If you are nervous about an upcoming appointment or you have dental anxiety, our team at Washington Metro Dental is here to help with sedation dentistry. With sedation at our office, you can relax and get through your appointment without feelings of fear, anxiety, or discomfort. If you are interested in dental sedation in the Washington, DC area, call our office today to schedule your consultation.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
Nitrous oxide sedation uses a comfortable nose mask to deliver a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen directly into your lungs. When you breathe in, the nitrous oxide will begin to take effect almost immediately. When the sedative starts to work, your body will feel light and airy in the dental chair. You will not be asleep and can still interact with your doctor.
When your doctor is finished, our team will pump oxygen through the nose mask to purge the remaining nitrous oxide from your lungs. After a few minutes, you will begin to feel the effects of sedation wear off, which means you can resume your normal routine as soon as you leave our office.
Benefits Of Dental Sedation
There are a variety of reasons you may want to use dental sedation. For example, you may feel nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist. Dental anxiety is extremely common, even in adults, and can stop you from getting the treatment you need for a healthy mouth. Sedation can help you overcome your dental fears and allow you to get the care you need for your smile.
Sedation also makes it easier to stay still and remain comfortable during longer procedures. For example, if you are getting multiple root canals or dental implants, you may find that sedation will help the time pass more quickly and keep you comfortable. Dental sedation can help you get through lengthy dental visits, allowing your dental team to accomplish a lot in just one visit.
If you’re scared of needles (like numbing needles), sedation can also help with this fear response, and ensure your mouth can be properly numbed during your procedure. It even helps suppress your gag reflex, which can be helpful if you have a very sensitive gag reflex.
What To Expect With Nitrous Oxide Sedation
One of the best things about nitrous oxide sedation is that the sedative effect of the gas wears off after about 5 minutes, and its side effects are very limited. Overall, this is a very safe and simple method of sedation. However, you will still need to consult with your dentist at Washington Metro Dental to discuss your medical history, medications you’re taking, and other important information. This ensures your safety during the sedation process.
Is Sedation Right For Me?
If you are interested in dental sedation, contact our team. We can help you determine when sedation can benefit you during your dental appointments. Nitrous oxide sedation can help you get the dental care that you need to keep your oral health on the right track.