Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry in Kenmore, WA
For many people, the thought of even primary oral health care at the dentist’s office is a stressful, even frightening, experience. Unfortunately, fear and anxiety associated with dental care can keep people from seeking the dental treatments they need, leading to tooth decay, tooth loss, and severe health complications.
Sedation dentistry is a solution to these dental fears for many people. Sedation dentistry uses sedatives to calm and relax the patient during dental procedures, allowing many people to get the dental treatments they need without fear and anxiety.
If you find the thought of dental care stressful and scary, call Kenmore Dental today at (425)45-0588 for more information about our available sedation dentistry services. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy mouth as efficiently and comfortably as possible with sedation dentistry in Kenmore, WA.
Our Kenmore Types of Dental Sedation
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
One of the most popular types of sedation used in dentistry is nitrous oxide. Commonly known as “laughing gas, nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry since the 1800s. This odorless gas is administered through a mask worn over the patient’s nose. The mask stays on during the entire dental procedure. Once the gas flow stops, the effects of the gas wear off.
Nitrous oxide sedation is used for adults and children who have difficulty with dental procedures due to stress, anxiety, or other illnesses.
Oral Sedation Dentistry
Oral conscious sedation is taken in pill form. Shortly before the procedure begins, the patient is given a prescription medication, usually a benzodiazepine, which makes them feel more relaxed while remaining conscious. Examples of oral sedation medications include Valium and Ativan.
Another benzodiazepine used in dental practices is Halcion. Also called Triazolam, Halcion is a sleeping pill that reduces anxiety and causes short-term amnesia. Halcion allows patients to be awake during the whole procedure without being aware of it. They also have limited memory of the process afterward.
Halcion is ideal for dental procedures that take 2–4 hours to complete. In addition, patients who have moderate anxiety associated with dental services may find Halcion helpful.
The effects of conscious sedation can take some time to wear off, so it is essential to designate someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
If you have a high level of fear connected to dental care or have had a traumatic dental visit, sedation dentistry may be best for you. It is also a safe and practical choice for children and adults with anxiety disorders or autism-spectrum disorders that may make maintaining proper oral health nearly impossible.
Other good reasons to explore sedation dentistry include:
- Bad gag reflex
- Fear of needles or shots
- Anxiety associated with the noises, tastes, and the smells of dental care
- Difficulty getting numb with Novocain
- Limited time to complete the dental care
Learn More about Sedation Dentistry in Kenmore, WA
Dental fear and anxiety can get in the way of you having a positive and productive visit to the dentist. Book an appointment with our team today if you’re looking for a premier sedation dental experience or have any questions about sedation dentistry in Kenmore, WA. We are more than happy to help you learn more about each available sedation option and help you decide which one is best for you and your circumstances. We look forward to working with you!