Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” does not typically cause you to fall asleep; however, it can be effective at putting you in a more relaxed state for treatment. Breathed in through the nose, nitrous oxide usually takes only about 20 seconds to take effect, and the effects usually wear off once the procedure is complete. Patients with certain medical conditions may not be candidates for nitrous oxide, but there may be alternative sedation dentistry techniques that can help in these cases.
With sedation dentistry, you can have the dental treatment you need without the anxiety. At Scottsdale Smile Center, our dentists aim to make your visit with us as comfortable as possible.
IV Sedation
For more complex dental treatments, and for patients who have extreme dental anxiety, IV (intravenous) sedation can be administered. This sedation dentistry technique will put you in a state of total unconsciousness during the procedure, and you will not be aware the treatment is taking place. IV sedation can be particularly advantageous for patients who are undergoing complex procedures and/or a number of time-consuming treatments in a single session.
How Does the IV Sedation Process Work?
Before your dental treatment begins, a sedative solution will be injected into a vein in your arm. This solution acts very fast, and treatment will begin only once it is assured that it has taken effect. Depending on your needs and wishes, the IV sedation solution can be adjusted to induce either a deep sleep or just a very relaxed state of consciousness. Your progress throughout the treatment will be continuously monitored to make sure everything is running smoothly.
The effects of IV anesthesia take some time to wear off, so it will be necessary to make arrangements for someone to bring you home after the procedure. It is also important to note that IV sedation is designed to provide patients with a deeper level of sedation than other techniques; therefore, medical history will need to be reviewed before this option can be recommended. Our dentist can determine your candidacy once you have been evaluated during the consultation.
IV Sedation Side Effects
The most common side effect associated with IV sedation is a strong sensation of drowsiness after the procedure, which can last for several hours. Some patients may also experience a temporary “dry mouth” effect. Although rare, other possible side effects of IV sedation include headache and nausea/vomiting following treatment. Our dentist can address any concerns you may have and talk more with you about what to expect.
Tips on Alleviating Dental Fear and Anxiety
In general, patients who experience dental anxiety are mostly afraid of three things: the potential for pain; lack or loss of control; and “the unknown.” Fortunately, there are some easy steps that can be taken before a scheduled dental appointment to alleviate fears associated with the treatment process and reduce stress:
- Choose an experienced dentist who offers a comforting approach. Our team at Scottsdale Smile Center fully understands that a calming and compassionate chairside manner is crucial for helping patients feel at ease. We also routinely treat patients with dental anxiety and place a strong emphasis on providing effective options for individuals who are under stress about a potential treatment.
- Don’t hesitate to be honest and forthright about your fears and anxieties. Rest assured that these concerns are very common, and our team can adapt the treatment process to accommodate patients who are nervous or anxious about dental care.
- Try to schedule your appointment in the morning, if possible. If you are feeling anxious about treatment, a morning appointment enables you to have your treatment early so you won’t have to wait around all day thinking about it.
- It’s often good to have some food in your stomach before a dental treatment. This can ultimately help your body process heightened levels of adrenaline and uneasiness.
- Bring a loved one to your appointment. Having a supportive friend or family member with you can provide another calming presence to soothe your nerves both before and after treatment.
Even deep breathing exercises and meditation can be helpful for relieving dental anxiety. Additionally, you should always feel free to inquire about sedation dentistry options that are specifically designed to enhance relaxation and induce a state of calm during dental treatment.
