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Dental anxiety is an intense fear of undergoing dental treatment. This fear can stem from a number of causes, including a bad experience at the dentist's office in the past. Dental anxiety keeps patients from receiving the dental treatment they need to maintain good oral health. If you have dental anxiety, don't worry; you can benefit from sedation dentistry. 

Learn About Sedation Dentistry

Patients are often nervous and apprehensive at the thought of going to the dentist, which often results in postponing their appointments or avoiding them altogether. Thankfully, there are great ways to overcome dental anxiety so you can receive the dental care you need for a beautiful and healthy smile. One option to consider is the use of sedation dentistry to help you feel completely relaxed and at ease.

Sedation dentistry refers to the administration of medication to help patients relax while receiving dental treatments. There are various types of sedation available depending on your needs and preferences. Here are the major sedation dentistry procedures:

• Oral Conscious Sedation: This mild level of sedation involves the patient taking a pill about an hour before their appointment to induce a state of relaxation. Patients who take oral conscious sedation often don't remember their time in the dental chair because it doesn't induce the "high" associated with other forms of sedation. However, it can slow your reflexes and response time, so you'll need to bring along a driver (who must remain in the waiting area). 
• Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is commonly used in our dental office to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during their visit. It can help you relax during procedures such as cleanings, fillings, and crowns. It can also be used as a pain reliever for toothaches. During your visit, you'll inhale the gas through a mask that we will provide for you. Once the procedure is finished, we will remove the mask, and you'll return to normal breathing within a matter of minutes.
• IV Sedation: Intravenous (IV) sedation is the deepest form of sedation offered at our practice. Patients are administered medication through a small needle that is inserted into a patient's hand or arm. The medication takes effect quickly, and once it does, you will remain completely relaxed throughout your treatment. 

If you are interested in finding out more about sedation, contact your dentist today to schedule a consultation. He or she will take the time to review your medical history and determine if you are a good candidate for sedation. Then, he or she will provide you with additional information about the different types of sedation available to you and help you decide whether this is the best option for your unique needs.

Call Dr. Ronald F. Jacob, DMD, at (386) 445-6111 if you wish to learn more about ways to maintain good oral health. We are located at 17 Old King's Road N, Palm Coast, FL 32137. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, give our dental office a call. We’re happy to answer them. Happy holidays!