Sedation Dentistry – North Attleborough, MA
Reducing Anxiety for a Better Patient Experience
At Attleboro Dental Group, we understand that visiting the dentist can be difficult for many patients. Poor experiences in the past, a fear of needles, the inability to sit still for prolonged periods, and even the sounds that occur in a dentist’s office are some of the most common reasons people avoid regular oral healthcare appointments. However, our team wants to change that with the help of sedation dentistry in North Attleborough. Using nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, we can help minimize anxiety for a better patient experience. Call us today to find out if you’re a candidate.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is considered the mildest form of sedation, as it is likely to help those who express a bit of anxiety when visiting the dentist. Known as laughing gas, it is safe for patients of all ages and poses no serious side effects. Within minutes of a patient receiving nitrous oxide, they become calm and fully relaxed, and the moment the nasal mask is removed, the effects begin to wear off, allowing patients to resume normal activity.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a slightly more powerful solution that is ideal for patients who are unsuccessful with nitrous oxide or who need more help to calm down when preparing for a dental procedure. As a prescribed pill provided by our team, a patient will take the medication about an hour before their appointment. This ensures that once in the dentist’s chair, the individual is comfortable and at ease. Making it possible for patients to experience dental care without the nerves and fears, the medicine does take time to wear off, so individuals will need someone to escort them home.
IV Sedation
As the strongest form of sedation (apart from general anesthesia), IV sedation is commonly recommended for patients who are preparing for multiple dental procedures. Administered via the hand or bend of the elbow, the medicine enters the bloodstream and begins to create a calming and relaxed sensation. Many patients may fall asleep but can be easily woken up to respond to dental cues. When treatment is complete, a friend or family member will need to take the individual home to allow for the effects to wear off fully.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
To determine whether a person is a good candidate for sedation dentistry, it’s important that a thorough consultation with a member of our dental team occurs. This visit allows us to go over your medical history to determine if there might be any reason that you should not receive sedation dentistry. Some individuals may have specific health conditions that make certain sedation methods risky or ineffective (i.e., respiratory illness).
We’ll also review a patient’s current medications to make sure that nothing will negatively interact with the suggested method of sedation.
In most cases, sedation dentistry is safe, and if a person struggles with any of the following, they may be considered for this type of treatment:
- Mild, moderate, or extreme dental anxiety
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Fear of needles
- Past dental trauma
- Multiple or complex dental treatments needed
- Inability to sit still for extended periods
