Millions of people throughout the U.S. avoid dental care because of dental fear and anxiety. In many cases, dental phobia can start in early childhood. In others, a painful or difficult experience in the dental chair can make you reluctant to trust a dentist again. Many people don’t fear the dentist but hesitate to get the necessary treatments because of other problems. A sensitive gag reflex, difficulty getting numb with local dental anesthesia injections, or problems staying comfortable in the dental chair for the entire procedure can make dental visits challenging.
We offer sedation dentistry services customized to your unique level of dental fear to minimize your anxiety and worry.
If you’ve ever skipped a dental appointment because of fear or discomfort, we can help! We proudly offer safe and effective sedation anesthesia near you in Plymouth, MA. We aim to help you enjoy comfortable and relaxing appointments whenever you visit our office. With sedation dentistry, you can overcome the challenges that have kept you away from the dentist and regain control of your oral health.
Sometimes called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is one of the most common forms of sedation dentistry. You’ll rest comfortably and inhale nitrous oxide gas and oxygen through a mask over your nose. You’ll feel relaxed, calm, and comfortable within just a few minutes. Nitrous oxide helps local dental anesthesia injections work better. It can suppress a sensitive gag reflex, minimize tooth sensitivity, and relieve gum tenderness. Because nitrous oxide doesn’t leave you groggy afterward, it’s an excellent sedation dentistry option for quick procedures, including routine dental cleanings.
Nitrous oxide is so safe that we commonly use it to help children stay calm and comfortable during dental procedures that may otherwise feel overwhelming and lead to dental phobia later in life. After your procedure, you’ll breathe oxygen for several minutes while the medication leaves your body. You’ll feel alert and stable afterward, meaning you can drive home and go about your routine!
If you need a more profound sedation dentistry option, oral conscious sedation might be right. We’ll prescribe medications for you to take in pill form. Sometimes, you may even be able to start the medication at home before your procedure. This is an excellent sedation dentistry option for people whose anxiety is so severe they find it challenging to make it to their appointments.
With this approach to sedation dentistry, you’ll enjoy a “twilight” state of consciousness. You won’t be entirely under as with general anesthesia and will be able to respond to instructions and questions. However, you’ll feel deeply relaxed and likely won’t remember most of your time in our office. Most patients feel so comfortable they nap through their entire visit!
Oral conscious sedation pairs well with nitrous oxide if you need extra help staying comfortable. Like nitrous, local dental anesthesia will work better with oral conscious sedation. It’s long-lasting, making it an excellent option if you need a long or complex treatment or if you want to combine several treatments into one streamlined visit. You’ll likely feel the effects most of the day and need a driver to help you get home safely.
Don’t wait until dental pain becomes severe, as untreated decay can lead to abscesses and serious health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Neglecting oral health may result in nutritional deficiencies, digestive problems, and constant broken or missing teeth pain. Delaying dental visits due to anxiety can lead to more invasive and expensive treatments in the future.
However, with sedation dentistry in Plymouth, MA, we can help overcome anxiety, making treatments more comfortable and affordable. No matter how long it’s been, our goal is to empower you to regain control of your oral health, enjoy your favorite foods, speak confidently, and love your smile again.
I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.
I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.
