Sedation Dentist Rocky River
When Anxiety Strikes, We Can Help
Positive dental experiences are possible thanks to sedation dentistry. Our team of experts at Rocky River Dental uses oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide to help meet patients’ needs, no matter if it is dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or multiple treatments that are the cause of nervousness or fear. We’re ready to step in and provide a more comfortable atmosphere for you and your loved ones and will make sure you receive the sedation that is right for you. Let us know if you think you might need sedation dentistry in Rocky River during your next visit when calling our office.
Why Choose Rocky River Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Two Forms of Sedation Dentistry Available
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- Dentists with Surgical Experience
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation requires that you take a prescribed pill, usually Valium, Xanax, or Halcion, before your appointment. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the dentist’s office, as you’ll likely still feel the effects after your treatment is complete. Once in the treatment chair, the medication will cause you to become deeply relaxed; however, you’ll still be awake. Even if you fall asleep, our team will be able to wake you with a slight tap. This method of sedation can be most beneficial if you have moderate dental anxiety or require multiple services to be completed in one appointment.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is generally recommended for adults who have anxiety or fear related to the dental office. It is also sometimes an option for those who find it difficult to receive dental treatment for other reasons. There are no face masks or needed involved. Instead, you are simply prescribed a small pill to take about an hour before your appointment. By the time your procedure begins, you will be perfectly relaxed and ready for your dental treatment.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Once the effects of the pill kick in, you will feel a deep sense of relaxation. Some patients don’t even remember their visit afterward. However, you will stay awake throughout the whole treatment, so you will still be able to answer questions and follow the instructions of your dental team. The effects of oral conscious sedation can linger, so you will need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
If you have moderate to severe dental anxiety, or you have a significant amount of treatment to complete, oral conscious sedation can make it easier for us to complete more work in a shorter period of time. Patients who have overactive gag reflexes find that oral conscious sedation allows them to relax their muscles and their thoughts enough to get the dental treatment they require to stay healthy without any gagging. Many patients are so relaxed that they doze off. Oral conscious sedation is a safe option for most patients, but we will go over your health history and medications to be sure.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is a mild, effective, fast-acting, and extremely popular type of sedation dentistry. If you’re curious why you haven’t heard of it before, there’s a good chance you know it by another name: laughing gas. If you are interested in learning more about it, including whether you’re a good candidate, then get in touch with us to schedule an appointment. You can also read on to learn how it works, what the aftercare looks like, and more.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Dental nitrous oxide in Rocky River is often recommended for patients who:
- Have a fear of needles
- Experience head/neck/jaw pain in the treatment chair
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Struggle with dental anxiety
It’s also helpful for patients who need extensive dental care. So, if you need a root canal or a tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to talk to our team at Rocky River Dental about adding it to your treatment plan. From there, we can review your dental history, any medications you’re taking, and any allergies you have to determine if you’re a good candidate.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is administered through a nasal mask. Once we’ve positioned it comfortably in place, we will instruct you to breathe in and out through your nose. After a few minutes, you’ll feel the effects set in. Patients often describe it as feeling calm, relaxed, and even euphoric.
When you’re ready, we’ll begin providing the preventive, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry that you need. Throughout the process, you will remain awake; however, you will experience no fear or anxiety because of how the gas dulls your senses. In fact, you may even feel so comfortable and at ease that you doze off!
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
The effects of nitrous oxide come on quickly and dissipate just as fast. So, you’ll be free to resume your usual routine after your appointment. Just make sure that you abide by any aftercare instructions we give you pertaining to the treatment you received, like rinsing with warm saltwater periodically or sticking to a liquid diet for the next 24 hours.
