Visiting The Dentist Can Be A Pleasant Experience

Visiting the dentist should be a pleasant experience. For the most part, it is. However, we understand that it can be stressful for some patients. Anxiety about an exam or fear about prognosis should never keep you from maintaining good oral health. That is why your Dallas, TX, dentist offers dental sedation options for your treatments. We want to make sure your time with us is as easy and comfortable as possible.

Nothing To Laugh About

One sedation option we offer is nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas.” This is a common, safe, and effective form of dental sedation. The gas is odorless, and it is administered through a mask. Its effects happen quickly, and patients often feel very relaxed or sleepy. Sometimes they even get the giggles (hence the “laughing gas” name). While anxiety levels are reduced, patients are awake and are able to answer any questions during their treatments. Nitrous oxide does not stay in the body for a long time. Most patients can usually drive themselves home after their exams.

Oral Sedation

Another option we offer is oral sedation. This is for patients who experience high anxiety when visiting the dentist. We will prescribe you anti-anxiety medication and ask that you take it in the morning before your treatment. Like nitrous oxide, you will feel relaxed. Even more so, you may not even remember the exam afterward. Because its effects take a while to wear off, we recommend that you have someone drive you home after your appointment and that you avoid operating any vehicles or heavy machinery until you are fully alert.

Local Anesthesia To Numb

For some of our treatments, we may use local anesthesia to prevent pain and to make the procedure more comfortable for you. We usually do this in a specific area of the mouth, using a topical anesthetic to numb the area before applying the medication. This type of practice is usually used for treatments related to filling cavities, prepping teeth for crowns, or preventing gum disease.

Remember to Brush and Floss

Brushing at least twice a day, flossing every time before you go to bed, and making regular visits to your dentist will help you maintain good oral health. With these good, preventative habits, you’ll have more confidence in your smile and, perhaps, be less nervous when you schedule an appointment. Our careful treatments, calm disposition, and dental sedation options will make your time with us as pleasant an experience as possible.

Make Your Visit As Comfortable As Possible

If visiting the dentist gives you anxiety, we can help by offering dental sedation options. For more information, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).