Sedation Dentistry
Take the Anxiety Out of Dental Care
Nearly 75% of the US population suffers from some kind of anxiety or fear when it comes to visiting the dentist. If you’re the kind of person who avoids the dentist because you’re afraid you’ll be hurt, we completely feel for you. Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew and our team treat nervous patients every day, and for those who need a little help to feel comfortable and safe, we can offer them soothing sedation dentistry. You can read on below to learn about how we can give you the most stress-free dental experience ever.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
This sedation method is perfect for patients of all ages who simply need to “take the edge off” of their nerves. It works by having a patient breathe in nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) through a small mask placed on the nose. After a minute or so, a patient will feel a warming, relaxing sensation throughout their entire body. The amount of gas a patient receives can be adjusted according to their needs. You’ll keep the mask on during your entire treatment, and when it is removed, you’ll feel normal within just a few minutes, ready to go on with your day.
Oral Sedation
If you have a great deal of apprehension when it comes to receiving dental care, oral sedation can offer a simple way to help you mentally and physically relax. You will be given some medication in the office prior to your appointment, and by the time you sit in the treatment chair, you will already be deeply sedated. Many patients say it put them into a dreamlike state, because while they were awake for the entire appointment, they had very little memory of it afterward. This approach allows us to treat even the most nervous patients with relative ease.
Have you avoided the dentist for years because of fear? Are you nervous about an upcoming dental appointment? If so, please let us know, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re completely comfortable the whole time. To learn more about how sedation dentistry can help, please contact our office today.