dentist appointment. The gas makes you feel euphoric, light-headed, and sleepy. It will also help you relax and be less sensitive to pain.
If you do not feel this way, we can instantly increase the amount of gas you are receiving. These effects will keep you from noticing the dental work you are getting.