Sedation Dentistry
General Dentistry, Family Dentists & Emergency Dentists in Puyallup, WA
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Sedation Dentistry services offered in Puyallup, WA
About 36% of people have some form of dental anxiety, with 12% having severe fear of the dentist’s office. At South Hill Family Dentistry in Puyallup, Washington, their providers want you to feel comfortable when you enter the office and get treatment. They provide sedation dentistry to help make your visits easier. Call today or use the online tool to set up an appointment for sedation dentistry so you can get the dental work you need.
Who needs sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry can help people who suffer from dental anxiety.
Many people suffer from dental anxiety. They avoid the preventive or restorative dental care they need. In some cases, they just never go to the dentist and suffer oral health problems as a result.
You may have dental anxiety if you experience any of the following:
- Inability to sleep the night before a dental visit
- Intense discomfort or distress thinking of instruments placed in your mouth
- Feeling ill or highly stressed during dental appointments
- Difficulty forcing yourself to book routine dental visits
Dental anxiety develops for many reasons. You may have had a negative experience at a past dental visit or be extra sensitive to the sounds, feelings, and smells of the dental office.
How can sedation dentistry help me?
Sedation dentistry is a helpful way to get the dental care you need without the anxiety and fear. Certain types of medications help you relax, so you get the care you need. Your dentist may offer sedation in addition to regular localized anesthetics. These anesthetics remove any pain, while sedation helps your whole body and psyche relax.
What types of sedation dentistry do you offer?
The simplest form of sedation dentistry involves the use of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. You wear a mask during your appointment to breathe in the light sedative. You're conscious of what’s going on around you, but you feel more lighthearted and relaxed. The effects of nitrous oxide fade quickly, so you can drive home after your appointment.
Your dentist may also offer conscious sedation to ease your dental anxiety. They prescribe a medication you take in the hours before your visit. The medication makes you feel somewhat sleepy, but you remain alert enough to respond to instructions. You should not drive while on a sedative.
Intravenous sedation and full anesthesia may also be available in severe cases of anxiety. You’ll be referred to a specialist for these more advanced forms of sedation.
Will I always need sedation dentistry?
With time, you may outgrow your dental anxiety. The more times you visit the office of South Hill Family Dentistry, the more comfortable you can become. Some people, however, will always feel best using sedation dentistry.
Explore your sedation dentistry options by setting up an appointment at South Hill Family Dentistry. Call the office or use the online tool to schedule.