I’m Scared of the Dentist

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

The most common type of patients who come to our practice asking for sedation dentistry in Wethersfield are those with mild, moderate, or severe levels of anxiety and fear of dental treatments. Whether they can’t stop thinking about treatment the night before, or they don’t like the sights and smells of the dental office, sedation works to keep them relaxed from start to finish.

However, keep in mind that many other types of patients who struggle with dental care can also benefit from this valuable treatment method. A few examples include individuals with:

• Low pain thresholds
• Sensitive gag reflexes
• Long or several dental treatments to complete
• Physical or mental disabilities that make sitting still difficult
• Fears of needles
• Negative experiences from previous dentists

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

For those with mild levels of anxiety or fear, nitrous oxide is a very popular method of sedation. This option utilizes nitrous oxide administered through a nasal mask to make patients feel comfortable and relaxed before treatment. One of the main benefits of this method is that you don’t have to prepare ahead of time to receive it.

Keep in mind that all methods of sedation provided will keep you awake just enough to tell the dentist about your comfort level. If at any moment you need more sedative provided, you can inform your dentist in Wethersfield, and they’ll do their best to accommodate you. Once treatment is complete, you can resume daily activities. Nitrous oxide only takes a few minutes to wear off, making it ideal for those who are receiving treatment during the workday or are unable to schedule a ride to and from the practice.

Oral Conscious Sedation

For those with more significant levels of anxiety, oral conscious sedation is an ideal option. This method is prescribed via a pill that is taken orally, typically several hours before the appointment occurs. By the time you arrive for treatment, you’ll be in an even deeper state of relaxation, making it ideal for those with multiple treatments to complete.

Unlike nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation requires a friend or family member to drive you to and from the practice. The effects of sedation can remain for several hours after treatment, so make sure to set aside the rest of your day to recover before resuming normal activities.

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The Oral Conscious Sedation Process

Among all the sedation techniques we offer at Dolan Dental Group, patients often prefer oral conscious sedation in Wethersfield because it’s effective and easy to administer. Before we decide that this solution is right for you, we’ll ask about your medical history and any current prescriptions you’re taking. This is so we can assess any risks and keep you from experiencing potential side effects. Your dentist in Wethersfield will then prescribe a pill to take before your procedure so you can show up to your appointment completely relaxed.

The pills we administer will not prevent you from feeling any pain, so depending on your treatment, we may need to also use a local anesthetic as well. During your visit, our team will carefully monitor you to make sure no complications arise. After your treatment is completed, you may feel drowsy, so you’ll need to have a family member or close friend pick you up.

The Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation

Patients with dental fear and anxiety often try to avoid scheduling appointments at all costs. However, skipping routine preventive treatments will only leave the door open for a variety of other oral health problems to appear in your mouth. The more severe an issue becomes, the more likely it’ll be that you’ll need an invasive and costly treatment down the road.

With oral conscious sedation, you’ll be able to rest assured knowing that you won’t have to put your mental health on the chopping block to keep up with your oral health. Here are some other benefits that you’ll be able to enjoy with this form of sedation:

• Easy to Administer: All you’ll need to do is take one pill about an hour before you arrive at your dentist’s office. No masks or needles will be necessary.
• FDA-Approved: Oral conscious sedation has been approved by the FDA as a safe and effective form of sedation, meaning it has been thoroughly tested and proven.
• Remaining Responsive: Even though you’ll be drowsy, you’ll still be able to communicate with your dentist if necessary.
• Blocks Out Memory of Treatment: Most patients who have dental phobias wouldn’t want to remember the procedure at all. With oral conscious sedation, you won’t have to experience lingering anxiety from recollecting your treatment since you won’t remember the majority of your visit.

Good Candidates for Oral Sedation

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you’re a good candidate for oral conscious sedation in Wethersfield. It can also be a helpful solution for patients who need multiple extensive procedures completed at one time or have disabilities that can make it difficult to sit through an appointment. It can also help if you:

• Have a strong gag reflex.
• Have sensitive teeth.
• Had a bad experience with a dentist in the past.
• Have jaw soreness that makes it difficult for you to keep your mouth open.
• Are afraid of needles or masks being placed over your face.

Risks & Potential Side-Effects

The dosage prescribed to you by Dr. Brendan Dolan or Dr. Riley Gionfriddo will depend on a variety of factors such as how long your procedure will last, your weight, and the severity of your phobia. This can also determine when you’ll begin to notice the side effects. Some of these effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Sluggishness
• Foggy or blank memory of what the procedure was like
• Slow reflexes
• Low blood pressure
• Dull headache
• Nausea

During your consultation, your dentist in Wethersfield will make you aware of all the potential side effects and let you know when you can expect them to wear off. This initial visit will also allow us to minimize any potential risks to ensure that you will remain healthy and safe during and after your procedure.

The Cost of Oral Sedation

The cost of oral conscious sedation varies from patient to patient. However, some dental insurance plans do cover it if it’s deemed a medical necessity, so it’s a good idea to contact your provider beforehand to check. Sedation dentistry may also be covered for patients who have medical conditions or disabilities that make it difficult to comfortably receive dental care. If you have any questions about whether your benefits will cover oral conscious sedation or would like to find out the cost of your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of professionals to schedule a consultation.