Do You Dread the Dentist?
It’s estimated that somewhere between 9% to 15% of Americans don’t go to the dentist out of fear. They would rather put up with painful, infected, discolored, and damaged teeth, than step foot in a dental office. Or, if they do make it in, it’s the worst part of their week. (Don’t worry, we don’t take it personally.) Neglecting your dental health can lead to complex problems, including tooth loss, that can affect your ability to speak and eat normally.
Sedation Dentistry to the Rescue!
At West Ashley Family Dentistry in Charleston SC, Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn offer sedation dentistry, to help their patients be as comfortable as possible while receiving the care they need. Sedation dentistry uses medication to allow for a more relaxed treatment experience for those patients who might otherwise avoid dental care due to dental anxiety or dental phobia. Sometimes referred to as “relaxation” or “anxiety-free” dentistry, sedation dentistry allows Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn to help those individuals with fear of dental treatment restore their smiles and enjoy optimum oral health.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?
Sedation dentistry might be right for you if you find yourself avoiding dental visits due to anxiety. Often times, that anxiety can be linked to:
- Negative past experiences at a dentist’s office
- Fear of pain or gagging/choking during a procedure
- Extreme discomfort with the sounds and smells of dental office
- Not wanting to feel numb
- Fear of feeling not in control
Sedation dentistry allows patients with those fears to receive needed services in relative comfort. Sedation dentistry may also be appropriate for people who:
- Have difficulty sitting still in a dentist chair
- Need a large amount of dental work completed
- Have a low threshold for pain
Sedation Dentistry at West Ashley Family Dentistry
West Ashley Family Dentistry offers nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” which keeps you alert and responsive while feeling no pain throughout your procedure. Nitrous oxide is an effective sedative that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose. As stated previously, it does not put you to sleep. You will still be able to carry on a conversation with the dentist, but it will help you feel more calm and comfortable during your procedure. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed, and you should even be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. Nitrous oxide is so safe that it can even be used to help children with dental anxiety.
We strive to make sure all of our patients feel comfortable at West Ashley Family Dentistry in Charleston SC. If you would like to learn more about how our patient focused practice and sedation dentistry can help you restore your smile, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. We welcome new patients from many local Charleston area communities to our family friendly dentist office. To make an appointment at West Ashley Family Dentistry, contact us at (843) 371-5480 or request an appointment online.