Many people don’t particularly enjoy going to the dentist. Cleaning, examinations, and other procedures can sometimes be a little uncomfortable. But for people with dental anxiety, a trip to the dentist can be agonizing. To help all our patients feel more at ease, here at First Dental of Bluffton we offer a variety of sedation dentistry solutions. Here are some facts about sedation:
Sedation is not anesthesia. While anesthesia is used for pain control, sedation is all about relaxation. We do not administer sedatives with a shot, so you don’t need to worry if you fear needles.
Not all sedatives knock you out. Many sedatives are really quite mild. For example, we often use nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. It is a gas inhaled during treatment that helps you relax. It can help improve mood, loosen tense muscles, and even make time appear to pass quicker. Its effects wear off a few minutes after the flow of gas is stopped.
Some are quite strong, though. For more intensive sedation, Dr. Charles W. Hobart II may recommend use of an oral sedative. These are taken before your appointment, so that by the time you arrive you are at ease. Strength in oral sedatives vary by dose. Some patients do become relaxed enough to sleep, but consciousness is retained. You may not be able to drive yourself home.
Sedatives are safe. Use of sedation does not impact your treatment or our ability to provide top quality care. Of course make us aware of any special conditions you may have, but sedation dentistry is a safe way to help most people to feel calm and relaxed at the dentist. Call our Bluffton, SC, office to learn more.