Dental Sedation for Pasadena, Deer Park Texas:
A significant number of Texans do not visit the dentist for regular checkups because they are too scared or they suffer from dental anxiety. Dr. Nugent offers sedation dentistry as an excellent way to provide a safe, stress free, dental experience to patients that are afraid of the dentist.
Sedation dentistry is often mistakenly believed to induce sleep. In fact, most sedatives allow the patient to stay awake during the procedure. Sleepiness is a side effect of the medications, but nitrous oxide and oral sedation work to calm anxiety throughout the dental visit. However, in Dr. Nugent’s experience patients are so relaxed they sleep during the procedure. If the patient needs to go the bathroom they can ask to go, or if they are cold they can ask for a blanket. Patients are not so sedated that they lose protective function of their airway. In other words, if they choke on some water they will cough and close their airway.
Sedation dentistry is very popular because the pills are taken by mouth, meaning no injections, no shots, no stress and no pain. The sedatives work so awesome that even the smells and details of the procedure cannot be recalled afterwards. The medication has an amnesic effect
Here are some advantages associated with sedation dentistry:
- Anxiety is relieved
- Extremely safe
- More procedures can be completed during each visit
- Procedures seem to take less time
- No needles
- No pain
The most popular types of dental sedatives are nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Dr. Nugent can adjust the levels of sedation based on individual needs. Before administering any medication, Dr. Nugent will review your medical history to make sure the medication is safe for you.
Dental Fear and Anxiety
The irrational dread of dental appointments is a prevalent source of anxiety. Many people imagine a man in a white coat holding a drill and eager to cause agony and remove teeth. However, the actuality is quite different. The comfort, relaxation, and contentment of the patient are at the core of any reputable dental practice. Dr. Nugent and team will do everything possible to alleviate anxiety, allay fears, and provide fast, painless treatments.
Here are some of the most common dental phobias:
- Fear of being embarrassed by the condition of one’s dentition.
- The fear of choking.
- Aversion to injections.
- Phobias of needles
- Concern with losing control.
- Fear of not becoming paralyzed after receiving local anesthesia.
- Fear of suffering.
- Fear of the drill.
- A fear of the dentist as an individual.
Anxiety and dread of the dentist can become completely overwhelming. It is estimated that as many as 35 million individuals do not visit the dentist because of their fear. Regular dental examinations and cleanings are vitally essential. The simplest method to maintain excellent oral hygiene and reduce the need for more complex treatments is to undergo regular checkups.
Here are some strategies for reducing dental anxiety and fear:
Communicate with the dentist – the dentist cannot read your mind. Even though it can be difficult to discuss irrational concerns with a stranger, if fears and anxiety are communicated, Dr. Nugent can take additional precautions during visits.
Bring a portable music player with you – Music has a calming effect and also drowns out any frightening sounds. Throughout the appointment, listening to soothing music will help reduce anxiety.
Take a mirror – Being unable to see what is occurring can heighten anxiety and cause the imagination to run rampant. Observing the procedure can help maintain a realistic perspective.
Sedation – If there is no other way to manage, many people find sedation to be an excellent option. There are various forms of sedation, but their underlying premise is the same: the patient regains consciousness once treatment is complete.
Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena Texas 77504. See how sedation dentistry can work for you.