You Don’t Have to Fear the Dentist

Sedation dentistry could be exactly what you need to make your next dental procedure stress-free.sedation dentistry

We know that there are a lot of people out there who aren’t getting the dental care they need to maintain healthy smiles and it has to do with their fear of the dentist. Our La Plata, MD, family dentists Dr. Mark Hochman and Dr. Andrew Betaharon understand that some people’s dentist-related anxieties are all too real and can be overwhelming. We want everyone to get the proper dental treatments they need to maintain good oral health, which is why we are pleased to offer sedation dentistry.

In most cases, our La Plata, MD, dentists will help you relax by providing you with a prescription oral medication that is meant to reduce your anxieties. This anti-anxiety pill will help you feel calm and collected throughout your treatment. While you shouldn’t confuse sedation dentistry with sleep dentistry, since sedation is not meant to put someone to sleep, it can still produce drowsiness in some patients and some patients have even fallen asleep and have no recollection of their procedure.

The strength of oral sedation we provide will depend on several factors such as your level of anxiety and the invasiveness of the dental procedure. If you need to get multiple procedures at once, offering oral sedation to a nervous patient could take the edge off and make the treatment go more smoothly and more quickly, as well.

Another form of sedation dentistry to consider is inhalation sedation. You may know it by the fun name “laughing gas”. Nitrous oxide along with oxygen is administered through a facemask. The effects are immediate but wear off almost immediately after the mask is removed. Oral sedation, on the other hand, can leave you a bit groggy so you’ll need someone to drive you home after your procedure.

Sedation dentistry can be a great option for both children and adults who have a fear of the dentist. It can provide the relief you need so that you can get the proper dentistry you require to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Sedation dentistry is also great for those who find it difficult to sit for long periods of time in one position, those with neck or back issues, or even those with sensitive gag reflexes.

Are you someone who suffers from dental anxiety in La Plata, MD? Want to find out if sedation dentistry is all you need to make your next office visit a cinch? La Plata Dental is here to help ease your fears.