Sedation Dentistry – The Colony, TX
Dental Care Without the Stress
You may not have known, but dental anxiety is a pretty common problem to have. It’s to the point that millions of Americans avoid dentists every year, letting fear get the better of them. There’s good news, though – we at Ridgepointe Dental offer great sedation dentistry in The Colony! Our dental sedatives can help patients feel calm, cool, and collected during their care. To learn more, keep reading or attend a consultation in the coming days.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Our nitrous oxide sedation is a great option for patients with dental fears. After all, nitrous oxide has been used for decades to help people have comfier treatments. All you have to do is inhale the “laughing gas” through a small nose mask during your procedure. From there, you should feel warm, happy, and much more relaxed than before. These effects will then wear off right after your visit, ensuring you can quickly return to your day.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is rather mild, so almost any dental patient can qualify for it. Still, the best candidates usually have one (or more) of the following issues:
- Mild-to-moderate dental fears or anxieties
- A very strong gag reflex
- Persistent tooth sensitivity
- Struggles with holding the jaw open
- Jaw, neck, or back pain from sitting in the examination chair
- An inability to sit still for long periods
The best way to learn if nitrous oxide suits you is to consult Dr. Amos. By reviewing your medical history and other factors, he can confirm whether the sedative would improve your care.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is rather easy to implement, all things considered. It works simply and doesn’t involve hassles, meaning it makes treatment smooth for patients and dentists alike.
Here at Ridgepointe Dental, Dr. Amos applies nitrous oxide through a small nose mask. You (or your child) will inhale the “laughing gas” before and during the treatment. After just a few minutes, this process leads to feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and even giddiness. Any anxiety a patient has will melt away until they feel comfy and at peace with their dental care. Of course, they’ll still be alert enough to respond to our instructions.
Our team also considers safety when nitrous oxide is involved. While a patient is “under” its effects, we continually monitor their vitals so nothing goes wrong. That effort ensures you get a smooth and simple treatment.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
All in all, nitrous oxide doesn’t require much aftercare. You should just keep two major points in mind.
First, note that nitrous oxide wears off quickly. Its calming effects fade just a few minutes after treatment, so it won’t linger around long. That means you should be ready to drive home, return to work, or resume daily life immediately!
The second thing is that some patients can feel a bit nauseous from nitrous oxide. Given that fact, you should only eat a light meal (if anything) before your treatment starts. You may get sick or have an upset stomach afterward otherwise.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
What Type of Dental Sedation Do You Provide?
At Ridgepointe Dental, we provide nitrous oxide sedation. This is one of the longest used forms of dental sedative. For more than a century, dentists and other medical professionals have relied on nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as laughing gas, to deliver even the most complex treatments while patients maintain the optimal level of comfort. It is such a popular option because nitrous oxide offers easily adjusted dosage, so every patient stays completely relaxed and free from pain throughout treatment no matter how long it takes.
Do I Have to Take Off Work?
Thanks to the fact that the effects of nitrous oxide wear away as quickly as they set in, most patients don’t have to worry about missing an entire day of work, school, or any other regular activities as is necessary for those patients who use more advanced oral conscious or IV sedative treatment options. Additionally, you can drive yourself to and from our office, so there’s no need to rely on anyone else for transportation. In short, nitrous oxide sedation is the effective and convenient choice for patients who want to stay relaxed throughout their dental appointment without missing out on their regular day-to-day routine.
Who Should Consider Sedation Dentistry?
We may recommend sedation dentistry options to help patients receive pain and stress-free dental care in a number of situations, including:
- To ensure comfort for patients with sensitive teeth, gums, or gag reflexes.
- To help patients with severe dental phobia or anxiety receive the care they need without unnecessary stress.
- To allow patients to receive numerous or complex treatments in fewer appointments with minimal discomfort.
- To protect young patients and those who may not be able to understand their treatments, so they can safely receive the care they deserve.
- To keep patients with physical impairments or chronic pain comfortable throughout their time in the office.