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Sedation Dentistry – Wethersfield, CT

Get Your Dental Care Done with Ease

It may be surprising to hear, but dental anxiety and fear is actually one of the more common issues people have when it comes to dentistry. Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist entirely because of anxiety or fear, which is about 30 to 40 million people. That is quite a lot of missed dental exams, cleanings, and other treatments that may be necessary to maintain oral health. However, you don’t have to be part of that statistic as Drs. Brendan Dolan and Riley Gionfriddo are prepared to make dentistry a whole lot easier.

With sedation dentistry, getting the care you need doesn’t have to be a difficult or impossible process. Furthermore, fearful or anxious patients aren’t the only group that can benefit from these revolutionary techniques and medications. If you’re skipping dental appointments just because it’s too much to handle, contact our office today!


Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Man smiling outside

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 types of patients who struggle with dental care can also benefit from this valuable treatment method.

A few examples include individuals with:


Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Woman afraid of the dentist

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 comfortability. If at any moment you need more sedative provided, you can inform your dentist in Wethersfield and they’ll do their best to meet your accommodations. 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 unable to schedule a ride to and from the practice.


Oral Conscious Sedation

Nitrous oxide 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.

Are There Risks/Side Effects with Oral Conscious Sedation?

A huge benefit of oral conscious sedation is that it wears off relatively quickly. We will give you a pill (Valium or Halcion) to take about an hour before your procedure. This will ensure that you’re already calm and relaxed before your treatment begins. Once it’s over, you may need to wait in our office for an hour afterward to allow the effects to wear off. However, if you have someone to drive you home, you can leave right after!

We offer oral conscious sedation because its side effects are minimal, but it’s completely normal to experience symptoms, including:

Learn More


Understanding the Cost of Sedation Dentistry

Woman taking pill

The cost of your sedation dentistry will vary based on the type of sedation that you need as well as what kind of treatment you’re receiving. Sometimes, insurance may partially cover it but that all depends on your plan. The best way to receive a precise cost estimate for your sedation is to call or visit our office for a consultation. We understand that fear and anxiety may be holding you back from the quality care that you deserve, and we are here to help! Contact our office to get started on anxiety-free, healthy, and comfortable dentistry.


Sedation Dentistry FAQs

person walking and smiling

Are you still curious about whether or not sedation dentistry in Wethersfield can benefit you? Going to the dentist doesn’t have to ruin your day and put you on edge. With oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide at Doland Dental, we can make you feel comfortable and relaxed while you get the treatments necessary to maintain your overall wellbeing. To help ease your worries, we’ve compiled some commonly asked questions that we get from patients below.

What causes dental anxiety or fear?

Having an extreme fear or phobia that keeps you from getting the care you need isn’t out of the ordinary. In fact, more people than you may think are afraid of the dentist because of a negative experience they had as a child. Once you form a negative association with something, it can be hard to erase. With children, one bad visit can cause a lifelong fear that results in anxiety, stress, and worry every time you need dental treatment as an adult. For some patients though, their fear could be based on metal dental tools, needles, or even the thought of being sedated. The best way to help with this is to schedule a consultation with your sedation dentist in Wethersfield to learn more. That way, you know exactly what to expect and there won’t be any surprises.

What are the risks of having a dental fear?

Obviously, the main risk of having a dental phobia is compromising your mental health. Sometimes, facing your fear can do more harm than good. However, when you avoid going to the dentist, you can develop common oral health problems that can wreak havoc on your body. These include cavities, infections, and even gum disease. Periodontitis, or gum disease, has been connected to medical conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and respiratory infections. To avoid problems down the road, your best bet is to contact your sedation dentist to see how they can help you feel comfortable and relaxed so you can get a professional cleaning, checkup, or treatment.

How does sedation dentistry work?

Sedation dentistry begins with a consultation with Drs. Brendan or Riley. They’ll assess your risk by asking questions about your family’s health history and any conditions you may have. After that, they’ll determine whether oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide will be the best solution for you. They’ll then administer a prescription before your next appointment if you need oral conscious sedation.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

The thought of being sedated can spook some patients out. To ease your mind, it’s important to know that all of our techniques have been rigorously studied and tested to ensure that they’re safe and effective for patients. They also have a low risk of side effects as well. After your treatment, you may experience headaches, nausea, or feel a little drowsy, but those will all go away shortly afterward. If you have any questions or concerns about your side-effects, don’t hesitate to contact us.