Fearless Dental Care: We Can Put You at Ease with Sedation Dentistry
Do you avoid dental visits because of dental fear or anxiety? Welcome to My Dental and Implants for sedation dentistry in Glendale, Arizona. With nitrous oxide, oral, and IV sedation, Dr. Nima Afzalian and the team offer plenty of options to help calm your dental anxiety and improve your overall experience.
If you struggle with dental anxiety, schedule an appointment today to experience the liberating powers of sedation dental care.
Who needs sedation dental care?
When you think about a dental visit—do you experience sweaty hands or a racing heart? These are classic symptoms of dental anxiety. Dental-phobic patients avoid seeking dental care, compounding their oral problems. Good news! Sedation dentistry can help you relax in the dental chair and enjoy the needed treatment.
While dental sedation is ideal for patients with dental fear or anxiety, patients can explore it for other reasons, including:
- A strong gag reflex
- When undergoing lengthy or complex procedures
- Have problems remaining still in a dental chair
- Have a low tolerance to pain
If you have dental fear, you are not alone. Approximately 37% of the American population are like you. Dental fear isn’t something to feel ashamed of. Talk to us today, and we’ll help you enjoy dentistry again.
What are the different sedation dentistry options available?
Patients who come to our office have several sedation dental care options. Some include:
- Laughing gas: Also known as nitrous oxide, laughing gas is the mildest form of sedation. Nitrous gas is odorless and colorless and is combined with oxygen to provide a safe level of relaxation. We administer nitrous gas through a mask placed on your mouth or nose. The sedation effects of nitrous oxide kick in immediately after we place the mask. Similarly, the sedation dissipates almost immediately after treatment, so you don’t need someone to accompany you to and from our office.
- Oral sedation: We recommend oral sedation to patients with mild to moderate fear. The dentist prescribes a simple pill to be taken about an hour before your appointment. By the time you are seated in the dental chair, you’ll be deeply relaxed, allowing the dentist to work on you with ease. Pill-based sedation makes you calm and detached yet conscious to respond to our verbal communication, where necessary.
- IV Sedation: The dentist delivers sedation directly into your bloodstream through an IV line on your arm. The sedation type is fast-acting, and the sedation level can be controlled by adjusting the dosage.
Sedation Dentistry: Easing Dental Anxiety
What is sedation dentistry? Sedation dentistry is basically when we have a high dental anxiety, we may have had a very bad dental experience. We may have a traumatic experience, and I understand that because I get a lot of patients with a past traumatic dental experience and I would like to change that for you here. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry. We have three different types of sedation here at my dental and implants. One is oral sedation, which basically you will be very relaxed and sleepy during your appointment with a simple pill, and that’s called oral sedation. We also offer nitrous as part of oral sedation, which is the laughing gas, which makes you comfortable for the appointment. And then the second type of sedation is moderate sedation, whereas your conscious, your breathing on your own and you are still communicating with us, but when you come back, you basically really don’t remember the appointment.
So that’s called moderate sedation. In the first oral sedation and moderate sedation, the commonalities that you’re still conscious, you’re talking back with us, you’re communicating with us, but you may not really remember the appointment when you come back for your visit, so that’s why it makes you very comfortable. The third type of sedation is general sedation, whereas your unconscious, so you are completely put to sleep. You have an anesthesiologist who comes in and we have great providers here at my health implants that can create that environment for you to be comfortably do your procedure and take care of your teeth with general sedation, you’ll be completely put to sleep, you’ll be intubated, so it’s very safe. We’re basically helping you with breeding and as long as it’s needed, the procedure is done. You have our nurse, anesthesiologist, and then your recovery is going to be much faster as well, so you’re not going to remember anything.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
While sedation makes dental care easier, it isn’t a painkiller, and regular anesthetics will still be administered. We don’t take chances with your comfort and safety. We adhere to strict sedation and anesthesia protocols to guarantee each patient a secure and comfortable experience. This includes thorough patient assessment before the procedure, careful monitoring during sedation, and appropriate post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery. By rigorously following these protocols, we aim to provide you with the highest standard of care while minimizing potential risks or discomfort.
Which sedation option is right for me?
You can only know this after scheduling an appointment with My Dental and Implants. We’ll evaluate your anxiety level, treatment needed, and overall health to determine the safest option for you. Call (623) 300-2550 to schedule your consultation today!
FAQs
What is nitrous oxide sedation?
Also known by the term laughing gas, nitrous oxide sedation is a mild form of sedation used in dentistry. This odorless and colorless gas is administered through a small mask worn over your nose and delivers a balanced mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. The effects of nitrous oxide include relaxation, euphoria, and possible tingling sensations.
What can I expect with the nitrous oxide sedation method during my appointment?
When undergoing nitrous oxide sedation, you can expect to feel calm and relaxed throughout your dental procedure. You remain conscious and able to respond to Dr. Nima Afzalian’s instructions. The effects wear off quickly after the gas is ceased, allowing you to drive yourself home from your appointment.
What is IV sedation?
IV sedation, also referred to by our team as intravenous sedation, is described as a deeper form of sedation used in dentistry. It involves administering medication through an IV line to induce a state of relaxation and drowsiness. With IV sedation, patients may still be conscious but will likely have little to no memory of the dental procedure.
What can I expect with IV sedation?
IV sedation is typically used for longer and more complex dental procedures, as it allows for a deeper level of relaxation. During IV sedation, you are closely monitored by our dentist and assistant to ensure your safety and comfort. The effects of IV sedation often last for several hours after the procedure, so you are required to have someone available to drive you home and stay with you until the medication wears off completely.
What is oral conscious sedation, and how does it work to relax patients?
Oral conscious sedation, also referred to by patients as pill sedation, involves taking medication in the form of a pill before your dental procedure. Dr. Nima Afzalian and our team determine the type and dosage of medication based on your individual needs. Oral sedative effects often range from mild to moderate and may cause drowsiness or even sleep during the procedure.
What can I expect with oral conscious sedation?
With oral conscious sedation, you must take the prescribed medication at a specific time before your dental appointment. You may feel drowsy and relaxed during the procedure, but you will still be able to respond to your dentist’s instructions. It is important to have someone drive you home after the procedure, as the effects of the sedative can last for several hours.
Is sedation dentistry safe to use?
Yes, sedation dentistry is considered perfectly safe when administered by a trained and experienced dental professional. However, it is essential to disclose any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you are taking before undergoing sedation. Dr. Nima Afzalian will carefully monitor your body’s vital signs during the procedure to ensure your safety at all times.
