Sedation Dentist – West Seneca, NY
A Calm, Positive Dental Visit Awaits
Does the sound of dental tools make you nervous? Do you feel anxious when you think about visiting the dentist? You are definitely not alone. It is estimated that between 9 and 20 percent of Americans do not go to the dentist regularly because of fear, but doing so puts your smile at a higher risk of infection and decay. At Applegate Dental PLLC, we provide sedation dentistry in West Seneca, NY to make your dental experience more positive and help you get the dental care you need to stay healthy.
Why Choose Applegate Dental PLLC for Sedation Dentistry?
- Various Options for Nervous Patients
- Experienced and Empathetic Team
- Inviting and Comfortable Dental Office
Oral Conscious Sedation
For more severe cases of dental anxiety, even the idea of getting to the office can feel intimidating. To manage these fears, we may suggest oral sedation in West Seneca, which creates a more relaxed state. Note that you’ll need to speak with us in advance if you want to use this form of sedation because it requires some planning and preparation. However, this option is great at providing a less stressful, more comfortable experience.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a medication you take in pill form that allows you to remain awake during your treatment, but this sedative is strong, so you may feel drowsy enough to drift off on your own(at which point we can simply wake you up if we need to). As a result, you don’t have to worry about nerves or anxiety during your appointment. In fact, you probably won’t even remember details or the procedure itself afterwards.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
You’ll be prescribed a pill to take at a specific time before your visit. You’ll need to pick up this medication from your local pharmacy and follow directions as provided. Someone you trust—a friend or family member—must drive you to and from our office because the sedative will start to kick in around the time your appointment starts, and it will impair your ability to operate a car safely. The effects may last for a few hours afterward, so please plan your schedule accordingly.
Who is a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Because of its strength, oral conscious sedation is typically reserved for those with intensive dental anxiety, but it can also come in handy for those who need to undergo longer or multiple treatments in one appointment. This sedative lasts for hours, which can allow the patient to remain still and completely content while we complete their procedure(s). In addition, we typically prescribe this option for older children, teens, and/or adults—basically those who can take medication orally and can handle this more powerful sedative.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Sometimes referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide sedation is widely used around the world, and when it comes to sedatives used in dentistry, nitrous oxide is the gentlest one available. Whether you just need something to calm your nerves or help you have a more pleasant experience in the chair, this is a great option to take the edge off anxious dental visits without interrupting their normal routine for the rest of the day.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Generally perfect for patients with milder phobias or anxieties, dental nitrous oxide in West Seneca simply replaces nervousness with a content, warm feeling. This sedative allows you to respond coherently to our questions and instructions and even remember what happened during the appointment. Nitrous oxide has such a gentle effect, in fact, that even children are eligible for its use. Negative reactions to this medication are rare, which can give you extra peace of mind selecting this option.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
A small mask will be placed over your nose so that you can breathe in the sedative mixed with normal oxygen during the procedure. Within minutes, you’ll feel more relaxed and less worried about your surroundings. We can adjust the sedation levels depending on your needs throughout the appointment, so if you suddenly become more nervous during treatment, we can help you reach contentment again very quickly.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Once we’re done with whatever treatment you’re here for, you’ll breathe in only oxygen through the nasal mask for a few minutes. Almost as efficiently as the inhaled gas eased your fears and replaced them with calm, it should fade out of your system just as fast, and you should feel more normal before you leave our office. By that point, you should be ready to check out at our front desk and drive yourself home or carry on with your schedule without any impairment or lingering effects.
Sedation Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about how sedation dentistry works or whether it’s right for you? You can always ask us whatever is on your mind when you call for an appointment, but in the meantime we encourage you to read below to see if you might find the answers that you’re looking for.
Why is visiting the dentist so important?
Many who struggle with dental anxiety think that they do not need to visit the dentist as long as they do not feel pain or experience unusual symptoms. Even then, sufferers can try to “tough it out” as long as possible before finally getting the treatment they need. Unfortunately, by that point, the problem may have already caused permanent damage and be so advanced that only invasive, and expensive, care can resolve it.
Coming to our West Seneca dental office at least twice every year for checkups and cleanings plays a critical role in making sure your smile stays healthy from harmful bacteria. These appointments allow us to proactively keep your teeth and gums protected, and if a problem does develop, we are able to treat it right away—before it causes you unnecessary pain or discomfort.
How can sedation dentistry help me overcome my dental anxiety?
Even knowing how important it is to visit the dentist, you may still have a very real fear of dental work. At Applegate Dental PLLC, we understand and want to help you feel more comfortable. That is why we offer oral conscious sedation. This effective solution allows you to stay awake and responsive, but it also takes away any anxiety or real awareness of what is happening. In fact, with oral conscious sedation, you may not remember details from your appointment at all. This method is particularly helpful for those who have moderate to severe dental anxiety or who are undergoing complex procedures.
How does oral conscious sedation work?
Unlike nitrous oxide or laughing gas, oral conscious sedation is not administered in our dental office. We will prescribe a pill that you must take before your appointment according to our instructions so that it can begin working before you arrive. You will need someone to transport you to and from our dental office because the effects of the oral sedation can interfere with your ability to drive safely. Although the medication does not put to sleep, you may become so relaxed that you fall asleep during your procedure. You should feel back to normal within a few hours after your appointment.
If you have dental anxiety, give our dental office a call. Our team can placate your fears and help you feel more comfortable. That way, your smile can stay healthy and happy for many years to come!
Schedule a Sedation Consultation Today
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