subject: Save Your Smile With Sedation Dentistry [print this page] More than 100 million Americans experience significant fear and anxiety about visiting a dentist. They may have had a traumatic dental visit in the past, have trouble getting numb enough with Novocain, or are embarrassed about how long they have put off dental care. Avoiding the dentist's office can have serious consequences, including loss of teeth and deteriorating overall health. Poor dental health is associated with nutritional problems and even with problems like heart disease. Fortunately, today's dental practices have many new techniques for people who have dental fear. Frisco sedation dentistry means you don't have to avoid dental procedures any longer.
Differences from Dentistry of the Past
If you're a baby boomer, then as a child you may have been taken to a cold, impersonal dental office designed for practicality rather than patient comfort. When you had dental work, you received Novocain but were otherwise left to your own devices as far as coping with what was going on in your mouth. Today's dental offices are totally different. Many are designed to be more spa-like, with comfortable chairs, a selection of music to listen to, and even DVD screens placed so you can watch a movie while you're in the chair. But perhaps the most important thing is that today's dentists offer many options for sedation, which can help even very anxious patients get through their dental procedures.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
Your Frisco sedation dentist is most likely to offer you oral sedation, which means that you will take one or more pills at the office before procedures begin. This type of sedation doesn't require an IV, which is great for people who are anxious about needles. After you take the sedative, you'll be given some time to relax, perhaps listening to music or watching a video as the medication goes to work. Only after you're totally relaxed are you given local anesthetic. You may be given nitrous oxide to supplement the sedation. A small device is attached to your finger to continuously monitor your vital signs while you are sedated.
Patient Care and Comfort Throughout
During your visit with a Frisco sedation dentist, you will be monitored continuously to ensure that you are sufficiently relaxed while the procedures are being done. Even if you have procedures that take several hours, you will be in a relaxed state, and it will seem as if it is over in minutes. When the dentist finishes with your procedures, the sedative will be allowed to wear off some, and you will have your spouse or a trusted friend drive you home. After the sedation wears off, you will remember little to none of your office visit.
Outstanding Results
The most important thing about sedation dentistry is that it allows great results. You can have the procedures you need to improve or restore dental health, giving you the confidence of having a great smile once again. You do not have to put off dental work any longer due to fear and anxiety. Frisco practices that offer sedation dentistry understand and have many tools at their disposal to ensure that you get the dental procedures you need without anxiety.
