Sedation And Fear-Free Dentistry

Many patients feel anxiety about visiting the dentist, and there are many reasons why this could be the case. For some, simply having someone peer into their mouth is frightening enough; for others, however, the anxiety can be so severe that they actually put off going to the dentist until there is a serious tooth issue causing pain. Unfortunately, postponing regular visits with any medical professional can negatively affect your oral health and may make it so that more invasive procedures are necessary to fix the problem(s).

For this reason, our Dentist in Portland, OR, offers sedation or fear-free dentistry. From nitrous oxide to oral conscious sedation, these solutions can help you receive the care you need without the stress of sitting in the dental chair for hours or dealing with needles and drills. With sedation dentistry in Portland, OR, you can help to reduce your anxiety and feel more comfortable at the dentist's office. Your oral health will be better for it!

Sedation And Fear-Free Dentistry By The Dentist in Portland, OR

If you suffer from dental anxiety or dental fear, you understand how important it is to have a dentist you can trust and that you trust their recommendations. While you might worry that dental procedures will hurt or be uncomfortable, your Dentist in Portland, OR, will likely recommend some type of sedation dentistry to help you feel more at ease during treatment.

At your consultation appointment, our Dentist in Portland, OR, will talk to you about the option of using sedation dentistry. You could be eligible for oral conscious sedation with nitrous oxide, which is also known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide helps patients feel at ease and less anxious during their treatment by reducing oxygen flow to their brains, helping them relax and even become drowsy. Laughing gas wears off quickly, which makes it a perfect option for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety. Your dentist may recommend IV sedation for patients who need more help calming down and enjoying deeper relaxation for treatments.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

When you receive sedation, you are carefully monitored throughout your treatment to ensure your safety. Your dentist will continually assess your vital signs and comfort level throughout the procedure. You will be awake during your treatment and will be able to communicate with your dentist, but you will not be aware of what is happening around you. You will not be unconscious, and you will be capable of responding to questions. Some patients experience amnesia afterward, so it is important to bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment who can drive you home after the appointment. 

Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

Many patients avoid visiting the dentist because they don't feel they can relax in the dental chair, and that fear often prevents them from receiving the dental care they need. For many, sedation dentistry can help! With sedation dentistry, you can undergo your dental procedures without even knowing it – and it can help you overcome your fears of going to the dentist!

There are several types of sedation available, depending on the procedure you're undergoing.

Some of our most common forms of sedation include:

• Nitrous oxide
• Oral conscious sedation
• IV conscious sedation
• General anesthesia

At our office, we believe in using the least invasive measures possible to treat our patients. While some procedures do require the use of local or general anesthesia, we aim to use less intense options whenever possible. If we feel you could benefit from one of these, we will talk you through your options and help you determine the best choice for you. 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

If you have anxiety about going to the dentist or if you're nervous about a specific procedure, your general dentist may recommend sedation dentistry to help you relax. There are many benefits of sedation dentistry, and it might be just the solution you've been looking for! Here are a few examples:

• You can complete multiple procedures in just one appointment, and you won't need to be numbed up multiple times.
• You won't be aware of the sounds, smells, and other sensations you might experience during a procedure. Instead, you'll have little or no memory of the procedure at all.
• Patients who suffer from severe dental anxiety are often unable to even leave their houses to see a dentist for routine care. With sedation dentistry, you can get the dental care you need without having to worry about being anxious.
• For patients who need extensive oral surgery – such as wisdom tooth extraction – sedation dentistry may be necessary to help make you more comfortable and relaxed in the chair. Talk to your dentist about whether you would be a good candidate for dental sedation.

Do you have questions about the benefits of using sedation at your dentist's office? Are you wondering if this service is available to you? Do you still have other questions you'd like answered? We're here to help you with any of your concerns, so feel free to pick up the phone and call us today to learn more! We look forward to speaking with you soon.