Sedation dentistry is a very popular option for those who have had a bad dental experience in the past and or suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia. Many patients with a severe gag reflex can also benefit by utilizing sedation dentistry. Dental anxiety affects millions of people worldwide, and it can lead to a host of problems, including poor dental hygiene, severe dental problems, infections, depression, social anxiety and difficulty eating certain foods. Sedation dentistry can help ease these symptoms and allow patients to receive the dental care they need without the fear or discomfort they typically experience when they visit the dentist.
At the Oklahoma City Dental Office of Advances in Dentistry, Dr. Corbyn Rhodes and his team offer a variety of sedation dentistry options to help patients feel more comfortable during their dental procedures. These options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as well as different levels and types of oral sedation.
Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative that is administered through a mask that fits over the patient’s nose. The gas helps patients relax and feel more at ease during their dental procedure. Nitrous oxide is also known as “laughing gas” because it can cause a sense of euphoria or giggling in some patients. The effects of nitrous oxide typically make you relaxed and more at ease while receiving dental work. With nitrous oxide you are awake because it is a mild sedative. The effects typically wear off around 5 minutes after its use so patients can drive themselves home after their dental appointment.
Oral sedation can be done with a mild sedative like Valium or a more sedative medication like Halcion.
Sedation dentistry with Valium or Diazepam involves taking a pill about 30 minutes prior to the dental procedure to help patients relax and feel more at ease during their dental appointment. Valium belongs to the benzodiazepine family of medications and works by increasing the calming chemical levels in your brain.
Valium is a very common and safe sedative medication that is commonly used for its sedative effects.
Sedation dentistry with Halcion or Triazolam, also called sleep dentistry, achieves a much deeper sedation than Valium or laughing gas. With this type of sedation most people will be asleep or heavily sedated during their dental appointment. This type of sedation works well for people who are looking to get all their dental work done in just one or two appointments. People who have put off dental treatment due to dental anxiety can typically get years of needed dental work done in just one dental appointment at Advances in Dentistry in Oklahoma City. With sleep dentistry, most people will not remember much if anything about their dental appointment. When having sleep dentistry performed the patient will need a ride to and from their dental appointment.
There are several advantages to having Sedation Dentistry in OKC at Advances in Dentistry
1. Reduced Anxiety During a Dental Appointment
The main advantage of sedation dentistry is reducing the level of anxiety for people during dental treatment. Many people suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia, which can cause them to put off dental care, or make it difficult for them to receive the best dental care possible. Sedation dentistry can reduce this anxiety and make patients feel more comfortable during their dental procedures allowing them to not have to worry or “stress-out” with the thought of seeing the dentist.
2. Increased Comfort During a Dental Appointment
Sedation dentistry can also increase a patient’s comfort during their dental procedures. Patients who receive sedation dentistry are often more relaxed and may not feel any pain or discomfort during their dental appointments. This can be very helpful for patients who are undergoing lengthy or complex dental procedures.
3. Faster Dental Procedures
When patients are relaxed and comfortable, dental appointments can often be completed more quickly. This is because patients who are not anxious or uncomfortable are less likely to fidget or move during their procedure, which can help the dentist work more efficiently.
4. Better Quality of Dental Care
When patients are sedated, relaxed and comfortable during their dental appointments a dentist can provide a high-quality care. This is because the dentist can focus on the procedure without having to worry about managing a patient’s discomfort or anxiety.
5. Safer Procedures
Sedation dentistry can also make dental procedures safer for patients. Patients who are sedated and relaxed and still during their dental procedure are less likely to experience complications or injuries. Some patients are very anxious about dental care and can flinch or make sudden movements which can increase the chance for injury. For these patients sedation dentistry can help improve the success rate for their dental procedures.
6. Improved Overall Health
By receiving the dental care they need, patients can improve their overall health. This is because dental problems, if left untreated, such as cavities, gum disease and infections can lead to many other health problems including heart attacks and strokes. Sedation dentistry can help patients overcome their dental fears and get the dental care they need to maintain good oral health.
At the Oklahoma City Dental Office of Advances in Dentistry, Dr. Corbyn Rhodes and his team are committed to providing the highest quality dental care to their patients. Dr. Rhodes was voted Best Dentist in OKC six years in a row and Favorite Cosmetic Dentist in Oklahoma City. He is a 1994 Graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and is the owner and founder of Advances in Dentistry. He has been serving the dental needs of patients in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Yukon, Nichols Hills, Enid as well as the entire Metro area since 1994.
Advances in Dentistry is located at 12320 St. Andrews Drive. OKC, OK 73120. (NW 122nd & Lake Hefner Parkway). The website address is www.advancesindentistry.com. To reach us by phone call 405-751-6996 now and ask for your No-Charge Consultation to see if you are a candidate for sedation dentistry in Oklahoma City!