Sedation Dentistry – Newington, CT
Breeze Through Your Next Dental Treatment
Does the prospect of visiting your dentist in Newington make you a little nervous? Or do you even feel paralyzed by fear? You are far from alone — many individuals experience some form of dental anxiety. We understand that, which is why we always go the extra mile to make our patients feel welcome. In some cases, though, a caring atmosphere is not enough to soothe anxiety. Therefore, we offer a few sedation dentistry options, including both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. They provide a safe and effective way for you to breeze through your next dental treatment.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas” is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet taste that we administer through a nasal mask. As soon as you breathe it in, it begins to produce a relaxed, somewhat giddy feeling. It is easy for us to adjust your nitrous oxide levels throughout your procedure so you remain calm. After your treatment is over and we remove your mask, the nitrous oxide will wear off very quickly. In fact, you will even be able to drive yourself home from your appointment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is suitable for almost all patients, including those who:
- Are nervous about undergoing dental treatment.
- Have a strong gag reflex.
- Find it difficult to sit still for extended periods.
- Are not easily numbed by local anesthesia.
- Need to undergo multiple treatments simultaneously.
Due to its mild nature, nitrous oxide is safe for practically any patient, including young children. Many pregnant women who are past their first trimester are also eligible for nitrous oxide sedation. We will perform a thorough screening prior to sedating you so we can make an accurate determination of whether this provision is a fit for your unique case.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Since nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask, there is no need to worry about uncomfortable injections. After we place the mask on your nose, we will administer a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Within just a minute or two of when you start breathing it in, you may start to feel very relaxed. You might also experience a giddy or floating sensation.
We can adjust your level of sedation throughout your procedure. Once we finish working on your smile, the nasal mask will be removed, and you should start to feel like yourself again within just a few minutes.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
The effects of nitrous oxide tend to wear off quite quickly, but we will still ask you to stay in our office for a few minutes so we can monitor you. If you experience any side effects, they should be mild and temporary. For example, some patients feel a bit nauseated or experience a light headache.
Nitrous oxide should not prevent you from resuming your normal activities after your dental appointment. However, if you underwent an invasive procedure, you may need to go home and rest for a day or two. It is important that you follow post-op instructions so your body can heal properly.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If you opt for oral conscious sedation, you will swallow a pill shortly before your treatment begins. As the pill takes effect, you will begin to feel very calm and relaxed. It is unlikely you will fall asleep, but if you do, we can easily awaken you with a gentle shake. You will still be able to respond to any questions we may ask you during your procedure.
Oral conscious sedation is quite powerful, and its effects can linger for some time. That is why you must have a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your appointment. In some cases, oral conscious sedation stops patients from remembering their procedure.
Am I a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Most patients with dental anxiety are candidates for sedation dentistry. Sedation may also be right for you if you have physical limitations that make it uncomfortable for you to sit still for long periods of time. We often recommend sedation for individuals who are undergoing multiple procedures at once. Your comfort is one of our top priorities, so if you are interested in sedation dentistry, do not hesitate to speak up!
During your consultation, it is important that you are forthright with us about any medical conditions you have. We want to help you choose a form of sedation that will be effective and safe for you.
To learn more about sedation dentistry and how we may be able to use it to help you, contact Family Dental Practice of Newington today.