We understand that patients may not always be excited about their upcoming trip to the dentist. Some patients suffer from dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist, making it extremely stressful for them to visit a dental office.
When you visit Columbia Family Dentist in Columbia, Maryland, you can rest easy knowing that you will receive compassionate general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry solutions under one roof. Our doctors and our team are here to help you through whatever stage of your dental healthcare that you are in. Whether this will be your first dentist appointment at our office or your first dentist appointment of your lifetime, we are here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
Even if you are worried about going to the dentist, you must see a professional regarding your dental health at least twice a year. Your mouth is constantly filled with bacteria, making it the perfect place for decay and infections. Scheduling regular dental cleanings can help you keep your teeth’ surfaces clear of plaque.
If plaque stays on your teeth for too long, it hardens into tartar, which can only be professionally removed by a dentist. Additionally, tartar buildup causes gum disease if left untreated. Like most dental concerns, gum disease progresses and causes more damage if a dentist is not seen promptly.
Don’t procrastinate on seeking dental care if you are afraid of going to the dentist. Our Columbia Family Dentist office provides sedation dentistry solutions to help keep you relaxed and comfortable.
Sedation Dentistry In Columbia, MD
We use sedation dentistry practices in collaboration with most other dental services. This means that whether you are coming to see us for a simple general dentistry cleaning or require a more invasive procedure like a dental implant, we have sedative solutions to keep you calm and comfortable throughout your appointment. There are multiple different types of sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, often better known as laughing gas, is the mildest form of sedation. Throughout the procedure, you breathe it consistently through a cannula or mask on your face. It takes effect and dissipates quickly, making it the only option that allows you to drive yourself to and from your appointment. It only takes a few breaths for you to feel the effects. Laughing gas keeps you relaxed and euphoric throughout your appointment, but you’re still aware of everything.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This is a deeper form of sedation given to you in pill form before your appointment. It may be a sedative, anti-anxiety medication, or a combination of the two, depending on your unique needs. You take it about an hour before your appointment, as it takes time for the full effect. You’ll need to have a ride to and from your appointment, because the sedation often lasts for a few hours after the procedure. You’re relaxed and may have moments of amnesia from the procedure. While you aren’t put to sleep, you may fall asleep.
IV Sedation
This is the deepest form of sedation we offer. Instead of taking a pill, medication is administered straight into the bloodstream via an IV. We monitor your condition throughout the procedure to ensure you’re getting the right dosage to stay comfortable. Typically, we reserve this for intensive procedures or long stints in the chair. While it doesn’t completely put you to sleep, you’ll likely fall asleep during the procedure and remember little of it.
Who Benefits From Dental Sedation?
Usually, people think of sedation dentistry as something reserved for patients with severe dental anxiety. Dental fear can range from certain sounds or tools triggering a patient, to patients that aren’t even capable of walking into the office. If you put off dental care, you’re more likely to develop more serious dental problems. These then require treatments that take longer, cost more, and are more invasive than preventative dental care.
Sedation allows these patients to get the necessary care. They’re able to have regular dental appointments to keep up with preventative care. It’s also ideal for those longer, more intensive procedures. We recommend sedation for these procedures, regardless of if you have dental anxiety. It allows the dentist to work faster, leading to fewer visits to the dentist office. Sedation dentistry can benefit many other people as well.
It’s difficult for children and people with certain movement disorders to get safe, comfortable care. When you’re unable to sit still and make sudden movements, it’s hard for the dentist to work. Dentistry requires sharp metal tools, putting you in danger, too. Sedation relaxes these reflexes, allowing these patients to get the care they need. Laughing gas is gentle enough that it’s safe for children as well as adults.
When you have a bad gag reflex, it makes dental care extremely uncomfortable. It’s also difficult for the dentist to work properly, as the reflex is basically fighting the dentist as they try to work. We never want to make patients uncomfortable, so that aspect is difficult, too. Much like with movement disorders, sedation also relaxes the gag reflex. You’re able to get care that’s comfortable for both you and your dentist.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Sedation dentistry ensures every patient is comfortable at their dentist appointments. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Will I feel any pain with dental sedation?
While under dental sedation, patients should not report feeling any pain. The goal of sedation is to make patients comfortable with their dental work. Dentists typically combine sedation with anesthetic to ensure that patients are not in pain or uncomfortable throughout their dental procedure. Depending on the procedure, patients may feel some pain and swelling once the sedation has begun to wear off.
What does dental sedation feel like?
Dental sedation can provide a calm, tired, tingling feeling throughout the body. The time frame for sedation depends on the type of sedation you use. There are also varying effects due to the strength of each sedation option.
Should I get sedation for tooth extraction?
Many dentists recommend that patients get sedation for tooth extraction. This ensures they are not squeamish, uncomfortable, and in pain throughout the procedure. Once sedated, patients typically will not remember any of the operations. We don’t require sedation for tooth extraction. However, we highly recommend it.
Schedule A Dental Exam & Consultation
We look forward to helping you achieve a radiant, healthy smile. Schedule an appointment with our team today or contact us at 410-670-8211.