Owings Mills Dentistry
What is Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry?
It can sometimes be difficult to reach out for care when you are anxious or fearful about visiting the dental office. While we do everything we can to ensure that your time with us is relaxed and comfortable, we understand that dental phobia is common among patients of all ages. For this reason, we offer several different sedative options to improve your experience in our office. Sedation dentistry is safe, effective and can be beneficial in getting you to receive the treatment that you need.
Why would Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry be needed?
You might be having trouble sitting still for appointments, or you suffer panic attacks both before or during treatment. It may have even been awhile since your last appointment because you’re simply too nervous to schedule care for yourself. For children who show extreme fear or anxiety during treatment, sedation can relax and calm them down. We might even recommend sedation to our patients who are undergoing more complex surgical procedures.
Who is a good candidate for Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry?
Before administering any type of sedative, we will review your health and medical history. This allows us to determine if sedation is right for you. It is important that you have someone with you while undergoing sedation so that they can bring you home. It is unsafe to drive yourself home from the appointment if you’ve recently undergone sedation, no matter how awake you may feel.
What happens during the Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry process?
Because we offer several different types of sedation, you can choose the one that is right for you. Nitrous oxide is ideal for patients of all ages and involves breathing in a sweet-smelling gas through a small nose mask. This mask is then removed and the calming effects are lifted after treatment is finished. Oral sedation is best for patients who want to feel relaxed before and during their appointment. It involves taking a small pill prior to your visit into the office. IV sedation involves an IV being placed into the arm and administering a sedative. It is typically best for patients undergoing more complex procedures.
If you would like to come into our office to discuss sedative options, call us today to speak with one of our professional team members.