Pasadena, Texas Sedation Dentistry:
Many people experience anxiety and fear before and during dental procedures. For some the fear is triggered by past memories of a bad dental visit. The patient can have anxiety about receiving a dental injection. Or patients can become claustrophobic once dental treatment begins. No matter the cause of the trigger, Dr. Nugent can help the frightened dental patient. Dr. Nugent recognizes the fear and anxiety of patients is real. This realization has helped Dr. Nugent to become a leader in dental sedation.
In the past dentistry was almost barbaric. Dentist were limited by pharmacological agents and dental materials. Today is truly the golden age of dentistry. Dr. Nugent has numerous methods of sedation options as well as numerous local anesthesia options.
Sedation Dentistry can make you feel like you are in a peaceful sleep.
Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) was discovered in 1772. The first use of Nitrous Oxide as a drug for a patient was by dentist Horace Wells in 1844. Nitrous Oxide is inhaled through the nose. Nitrous Oxide demonstrates many great properties.
- Nitrous Oxide has potent anxiolytic (reduces anxiety) effects.
- Nitrous Oxide is an analgesic (pain killer).
- Nitrous Oxide produces feelings of euphoria.
Laughing Gas is great in that it can be administered to the frightened patient and at the end of the procedure the patient is given 100% oxygen. The oxygen flushes the residual nitrous oxide out. The patient is clear and coherent and able to drive themselves home.
Oral Sedation
Another option is oral sedation. The patient takes pills at Dr. Nugent’s office. Most of the medication Dr. Nugent uses has an onset of about an hour. This oral sedation is more powerful and effective than nitrous oxide. Dr. Nugent uses different drugs in the benzodiazepine family. The trademark effects of benzodiazepines include: sedative (induces sedation by reducing irritability and excitement), hypnotic (induces sleep), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), muscle relaxant and amnesic action (loss of ability to create memories). The safety of benzodiazepines is outstanding. A disadvantage to oral sedation is that the patient will have to have someone drive them home.
For the extremely frightened patient, Dr. Nugent can combine nitrous oxide and oral medication. This combination of drugs is called Conscious Sedation. This level of sedation minimizes pain, discomfort and fear. Patients will still be able to speak, swallow, respond to Dr. Nugent’s instructions and communicate and discomfort they experience. Furthermore, a brief period of amnesia my erase any memory of the dental procedure. Most patients that receive conscious sedation report that their dental procedures were pain and anxiety free and seemed to last only a minute or two.
During conscious sedation patients are monitored on a pulse-oximeter machine. This machine monitors blood oxygen saturation, pulse and blood pressure.
Do I Have Dental Fears?
Some treatments or procedures may sound unpleasant, which might cause patients to become anxious. Anxiety can frequently cause a tremendous deal of worry and despair.
- Do you experience anxiety and panic the day or evening before your dentist appointment?
- Do you get nervous while waiting in the reception area before your appointment?
- Do you get nervous around dental instruments?
- Do you become sick and anxious when you have dental injections?
- Do you think your mouth is the worst your dentist has ever seen?
- Do you get nervous or feel like you can’t breathe at the dentist?
- Have you ever had a horrible dentist experience?
If you responded yes to one or more of these, it would be useful to discuss your anxiety with your Dr. Nugent and his team.
What Can I Do to Reduce Dental Fear?
You don’t have to be afraid of the dentist; dental phobia can be overcome. Here are some strategies for dealing with anxiety and terror.
Learn relaxation techniques—Learning relaxation techniques is a simple and easy approach to feel more at ease visiting the dentist. Breathing exercises can assist you overcome negative emotions.
Being with a dentist with whom you are at ease helps you to express any concerns or fears you may have. A caring dentist can allay your fears and make you feel safe and secure during your treatment.
Ask questions—Knowing your technique will help you realize that many treatments are not as unpleasant as they appear.
Be aware of pain management—There are several horror stories concerning dentists. Modern pain management, on the other hand, provides a wide range of options. Dentistry does not have to be painful or stressful.
Distract yourself—Listening to music can help you distract yourself from the dentist surroundings.
What Can We Do to Assist Nervous Patients?
Our entire crew is welcoming, sensitive, and professional. We will listen to all of your problems and provide suitable recommendations. You might be given relaxation strategies as well as anxiety relief.
You have nothing to be embarrassed or concerned about talking to us about your feelings. We are here to assist you.
Don’t let fear or anxiety keep you from visiting the dentist. See how Sedation Dentistry can help you. Dr. Nugent is a regional leader in dental care. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena Texas 77504.