Sedation Dentistry – Shelton, CT
Enjoy Stress-Free Appointments
Does the sound of a dental drill fill you with fear? Do you or your child have a hard time staying calm and sitting still long enough for your dentist to complete a routine cleaning? Dr. Graber has encountered plenty of anxious patients over the years, and he wants our office to be a place where you don’t have to worry about scheduling your routine appointments. The next time you call our dental office, don’t forget to ask about these options for sedation dentistry that will make your visit a more relaxing experience.
Why Choose Dental Center of Huntington for Sedation Dentistry?
- A Caring Team That Keeps You Informed
- Multiple Sedation Options Based on Your Needs
- Knowledgeable, Experienced Dentist
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
Either the night before your appointment or a few hours before the scheduled time, you’ll be asked to take some medication. By the time someone else drives you to our dental office, you’ll be in a completely relaxed state. Time will seem to pass by quickly; you won’t even care about your surroundings while we’re working on your teeth. You may not even remember the procedure itself once you have fully recovered from the effects of sedation.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
If you’re wondering why you haven’t heard of nitrous oxide sedation before, there’s a good chance you’ve heard it referred to as something else: laughing gas. This calming solution is suitable for patients of all ages, and it’s well-known for helping alleviate anxiety, stress, and worry. If you are considering adding it to your treatment plan, then get in touch with us to find out if you’re a candidate or read on!
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
When a patient only has a mild case of dental phobia, it’s generally preferred to use nitrous oxide – a gas that takes effect quickly after you start breathing it in. Of course, that’s not its only use. Nitrous oxide is also great for patients who struggle with a sensitive gag reflex, who experience head/neck/jaw pain in the treatment chair, or who need extensive dental work. At your initial appointment, we will determine if you’re a good candidate by reviewing your medical and dental history as well as learning about any allergies you have.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is administered through a small nasal mask. Once it’s in place, we will ask you to breathe in through your nose and – before long – you’ll begin to feel the effects. Some patients describe it as a light, euphoric sensation, and others say they feel a heavy, calming feeling. Either way, any anxiety, stress, or nerves you felt prior will completely melt away.
Important note: Nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep. So, you can easily ask any questions you have and respond to the cues we give you during your time in the treatment chair.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
One noteworthy perk of nitrous oxide is that the effects don’t linger for hours. Instead, the effects wear off within a matter of minutes, allowing you to continue the rest of your day as normal. Before you leave our office, we will provide you with any aftercare instructions related to the treatment you received, such as eating only soft foods or rinsing your mouth periodically with warm saltwater.
If you are interested in learning more about nitrous oxide – including how much it costs and if dental insurance providers typically cover a portion of it – then don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have!
IV Dental Sedation
In cases where a stronger form of sedation is needed, we may deliver the anti-anxiety drug directly into your bloodstream. This is called IV sedation, but it’s also known as “sleep dentistry.” Despite that name, you’ll still be conscious and able to respond to questions and requests; you may be drowsy enough to doze off, but you’ll still be awakened relatively easily. After the procedure, you’re likely to still feel a little groggy, so be sure to arrange for someone else to drive you home.