Want To Feel Relaxed at the Dentist? With Sedation Dentistry, You Can!

Sadly, an estimated 30-40 million Americans don’t go to the dentist because of fear and anxiety. However, it goes without saying that you can’t go without dental care and still have a healthy smile and great quality of life. Fortunately, we live in the day-and-age of modern dentistry, which offers excellent options for sedation dentistry such as nitrous oxide. Also called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a great way to feel relaxed when you see a dentist in Horseshoe Bay and makes your visits comfortable and stress-free. Want to learn more? Keep reading below!

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is an odorless, colorless gas that you breathe through a comfortable nosepiece during treatment. It’s a type of conscious sedation, which simply means that you’ll feel very calm and relaxed while still being awake and aware. It can be used for anything from a simple dental cleaning to more extensive procedures like fillings or crowns.

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?

Yes! In addition to having long-standing approval from the American Dental Association, nitrous oxide has been safely used for many decades and is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. Also, rest assured that your dentist will start by reviewing your medical history to make sure it’s right for you. Throughout your procedure, your breathing, oxygen levels and heart rate will be monitored to make sure you’re doing well from beginning to end.

What Are the Benefits of Nitrous Oxide?

Here are some of the many benefits of nitrous oxide:

• It starts working right away but also wears off almost immediately. This allows you to be alert and aware right after your appointment, so you can drive yourself home or even return to work.
• It makes it easier to tolerate longer appointments.
• It improves communication with your dentist during a procedure.
• It’s great for people with a strong gag reflex because it relaxes the throat and reduces gagging.
• It makes dental work a more positive experience and helps you feel safe and secure. And once you’ve had several good appointments, it will feel much easier to come to the dentist.  

You need healthy teeth and gums to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. If you’ve struggled in the dental chair in the past, sedation dentistry in Horseshoe Bay may be perfect for helping you conquer your fear. It’s a safe, reliable way to get the care you need for great oral health – without fear or anxiety.

About the Author

Dr. Gregory Sopel is a family dentist with nearly 40 years of experience and a graduate of the Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston. In addition to having a warm, compassionate chairside manner, he also offers sedation options such as nitrous oxide to help everyone feel comfortable during their visits. If you have any questions about sedation dentistry in Horseshoe Bay, he can be contacted via his website.