Can You Relax in a Dentist's Chair?

Can You Relax in a Dentist’s Chair?

Dr. Rick Dentistry is pleased to offer sedation dentistry options to take the edge of dental procedures and help you relax while getting the needed dental care. Imagine going to a dentist's office and having complex procedures done without any discomfort or anxiety! It's true. You can relax in the dentist's chair!

Sedation Dentistry: An Overview

Sedation dentistry is a field dedicated to creating a calm and relaxed state through the use of medication. It's sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry, even though most forms of sedation won't make you fall asleep.

If you or a loved one are anxious about an upcoming dental visit, talk to one of our team members. We'll make sure you are comfortable throughout any treatment. Our gentle approach and sedation dentistry options will ensure you relax while getting the outstanding dental care you need and deserve!

What Are the Sedation Dentistry Options?

At Dr. Rick Dentistry, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Dr. Rick will discuss these options and recommend the best one for you based on your dental history, the treatments you require, and your degree of dental anxiety.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Better known as laughing gas, this is the most commonly used form of dental sedation. It involves breathing a mixture of nitrogen oxide and oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth. You'll feel sleepy and relaxed but remain awake and responsive. As soon as the procedure is over and we remove the mask, the sedative will wear off right away, so you can drive yourself home and resume your daily routine without any downtime.

Oral Sedation: If you choose this conscious form of sedation, we'll provide you with a pill you'll take the night before or the morning of your appointment. You'll feel sleepy and relaxed but will remain awake and responsive. Most of our patients don't remember much of the treatment when done. The effects of oral sedation typically last for some time, so make sure you have someone drive you home and stay with you until the medication wears off.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation: This form of sedation involves receiving the calming medication through an IV directly into your bloodstream. It allows for pain-free dentistry, and you'll have little to no recollection of the treatment. You'll need to rest the remainder of the day as the sedative's effects wear off. IV sedation is safe and monitored closely by an experienced anesthesiologist.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

Candidates for Sedation dentistry include the following:

  • Patients with dental phobia, an extreme fear of visiting the dentist
  • Patients with a bad gag reflex
  • Patients that have difficulty getting numb using local anesthetics
  • Patients with overly sensitive teeth
  • Patients that need complex or lengthy dental treatments
  • Patients with special behavioral, physical, or medical needs
  • Children who can't sit still for long

Anxiety-Free Dentistry Near Me

Visit Dr. Rick's Dental office in Scottsdale, AZ, to learn more about our sedation dentistry options. Dr. Rick and his team are committed to ensuring our valued patients relax in the dentist's chair as they get the dental care they require. Your comfort and wellbeing are always our top priorities. Call us and schedule your appointment today!