Sedation Dentistry – Wauwatosa, WI
The Best Way to Make Visits More Relaxing
Do you often struggle with dental fear or anxiety before an appointment? Need some help remaining calm and cozy while waiting for your treatment? If so, then sedation dentistry might be the best solution for you. Our team at Wauwatosa Dental Arts can make your visit a more relaxing experience by using multiple options. We can discuss which method will be appropriate for your specific situation when you see us, that way you can feel comfortable and stress-free throughout the entire procedure. Read on or reach out to us today if you’d like to learn more about sedation dentistry in Wauwatosa!
Why Choose Wauwatosa Dental Arts For Sedation Dentistry?
- Professional & Caring Dental Staff
- Treatments Available For All Ages
- Team Of Experienced Dentists
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Dental anxiety is far more common than you think! If you’re nervous about your upcoming appointment, you’re not alone. Regardless of your age, being afraid of the dentist can have a traumatic effect on you and significantly increase your risk of oral health issues. That’s why our team at Wauwatosa Dental Arts offers nitrous oxide sedation! With this method, you can feel more comfortable and relaxed during your visit. To find out if this option is right for you, continue reading or give our office a call today!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Truthfully, sedation dentistry is an excellent tool for any patient that suffers from dental fear or anxiety. From children to grandpa or grandma, it’s a great option for people of all ages! It’s typically recommended for those who:
- Have a fear of needles
- Are scared of visiting their dentist
- Cannot control their movement
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Suffer from dental sensitivity
- Have difficulty becoming numb
It’s worth noting that you may not be a viable candidate for nitrous oxide if you are pregnant, have a sinus infection, have a respiratory disease, or are taking certain medications. Of course, there are other sedation options you can explore that might be right for you.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
This method of sedation is better known as “laughing gas.” By breathing in this mild sedative, you can begin to quickly feel more at ease. You might experience a light euphoric sensation after inhaling it through a small nasal mask. The good thing is that you’ll still be conscious throughout your treatment, meaning you’ll be able to respond to our questions or commands. Shortly after we remove the mask, the effects of nitrous oxide will wear off right away. This means you can drive yourself to and from your dental visit!
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
The effects of nitrous oxide will fade away almost as quickly as they set in. Although they won’t linger for long, you will still need to stay at the office for a few minutes until you feel back to your normal self. Luckily, you’ll be good to drive yourself home once the effects go away completely! In fact, you’ll even be able to continue with your usual routine for work or school. If you receive any treatment-specific aftercare instructions, make sure you follow them diligently to avoid unnecessary complications.
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
We can also provide a stronger form of relaxation through oral conscious sedation. Our team will give you a pill that you’ll need to take around an hour before we start your dental treatment. This method will bring you right to the edge of being asleep and awake simultaneously during your appointment. Again, answering questions and following simple commands will be easy enough. You may not even remember the entire procedure, except that it was a nice and comfortable experience. The effects may take longer to wear off, so you may need to have a family member or friend take you to and from our office.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is one of the most popular sedation options available. Once we have thoroughly reviewed your medical history, medications, and any allergies that you have, we can determine whether or not oral conscious sedation is ideal for you. If so, your dentist will prescribe you a pill that you will need to take about an hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive at the practice, you should be perfectly relaxed and ready for your treatment.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
This type of sedation method isn’t used to put you to sleep. Instead, you will be awake and able to communicate with your dentist while feeling laid back and relaxed. Because of how effective this sedative is, you will need a trusted friend or family member to take you to and from the practice. You should wait till the sedative has completely worn off before you resume your normal schedule, like going to work.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a great option for patients who have:
- Dental Anxiety: If you get nervous at the idea of going to the dentist, oral conscious sedation may be able to help you feel more relaxed in time for your treatment.
- Heightened Sensitivity: For patients who have teeth or gums that are particularly sensitive, oral conscious sedation may be able to help.
- Long Treatment: If you have a procedure that may take a while, oral conscious sedation may help to make your experience more comfortable.
- Overactive Gag Reflex: If you gag easily due to smells, tastes, or the presence of dental tools in your mouth, oral conscious sedation can reduce this. This way, you can remain more comfortable, and your dentist will be able to work more quickly and efficiently.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Most people who have good overall health tend to be eligible to receive sedation dentistry. You may be a candidate for the treatment if you struggle with any of the following conditions:
- A strong or sensitive gag reflex.
- A fear of needles.
- You’ve experienced past trauma at a dental office.
- You have mild to severe dental anxiety that prevents you from receiving dental care.
- A physical disability that causes discomfort while sitting in the dentist’s chair.
- You’re preparing for multiple or complex dental procedures.
Our team will make sure to review your dental history with you so we can determine the best method for helping you stay relaxed and comfortable during your visit. Feel free to give us a call if you have any further questions about sedation dentistry in Wauwatosa.