Did you know that up to 75% of Americans worry about seeing the dentist? While only 1 in 6 people are honest enough with their medical professionals to be officially diagnosed with dental anxiety, this condition affects many people. And, what’s worse, is that having dental fears and phobias can cause patients to avoid the preventive care they need, making their oral healthcare more complicated when they finally gather the courage to enter their dentist office. But, luckily for you, the team at Juno Beach Smiles is available as your respected sedation dentist in Jupiter. In this post, learn how treatment options can benefit you.
What Is Inhalation Sedation?
As your preferred Jupiter dentist, Dr. Greg Riley and Dr. Duane Keuning provide two different methods of sedation, each with unique advantages. The first is inhalation sedation:
- Nitrous Oxide – Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a safe, yet effective option for relaxing patients during dental treatment. Simply breathe the sweet-tasting gas in and the medication will take effect in seconds. And, after the treatment is stopped, the effects of this inhalation sedation wear off quickly and leave no lingering “hangover” effect. This means you can drive yourself to and from appointments, and can head back to school or the office with your full mental faculties.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
The second sedation method we offer is oral conscious sedation. This method is excellent, and patients who opt for this type go through the process below:
- Oral Conscious – You’ll be prescribed a sedative (usually in pill form) that will be taken orally. You’ll take a small dose of the medicine at home, and then another small dose once you arrive at our office. You won’t be completely asleep with this method – you’ll be partially conscious and will be able to respond to commands when we ask you to open your mouth wide, or move your head from side to side, for example. You might even be so relaxed that you fall asleep in the chair during your procedure – which is completely normal and a sign that the medication is working. Since the sedative will prevent you from driving, you’ll need to arrange for transportation both to and from your appointment.
Am I A Good Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?
If you meet the criteria below, be sure to talk with us about how we can help you relax while we care of your smile. And always feel free to give us a call first – we’re happy to answer questions and make you feel comfortable, even before you step foot in our office.
- You have dental anxiety, fears, or phobias.
- You have a severe gag reflex.
- You have chronic or acute jaw pain.
- You don’t respond to local anesthetics like lidocaine and numbing options don’t work well.
- You need extensive dental treatment.
- You’re in good health, generally speaking.
- You have either physical or mental special needs.
Now that you know how our sedation dentistry options can help you, schedule your appointment with Juno Beach Smiles today. We’ll take the fear out of seeing the dentist!