Dental Visit Anxiety? Your Sedation Dentist in Rocky Hill Can Help!

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If the thought of receiving dental care leaves you feeling anxious or fearful, then you’re not alone. Statistics show that over 30 million Americans avoid seeing their dentist because of their apprehensions. You have an opportunity to overcome your worries, though, to receive the vital care you need. Learn how your sedation dentist in Rocky Hill can make your experience a pleasant one!

What is Sedation Dentistry?

The term ‘sedate’ means to calm or relax. Therefore, if you have some uncertainties about receiving dental care, sedation dentistry provides the perfect solution. However, people are different, so there are various types of sedatives available.

Nitrous Oxide

The most well-known form of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide, which is also referred to as “laughing gas.” The patient is fitted with a mask that covers the nose and delivers an adjustable amount of medication throughout the treatment process.

Typically, the effects wear-off as soon as the medication is stopped, and patients are able to carry out their normal duties for the rest of the day.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Also referred to as “twilight sleep,” IV sedation involves the relaxing medication being delivered directly into the bloodstream, which provides rapid effects. Unlike general anesthesia, this type of sedation leaves the patient in a semi-conscious but relaxed state.

Oral Conscious Sedation

One of the latest breakthroughs in dentistry involves the use of oral conscious sedation, which delivers relaxation in pill form. This method is great for patients who need complex work done but aren’t fond of needles and tubes.

Usually, a dentist will instruct the patient to either take the pill before leaving home to head to the dentist’s office, or it will be administered upon arrival.

Amazingly, even though the patient is left conscious throughout the dental procedure, it’s not uncommon to have no recollection of what has happened. This translates into NO painful memories that can be triggered in the future.

Here are two things to keep in mind about oral conscious sedation dentistry, though:

• It usually takes several hours after the treatment has concluded for the effects of the medication to wear off. Thus, it’s necessary to have a driver for the rest of the day and to abstain from any strenuous activities.
• Also, people who wear contacts should remove them before the medication is administered and the procedure starts, to prevent damaging them.

Now that you have an avenue to receive the care you need in a comfortable and relaxed fashion, the only thing left to do is to reach out to your dentist in Rocky Hill to schedule a visit!

About the Author

Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Throughout his career, he has remained an active learner. Thus, Dr. Michalski has earned Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry. He helps patients receive the care they need in a safe and relaxing manner by providing sedation dentistry at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information through his website.