Washington Street Dentistry is proud to offer a variety of services to create positive dental experiences for our patients. We understand that you may feel apprehensive about receiving dental care. Millions of people around the world harbor significant anxiety over dental treatment. Dental anxiety can stem from a number of factors, including a past traumatic experience, to embarrassment, to a strong gag reflex. No matter where your anxiety stems from, we have a solution that will allow you to get the dental treatment you need for a healthy, beautiful smile.
Over the past several years, the inclusion of sedation into dental practices, such as our practice in Indianapolis, has paved the way for more people to receive quality dental care. Dentists understand that when a patient feels calm and comfortable, he or she can better receive the care we gently provide. Whether you are having periodontal therapy, a filling or crown, or root canal therapy, dental sedation can make the process much easier by eliminating all anxiety.
Several sedation options can help patients obtain the care that will keep their teeth and gums healthy. Sedatives, available in various forms, create peace of mind by slowing the central nervous system temporarily. The effects may last only as long as treatment, such as with nitrous oxide, or for several hours, such as with oral sedatives. With either form of sedation, you are able to undergo treatment without fear, while maintaining the ability to communicate with our dental team. For more information about the forms of sedation we use at Washington Street Dentistry, contact our office.
Sedation dentistry is ideal in a number of scenarios; enabling people who have long avoided dental care to improve their oral health through professional care. Sedation may be used for everything from dental cleanings to tooth extraction, and enables busy patients to complete several treatment procedures within a single visit, maximizing time.
The professional team at Washington Street Dentistry has the training and techniques to ensure you experience comfortable, gentle dental care using dental sedation. Contact our Indianapolis practice to see how sedation dentistry can help you reach your smile goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dental fear?
When you have dental fear, you can feel like you are alone. However, dental anxiety is more common than you think. About 36% of the population has dental fear, with a further 12% experiencing severe dental fear.
So, why do you have dental fear? Here are the possible causes.
- Past negative experiences
- Fear of needles
- Embarrassment with the current state of your oral health
- The feeling of loss of control
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Fear of unknown
Dental anxiety prevents you from getting basic dental care. Over time, neglect compounds your dental issues, requiring complex restorative treatments, which fuels your fears even further. Talking to your dentist can break the vicious cycle of dental anxiety.
Who needs sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medications to keep you calm during treatment. Sedation dentistry is suitable for patients with mild to severe dental fear.
Dental sedation is also ideal for patients with:
- A strong gag reflex
- Complex dental issues that need lengthy procedures
- Inability to numb with anesthetics
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Inability to stay still in the dental chair
What are the available sedation dentistry options?
It’s okay to feel nervous or even fearful before a dental visit. We understand that patients aren’t the same. We offer sedation dentistry to make dental visits more comfortable and effective.
- Laughing gas: Nitrous oxide is the mildest and safest sedation technique. Patients of all ages can benefit from nitrous oxide by inhaling the gas during their procedure. Nitrous oxide is colorless and odorless. It’s combined with oxygen to calm your nerves during treatment. Since nitrous oxide is mild, you won’t experience any post-treatment side effects.
- Oral sedation: This sedation takes the edge off your treatment with a simple pill taken before your treatment. Oral sedation makes your treatment comfortable and even reduces the memory of your experience. Because its effects last longer, you need someone to accompany you to and from the office.
- IV sedation is the most potent form of sedation used for patients with intense dental anxiety or lengthy procedures. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream, allowing for dosage adjustment from mild to deep relaxation. Like oral sedation, you need someone to escort you home. Take the rest of the day off and avoid alcohol and driving for 24 hours.
Does sedation dentistry make you unconscious?
Unless it’s general anesthesia, you’ll remain awake during your treatment. This allows you to communicate with our team. You can let us know how you feel so we can make adjustments to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry is safe when administered by trained personnel. We have the training to administer the appropriate type and dosage of sedation for each patient based on individual needs. We also monitor your vital signs to maintain safety throughout the treatment.
Does my local dentist offer sedation dentistry?
Are you scared of the dentist? Sedation dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana, can help you overcome dental fear. Call (317) 333-6788 and schedule an appointment with Washington Street Dentistry.
