Dental anxiety is a common problem that plagues both children and adults. It is not uncommon for the New Smiles Dental team in Sherwood, OR to speak to patients who are anxious about having dental work done. Even a simple cleaning and evaluation can stir up anxious feelings for patients. If the dental chair alone causes you to feel nervous and uncomfortable, you are not alone, and the team at New Smiles Dental is pleased to provide options to make your visit more tolerable, including sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry explained
Sedation dentistry is an area of dentistry that focuses on the need for sedation to comfort a patient. It is not always used just for patients who have dental anxiety. Patients who are undergoing extensive dental procedures may benefit from sedation, as well as those who have very sensitive teeth or gag reflexes that can make treatments uncomfortable. Additionally, sedation can help for patients who have difficulty in achieving numbness with traditional local anesthetics. Sedation can be used on patients of all ages, though we do discuss the method of sedation prior to the appointment to gauge a patient’s need and determine the best sedation for them.
Types of sedation offered
At New Smiles Dental, we are pleased to offer a wide range of sedation methods for patients to choose from, including:
- Nitrous oxide sedation – commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is perfect for patients who have mild anxieties or discomfort. The patient is awake throughout the procedure, but is incredibly relaxed. Patients do not need to arrange for transportation with nitrous oxide, as they are administered oxygen to eliminate the gas from the body and bring them back to their fully functioning state of awareness.
- Oral conscious sedation – this method of sedation uses a medication that is prescribed to the patient prior to arriving at the dental office. When the mediation wears off, many patients have little to no recollection of their visit—but have their dental work completed!
- IV sedation – deeper levels of sedation can be administered via an IV and can help with patients with severe anxieties or those who are undergoing many dental procedures in one visit.
Are you anxious about visiting the dentist?
Call New Smiles Dental today to learn about the options available for sedation to make each and every appointment a positive experience. The practice is located at 17680 SW Handley Street, Ste. #101, and can be reached by phone at (503) 925-9595. Drs. Nathan Doyel, Ben Aanderud, and Whisenant are always welcoming new patients into the facility.
