Sedation Dentistry

Almost everyone gets a little nervous about visiting the dentist, and having a more extreme fear of the dentist (dentophobia) or experiencing anxiety related to dental care are actually quite common experiences. In fact, many people completely avoid visiting the dentist altogether to avoid the emotional stress it causes them.

Unfortunately, never visiting the dentist is not good for your teeth and gums. Plus, skipping regular dental exams and cleanings often leads to patients developing more serious conditions that require more invasive and extensive treatments.

At ONE Dental, we’re proud to offer our patients a variety of sedation dentistry treatment options designed to help everyone access the dental care they need to stay healthy — without the stress, anxiety, and fear that sometimes accompanies dental treatment.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a branch of dentistry that uses a variety of treatments to help patients relax in the dental chair and access the care they need.

Sedation dentistry is commonly used to help patients who have a fear of the dentist resulting from any number of causes (negative experiences in the past, discomfort at feeling a loss of control in the dental chair, discomfort as a result of the physical closeness, feelings of embarrassment regarding one’s dental health, and more).

Sometimes, sedation dentistry is used to ease the experience of undergoing lengthy or more invasive treatment processes, as well.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

There are several types of sedation dentistry that differ based on the type of sedative used and the level of sedation achieved. The type of sedation dentistry that is right for you depends on your level of anxiety and fear and the type of procedure at hand.

Minimal Sedation

Minimal sedation is usually achieved using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that is administered in our office. With light sedation, patients feel more relaxed but are completely awake and aware.

Moderate Sedation

Moderate sedation uses prescription medications taken before an appointment to help patients relax. With moderate sedation, patients remain responsive and somewhat aware but are in a dreamlike or groggy state. They might not fully remember the dental appointment afterward.

Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia

Both deep sedation and general anesthesia are administered intravenously. With deep sedation, patients are nearly unconscious but can be easily roused. Under general anesthesia, patients are completely unconscious, unaware of their surroundings, and do not wake until the procedure is complete.

ONE Dental: Experience a Better Way To Visit the Dentist

At ONE Dental, we go the extra mile to help our patients feel more comfortable and at ease in the dentist’s chair – from exclusively pairing patients with the team members who can best meet each person’s unique needs to offering a variety of sedation dentistry options and providing cozy blankets to keep the air-conditioned chill away during treatments.

To learn more about how we can help you overcome your anxiety to access the dental care you need to stay healthy, we invite you to contact our office or to schedule a virtual consultation to get acquainted with our staff and our sedation dentistry options from the comfort of your own home.