While the thought of going to the dentist rarely fills anyone with excitement and joy, for some people, the dread and worry about a dentist visit can sometimes cause them to avoid it for years. You may have had a bad experience with a specific dentist, or you’ve convinced yourself that you take good enough care of your teeth on your own. But did you know that there is a variety of sedation options that can ease your anxiety and allow you to have a successful dental visit? One of the most common is oral sedation, offered in Leesburg offices to help increase your comfort level.
What is oral sedation?
This practice typically involves taking a specific medication before coming to the dental office for your procedure. The most common recommended drug is valium, though your dental professional may recommend other options instead. By taking medicine in advance of your visit (and arranging for transportation!), it will have taken full effect by the time the procedure begins.
What are benefits of oral sedation?
- There are no needles; you’re typically taking a pill or liquid.
- The cost can be lower than other sedation methods administered in the office.
- It is effective; with proper dosing, you should not be affected during the treatment and may experience an amnesic effect and not remember much after the treatment.
Are there other options?
If oral sedation sounds either too extreme or not extreme enough, there are other options that your office may offer.
• Nitrous oxide, commonly known as ‘laughing gas,’ can help patients who may not need as much support to have a successful office visit.
• Intravenous (IV) sedation can be used for more extensive dental procedures to allow for a more specialized support level and duration than oral sedation may offer.
If oral sedation dentistry sounds like what you need for a successful dental visit, consult with Cascades Center for Dental Health today to learn about your options.
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