Whether it’s spiders, heights, or public speaking, research says fear is universal. At Capital Smiles, we know there’s another phobia that affects people of all ages — and it’s visiting the dentist. When dental anxiety prevents you from receiving the regular preventive attention that keeps smiles healthy, it’s a problem. That’s why Dr. Erin Page are pleased to offer three sedation dentistry options in the Capital District: nitrous oxide, oral conscious, and IV sedation.
Why Sedation Dentistry?
People who are nervous visiting the dentist may have to take frequent breaks for even simple procedures, like a checkup and cleaning. By helping you to fully relax throughout your treatment, sedation dentistry helps Dr. Page perform your dental care more efficiently and effectively. That means you spend less time at the dentist, and more time enjoying a happy, healthy smile.
Sedation dentistry is a wonderful option for people who are anxious when visiting the dentist, as well as those who have physical or mental disabilities which may inhibit them from reclining in the dental chair for extended periods of time.
Your Sedation Options at Capital Smiles
At Capital Smiles, we are pleased to offer three sedation dentistry options, all of which can be combined with local anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel a thing at the treatment site. The method of sedation that is right for you depends on how nervous you are, what you’re having performed, and, ultimately, your personal preference.
Our patients can choose from…
- Nitrous oxide, AKA laughing gas. You breathe a gas through a small nasal mask throughout your treatment. Nitrous oxide helps you feel relaxed, tingly, and maybe even happy to be at the dentist. The effects wear off minutes after the procedure is complete and the mask is removed.
- Oral conscious sedation. Take a pill we prescribe in advance of your treatment. By the time you settle into the dental chair, its effects have taken over and you are able to fully relax, removed from the sights, smells, and sounds of what’s going on around you. You may not remember the details of your treatment after sedation wears off, and will probably remain groggy for the rest of the day.
- IV sedation. Administered intravenously, IV sedation is often the best choice for patients in need of complex dental treatment or who suffer from severe dental-related anxiety. Dr. Page is only a very few number of general dentists in our area who are qualified to administer IV sedation. IV sedation also allows Dr. Page to complete comprehensive dental treatment plans in our office, most often without the need for additional appointments and coordination with other specialists.
What Should I Expect From Sedation Dentistry?
You don’t have to do anything too special to undergo sedation dentistry. Just wear comfortable clothes and arrange for a ride to and from your appointment if you’re undergoing oral conscious or IV sedation. You will also want to have someone check on you for the hours following your appointment, too, as you’ll likely remain groggy for the rest of the day.
Request an Appointment Today!
Are you interested in relaxing your way through your next dental appointment? Your Niskayuna dentist can help with options in sedation dentistry. Contact us to request an appointment today!