What is Sedation Dentistry?

What is Sedation Dentistry

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

Are you someone who experiences anxiety, stress, or fear when going to the dentist? Millions of Americans avoid dental care due to dental phobia. As a result, their oral health condition declines, and they suffer from various dental problems. Fortunately, with the advancements in modern dentistry, sedation dentistry is now available to address the needs of anxious patients. Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Keep reading to learn more about this helpful and practical solution for dental phobia.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

In sedation dentistry, there are three types of sedatives used – Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” oral sedation, and IV sedation. Nitrous oxide is the most common type of sedation used in dentistry because it is safe, effective, and has minimal side effects. Oral sedation involves taking a pill before the procedure to help patients relax, while IV sedation involves administering the drug through the vein, which results in a deeper sedation level. A professional dentist will determine the most suitable type of sedation for their patients depending on factors like the patient’s age, medical history, and the extent of the dental service procedure.

Will I be fully unconscious?

Contrary to what most people think, sedation dentistry does not involve general anesthesia, which puts patients to sleep. Patients are conscious during the treatment and can respond to questions from the dentist. The purpose of sedation is to help patients relax and experience minimal discomfort, whether physical or emotional.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

The primary benefit of sedation dentistry is the reduced level of anxiety and fear during dental procedures. With sedatives, patients will feel calm, relaxed, and at ease. Patients are less likely to experience gag reflex, which can be triggered during certain procedures. Additionally, since sedation allows for fewer breaks and movements, dental work is completed more quickly and efficiently. This helps minimize the number of dental appointments required, which is a time and money-saving benefit.

Is Sedation Dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is entirely safe and effective when administered by a professional and well-trained dentist. Dentists’ qualifications to administer sedation are governed and reviewed by state dental boards, the ADA, and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. At our dental clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we have highly qualified dentists with extensive training and certification of sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry provides patients with an incredible option to help overcome their dental phobia, anxiety, or fear. With this option, patients can sit back, relax, and let the highly trained professionals take care of their oral health needs. If you’re looking for a dentist in Colorado Springs, Colorado that specializes in sedation dentistry, consider us! Our dedicated team of professionals at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry is here to help you achieve the healthy smile you deserve. Schedule an appointment today and experience the comfort and convenience of sedation dentistry.

How to Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist

how to overcome your fear of the dentist - Dr. Boals

How to Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist

If you ask people how they feel about going to the dentist, they’d most likely answer by saying they don’t like it. If there is a certain degree of fear that could be considered natural, elevated levels of anxiety can prevent people from making appointments and affect their oral health in the future. Below, Dr. Boals, a sedation dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, shares how to overcome the fear of the dentist.

Odontophobia, or fear of seeing a dentist, is a serious issue. Research has shown that 5-8% of Americans fully avoid the dentist out of fear, and another 20% have enough anxiety to seek care only when absolutely necessary. There are a variety of reasons why fear can occur, but some of the most common are the loss of control, discomfort, humiliation, or past experience.

Although the level of fear varies from person to person, there are a few common things you can do to help ease your mind.

Find the Best Dentist in Colorado Springs, CO

One of the easiest ways to conquer the fear of seeing a dentist is to find a dentist you can trust. It might take some time, but it’s worth it. While you can look to family and friends for advice or read feedback online, it’s important to note that everyone’s experiences (and expectations) are different. Try to give the dentist a call – if you’re comfortable talking to them on the phone, you may want to make an appointment to see them and get a feel for the office.

Communicate Your Fears

If you don’t let the dentist know of your worries, they’re not going to be able to work through them and help you feel more relaxed. Communication is everything! By being transparent and frank with your concerns in the process, it will help ensure that the right steps will be taken to resolve them.

Bring a Family Member of Friend

If you’re a family member friend, having someone to accompany you to your appointment will make you feel more comfortable. It serves as an additional layer of assurance. You’re best to bring someone who has no fear of their own. Dr. Leeson, a restorative dentist in St. Pete, FL, recommends planning your appointment early in the morning so that you don’t waste time living stuff in advance during the day.

Don’t Worry

From stress balls to music to breathing exercises, there are a variety of “distractions” that you can use to keep your mind focused on something other than your fears. Even something as easy as watching a good movie or a video will help! At our dental office in Colorado Springs, CO, we make our patients’ comfort and safety our top priority. Our staff is warm and welcoming, and our dental office is filled with facilities that make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. 

You can unwind in the lobby with refreshments from our beverage station while your kids play and explore the children’s playground. TVs, headphones, and Hulu streaming via our operators can make you feel at home, even during your treatment. Hot scented towels and pillows will help you relax, and we also give nitrous oxide to patients suffering from dental anxiety or phobias. If you’re out of dental care because you’re scared of the dentist, we promise to change your mind about going to the dentist. 

Reward Yourself

Overcoming dental anxiety is a huge deal. If you do, treat yourself! Buy something good for yourself or go on a weekend getaway. Not only is it a fantastic reward, but it’s also going to help you relate your trips to something enjoyable and exciting.

Dr. Boals and our team at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry are genuinely concerned for our patients and want your experience to be enjoyable and optimistic. You’re going to forget that you were anxious to step through the gates! You can also interrupt the treatment any time you feel uncomfortable or need a break. Don’t ignore your oral health – make the appointment at our dental office in Colorado Springs, CO!