If you avoid going to the dentist because you are terrified of what will happen, you’re not alone! Millions of people suffer from dental anxiety; that’s why dental sedation is an essential component of maintaining your oral health.
Even if you only feel slightly nervous about your dental visit, we can keep you calm and get you back to your busy day without the sweaty palms and clenched jaw.
Are You a Candidate?
People with dental anxiety are not the only ones who can benefit from sedation dentistry. It has proven to be effective for other concerns as well, such as:
- Sensitive teeth
- A strong gag reflex
- A fear of needles
- Multiple procedures in one visit
- Specific medical or special needs
What Are the Different Types of Dental Sedation?
Our dental office provides three different types of dental sedation for your comfort and convenience:
- Nitrous oxide — Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is safe and effective for children and adults. Delivered through a small nose mask, it makes you feel calm and relaxed during your treatment.
- Oral conscious sedation — If you need to be more relaxed, we can give you a prescribed medication to take before your appointment. You will arrive at our dental office feeling calm and ready for your procedure. Although you will be able to respond during treatment, you likely won’t remember your visit.
- IV sedation — This is the deepest level of sedation we offer, delivered intravenously. We offer IV sedation to patients with specific medical or special needs, if they have a strong gag reflex, or if they suffer from extreme dental anxiety. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout your treatment, and you won’t remember your dental visit.
Recovering from Sedation Dentistry
Once your dental procedure is complete, here’s what you can expect in terms of recovery:
- Nitrous oxide — When we remove the inhalation mask, the nitrous oxide quickly leaves your body. You can resume your normal activities right away.
- Oral conscious sedation — You must arrange transportation to and from your appointment. Also, you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day after this type of sedation.
- IV sedation – For 24 hours after your sedation, you should plan to rest at home. It’s best to have someone stay with you during this time.
Questions about Dental Sedation in Tuscaloosa, AL?
If you suffer from dental anxiety and want to discuss your dental sedation options with our expert dental team, we are ready to take your call! At Vandervoort Family Dentistry, your comfort is our top priority. You can reach us by calling (205) 345-7755 to schedule a consultation or appointment.