If you’re afraid of the dentist, you’re not alone. About half of all Americans have some form of dental anxiety. Within that population of fearful patients, many of them are terrified. For many, it stems from bad experiences with a dentist, generally as a child. Dr. Rothwell understands the anxiety felt by many and has taken steps to help fearful patients. She is certified as a sedation dentist.
Types of Sedation Dentistry?
Nitrous Oxide
Dr. Rothwell offers two levels of sedation dentistry. For those with mild anxiety, you might try nitrous oxide. This mild relaxant is sometimes referred to as laughing gas. It’s the most convenient sedation option because their are no after-effects. You simply breath in the sedative gas mixed with oxygen. You’ll feel relaxed and more at ease throughout your procedure. When it’s completed, you simply breathe in oxygen for a couple of minutes and you’re good to go. You’ll feel perfectly normal and will be able to return to work or home without any assistence.
Patients who have trouble with local anesthetics wearing off too quickly have found that just using a little nitrous oxide to relax them helps the anesthetic to work better. Many people don’t realize that their anxiety causes the anesthetic to metabolize more quickly. By helping relax you, you’ll find that your local anesthetic works much more effectively.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For those with a more severe anxiety level, nitrous oxide will not be enough. A better option for highly fearful patients would be oral conscious sedation. This is accomplished by simply taking a pill. However, the effects are so strong that you will need someone to drive you to and from the office. The pill will put you in a sleepy state. You’ll be completely indifferent to your dental procedure. In fact, most patients don’t even remember the appointment at all. This will give you a pain free dental experience.
Qualifications of a Sedation Dentist
Dr. Rothwell is certified with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS). This gives her specialized training in oral sedation, helping ensure you’re in safe hands.
We realize that fearful patients have sometimes put off dental care for so long that their teeth are in need of a lot of work. We want you to know that we understand the situation you’re in and will neither judge nor lecture you. You’ll find conscious sedation a benefit in your treatment, because being sedated enables you to get more work done in one sitting then would otherwise be possible.
If you have dental anxiety, but would like to give sedation dentistry a try, you may call our office to schedule an appointment. If you prefer, you may click here to request an appointment online.
