Overcome Dental Fear with Safe and Effective Sedation Dentistry
Does going to the dentist make you anxious? Then, sedation dentistry in Austin, Texas, can significantly improve your experience. Glow Dental Co. understands dental fear is real and prevents millions of patients from seeking dental care. This fear of the dentist often starts with a negative experience or the general fear of dentistry (the smells, sights, noises, etc.). While common, you no longer need to avoid visiting the dentist because sedation dental care by Dr. Kelsi Lewis will ensure comfort every time you visit us.
Why should I combat my dental fear?
When you schedule an appointment with us, let us know if you have dental fears so we can personalize your treatment. For many individuals, the treatment itself is not uncomfortable. Instead, it is the anxiety that causes distress.
Dental fear causes dental avoidance. When you have dental anxiety or fear, you often avoid scheduling appointments or even cancel them altogether. This avoidance creates a cycle of neglect, where minor dental issues are left untreated and eventually develop into more severe problems. Prolonged periods without dental care increase the risk of cavities, decay, gum disease, and other issues requiring more complex treatments, further exacerbating your dental fear.
Being open with your dentist is the first step to confronting your fears. We’ll establish the root cause of the dental fear and recommend a sedation dentistry option that works for you.
What sedation dentistry choices are offered at Glow Dental Co.?
We offer several sedation dentistry choices to provide a solution for every smile. Overcome your dental fears today with the following anxiety-free options.
- Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide, also known as “happy or laughing gas,” is a moderate inhalation sedation administered through a small, soft mask placed on the nose. Nitrous oxide reduces sensitivity and helps you relax during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting anesthetic that kicks in immediately after you wear your mask, and the sedation remains as long as you inhale the gas. Although you’ll be sedated, you’ll still be able to respond to the verbal cues from our dentist. You’ll be carefree about the moment-to-moment details of treatment. When your treatment is over, we’ll remove the mask, and the sedation effects wear off quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home.
- Numbing gel: Do you fear needles? A numbing gel is a simple yet effective solution. We’ll apply this topical anesthetic to the gums before an injection, desensitizing the area and making the needle virtually unnoticeable. This preemptive numbing helps to alleviate the discomfort that might be associated with the initial prick of the needle. A dab of the numbing jelly prepares you for a very comfortable injection or when cleaning a sensitive tooth.
Dental fear can significantly hinder achieving and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Modern dentistry offers a range of sedation options to help you overcome your fear and receive the care you need in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
Ready to conquer dental fear?
An estimated 30-40 million Americans struggle with dental anxiety. If you are among this population, sedation dentistry can help, and you’ll no longer have to dread dental visits. Call (512) 572-4842 to schedule an appointment with Glow Dental Co. Our sedation dentistry works for patients of all ages! Visit us to see the option best suited for your needs.
Types of Dental Sedation and Anesthetics
NITROUS OXIDE
Nitrous oxide, also known as “happy gas,” is a light inhalation sedation that can be administered to reduce sensitivity and help you relax during dental procedures. Breathe in the sedative while wearing a soft, small mask over your nose. Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting anesthetic that wears off quickly and allows you to drive yourself home.
Topical Numbing
Sometimes, you need a little topical numbing gel on your gums to avoid discomfort. Many dentists use topical anesthetic every day. Most dental offices have flavored jellies with ingredients similar to an oral numbing gel found in a drugstore. A dab of this jelly may be enough to prepare you for a very comfortable injection or when cleaning a sensitive tooth.