Post Date: February 14, 2014

Afraid of the Dentist? Let Sedation Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ qualm your fears

Sedation Dentistry, Scottsdale, AZ

For those with a fear of dental work,sedation dentistry is the ideal solution. If you live in Scottsdale, AZ and find yourself with a fear of the dentist, we might be able to help. Dental phobias are one of the most common phobias out there, and you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer when they see a needle or hear the whine of the dental drill. For some, the fear is overpowering, and the result might be years between dental visits. If this is you, don’t worry. There are several methods of sedation dentistry available to help qualm your dental fears, and you might not even remember the procedure when all is said and done! Whether it’s oral anti-anxiety meds, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation, there is a level of sedation dentistry in Scottsdale that fits everyone’s comfort level.

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, can be used for sedation dentistry for patients who don’t require much sedation, don’t tolerate benzodiazepenes well, or are getting a simple procedure such as a cleaning or a filling. Nitrous oxide causes a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Nitrous oxide also makes time seem like it’s going by faster, so the dental visit appears to take less time. Once the nitrous oxide is taken away, it usually wears off within ten to fifteen minutes, which means that patients spend less time recovering after the procedure.

If nitrous oxide doesn’t relax you during a simple procedure or need a more in-depth procedure such as a crown, you may be given a pill called triazolam. Triazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepenes. These types of drugs are used to relax patients and put them in a state of ease, so the dentist can do their dental work. For many patients, this is all that is required, and the dental visit can be performed in comfort.

For more in-depth procedures, IV sedation might be used. For IV sedation, a catheter is placed into a vein in your arm or hand and a dental anesthesiologist will inject you with a drug that causes you to feel sleepy. Although you may still be awake, you won’t be conscious and won’t remember anything after the drug wears off.

If you experience dental phobia, the best thing to do is to talk to Dr. Steve Poulos. Sedation dentistry can make you more comfortable with the procedure, and the dentists at My Scottsdale Dentist can work with you to find the level of sedation most comfortable for you and your needs. Don’t be afraid to talk to the dentists at My Scottsdale Dentist, because comfort might be just a conversation away.

For more information about sedation dentistry in Scottsdale,  contact us  today.