Sedation Dentistry for Anxiety-Free Dental Care

Sedation dentistry is the practice of using medication to help provide a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for patients. Many patients avoid going to the dentist because they’re afraid or uneasy about the idea of undergoing dental treatments. However, anxiety doesn’t have to be a barrier to your oral health. With sedation dentistry, you’re able to get the care you need without worry.

At Fear Free Dental, we offer several forms of sedation dentistry, including laughing gas, oral sedatives, and IV sedation. Our dentist in Portland, OR, works with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan that meets their individual needs and preferences. 

How Sedation Dentistry Works

There are different levels of sedation that can be achieved, and there are different procedures/methods to achieve them. The level of sedation depends on the amount of medication used as well as the type of procedure being performed. Some patients have mild anxiety, while others experience severe anxiety about going to the dentist. If a patient is fearful or has difficulty sitting still, they will likely need some form of sedation to remain calm and comfortable throughout the appointment. Keep in mind there are times when it is beneficial to be awake during a procedure; however, this is often the exception rather than the rule. In many cases, patients are completely unaware of what is happening during the treatment because they are asleep. Due to the relaxing nature of sedation dentistry, most patients tend to remember very little about their visit, making the whole process virtually painless and anxiety-free.

At our practice, our dentist in Portland, OR, offers two types of sedation in our office – IV sedation and nitrous oxide. Both forms of sedation have very little to no side effects and are very safe for both adults and children. Before your procedure is scheduled, you will meet with one of our doctors to discuss what sedation is best for you. From there, our medical team will discuss any medications with you, what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and any other questions you may have. 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

If you’re like most adults who haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you probably experience some anxiety about seeing your general dentist in Portland, OR. You may worry about feeling pain or discomfort during your appointment. Or you may worry about having a dentist poke around your mouth and notice a problem that you may have been ignoring for a while. These are all normal concerns; however, you don’t have to let these fears keep you from getting the dental care you need. With sedation dentistry, you can get the care you need without feeling anxious about it!

Here are some benefits of sedation dentistry:

• You can avoid experiencing any pain during your procedure. By having you sedated during the appointment, your dentist in Portland, OR, can complete the procedure without any hesitation or stress. You won’t feel anything, and you’ll wake up refreshed and pain-free.
• You can have longer appointments and get more comprehensive treatment done in a single sitting. In some cases, patients may not have been able to finish their procedures in one visit due to time constraints or sheer exhaustion. With sedation dentistry, you won’t have to worry about losing any time and can just relax while you get your dental treatments completed all at once.
• You can have more invasive dental procedures, such as oral surgery, without experiencing any fear or anxiety. Some patients are too nervous to get oral surgery or extractions. However, with sedation dentistry, you can finally undergo the procedure you’ve been putting off for years and get the care you need in a stress-free manner.
• If you have a fear of needles or have a serious gag reflex, you can relax knowing that your dentist will administer your sedation using just a small needle. Your dentist in Portland, OR, can use a very small shot to administer the medication, so you won’t have to worry about getting a larger injection or experiencing a jumpy reaction as a result.

Contact Fear Free Dental in Portland, Oregon, for the best dental care. Call the Dentist in Portland, OR at (503) 291-0000 or visit 4455 Sw Scholls Ferry Rd Suite 101 Portland, Oregon, 97225 to schedule an appointment.