Sedation Dentist Pantego
Making Oral Healthcare Possible for Nervous Patients
Do you suffer from strong feelings of fear or anxiety when faced with a dental appointment? You’re not alone. In fact, millions of Americans avoid much-needed care every year because of these emotions. At South Arlington Dental Care, Dr. Prachi Shah and her dedicated team strive to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for children and adults alike – however, we understand that this approach might not be enough. That’s why our Pantego, TX, practice offers sedation dentistry. With the help of our sedation options, patients have the safe and relaxed experience they deserve. We also serve the nearby areas of Arlington, Burleson, and beyond. Call us today to find out if nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation might be right for you.
Why Choose South Arlington Dental Care for Sedation Dentistry?
- Dentist Who is Certified in Nitrous Oxide Sedation
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments Available
- Dental Team That Focuses on Patient Comfort & Care
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is typically recommended for patients with mild cases of dental anxiety. Dr. Shah and her team administer the gas through a nasal mask to improve one’s mood, create a greater sense of comfort, and raise the pain threshold. Once the mask is removed, these effects wear off in a matter of minutes, which means patients can return to their daily routine and even drive themselves home with virtually no downtime required. Here’s a brief guide to this time-tested dental sedation treatment, but feel free to contact our office if you have any more questions.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide can be an excellent dental sedation treatment for patients with concerns such as:
- Discomfort around needles
- Difficulty sitting comfortably through a dental procedure
- Sensitive teeth
- A powerful gag reflex
- Anxiety or fear of the dentist’s office
- An aversion or allergy to other sedation treatments
However, nitrous oxide is not a suitable treatment for everyone. Pregnancy, sinus congestion, respiratory illness, and certain medications can interfere with the sedation effect.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective dental sedation treatment that involves minimal side effects. To administer nitrous oxide, Dr. Shah will place a breathing mask over your nose. This mask will administer a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a hose, and you can expect to begin feeling its effects within minutes of first breathing it in. You should feel lighter and have a sense of calm, and you will be less sensitive to pain. You will continue receiving nitrous oxide throughout your treatment, and the effects will quickly start wearing off shortly after you stop receiving the gas. The nitrous oxide should be eliminated from your system within 15 minutes, meaning that you should be ready to drive yourself home.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Part of the reason that nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for almost 200 years is that it does not typically result in any lasting side effects. The most aftercare you can expect to need is waiting a few minutes after the end of treatment to let any lingering dizziness subside, and you will soon be ready to drive home or back to work to continue with your normal day. However, it’s important to keep up with any aftercare instructions Dr. Shah provides for any other treatments you receive at our office.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If your level of dental-related fear is high, oral conscious sedation could be the right treatment option for you. Our team prescribes oral medication ahead of time, and patients are instructed to take it at a certain point before their procedure. As the name suggests, oral conscious sedation doesn’t put patients to sleep. However, it does induce a deep state of relaxation that’s often so strong patients don’t remember anything about their treatment. You will need a trusted friend or family member to bring you to and from your appointment.