Sedation Dentistry

Going to the dental office can be stressful and anxiety-ridden for many patients young and old. Whether a patient is afraid of the dentist because of a previous procedure or they have an unknown anxiety that keeps them from getting the dental care they need and deserve, Dr. Hart can help. By using sedation dentistry, patients can relax and feel much more at ease during their procedures, as well as beforehand. Dr. Hart of Richmond offers two popular sedation methods in their practice: nitrous oxide and pre-sedation (also known as Oral Conscious Sedation).

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide has been used in dental practices for several decades to relax patients while they are in the dentist's chair. It is a gas that is administered through a facemask and inhaled into the body. It can help alleviate any dental anxiety, and can be used on patients that are scared, have a strong gag reflex, are having difficulties becoming properly numbed, or for those who have to undergo various procedures or treatments at once. When the treatment is completed, patients will breathe in oxygen to remove the nitrous oxide from the body and go about their day safely.

Pre-Sedation (Oral Conscious Sedation)

Pre-sedation is used for patients who are extremely anxious or who are going to be undergoing lengthy procedures. Using an oral medication, patients take a pill before their appointment. They will require transportation to and from their appointment. They will be relaxed and fully conscious during their treatment, and will be driven back home afterwards. This is a wonderful way to get patients with high anxiety into the dental office. Whether it be for extensive treatment or a cleaning, a conscious sedation is a great way to help reduce a patient's anxiety. This along with nitrous oxide will put the patient into a very relaxed state; in some cases, the patient may even doze off.

Maintaining oral health requires that patients visit their dentist regularly. When fear and anxiety keeps patients from seeing their dentist, their oral health is at risk. Sedation dentistry allows patients the ability to maintain their dental appointments without the fears associated with being in the dental chair.

Are you interested in the possibility of sedation dentistry? Call today at (804) 381-6238 or email at info@richmondfamilydentistry.com to learn more about the sedation methods used as well as which one may be best to alleviate your fears!