Indianapolis patients ask, “What is sedation dentistry?”
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from some level of dental anxiety, whether due to fear of discomfort, loss of personal space, inability or intolerance for holding your mouth open for a prolonged period, or simply a prior uncomfortable experience, you may delay or forgo necessary dental care. Avoiding the dentist and missing annual or twice annual examinations and cleaning can put your oral and physical health at risk.
Professional oral health screenings and evaluations can help to detect and prevent issues that might develop, from the beginnings of decay or cavities to the advanced stages of periodontal diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Thanks to continuing medical and dental advances, there is longer any reason that a patient need feel frightened or concerned about receiving appropriate and regular dental care and treatment. At Washington Street Dentistry, serving patients from the greater Indianapolis area, including East Indianapolis, Greenfield, Anderson, Cumberland, New Palestine, Lawrence, and surrounding communities, Dr. Matthew Church and our dental team are committed to providing advanced, effective, and painless dental care so that our patients can achieve their happiest and healthiest smiles. During a comprehensive consultation, Dr. Church and the patient will review medical and dental histories and select the appropriate sedation option: oral sedation or nitrous oxide.
Oral sedation involves a mild prescription medicine, in pill form, that is taken prior to a dental procedure or visit. The sedative typically produces a calm, relaxed, and sometimes drowsy, sensation and works within an hour. The sensation is temporary because of the low dosage; however, a patient would need to have transportation to and from the dental appointment.
Nitrous oxide, which is mixed with oxygen, is inhaled easily through a small mask and it begins to work in as little as five minutes, inducing a feeling of pleasure. Also referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide eliminates the worry of discomfort or pain. The sedation involved with nitrous oxide ends as soon as the procedure is completed and the patient is able to drive home independently.
Our team at Washington Street Dentistry is committed to taking the stress out of your dental care. To learn more about sedation dentistry options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Church at (317) 333-6788 today.
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