Sedation Dentistry – Burien, WA
Feel At-Ease in the Treatment Chair
If you suffer from dental phobia, you’re not alone. Millions of adults get nervous or anxious about visiting their dentist for a variety of reasons, including bad past experiences, the overwhelming sights and sounds of the dental office, or being scared of receiving bad news. Instead of putting yourself through an overwhelming and potentially traumatic experience, ask us about options for sedation dentistry in Burien, WA. These can help you feel relaxed and comfortable while you get the oral healthcare you need to preserve your smile.
Why Choose Seahurst Park Dentistry of Burien for Sedation Dentistry?
- Dental Sedation That Can Address Mild to Severe Anxiety
- Great for Patients with Sensitive Gag Reflexes
- Friendly Team That Takes Patient Concerns Seriously
Oral Conscious Sedation
For some patients, dental anxiety can be so great that they require something more powerful to manage their stress or to endure longer, more extensive treatment. Without putting them to sleep, oral conscious sedation in Burien can have an amnesiac effect, which means that although you’ll be awake and able to respond to us during your procedure, you probably won’t remember details from your appointment. This helps even the most nervous patient feel more relaxed throughout their time in the chair.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is pretty simple—it is a sedative that you take orally before your appointment. Although it is powerful, it does not necessarily put you to sleep; however, you will feel comfortable enough that you could find yourself mentally drifting off during treatment! In fact, you likely won’t remember much about your visit. This sedation option starts working prior to your appointment, making the entire experience smoother and more enjoyable from beginning to end.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Before your appointment, we can prescribe you a pill to take as directed to help you feel more comfortable during your treatment. That way, once you arrive at our dental office, you’ll already feel at ease. The effects kick in quickly and linger for a while, so you’ll need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drop you off and pick you up from your treatment. You should also refrain from operating machinery or other activities requiring focus and involving potential safety risks.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Unlike milder forms of sedation, oral conscious sedation is a great option for patients who have moderate to severe dental phobia. In addition, if you are undergoing multiple procedures or a complex procedure, this type of sedation may be a good choice to enable you to stay still for long periods of time and feel completely at ease the entire time. When you call to schedule your appointment, be honest with us about your dental anxiety or needs as well as your medical history and any medications you are taking. That way, we can prescribe the pills in advance for your next appointment!
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Patients who have mild dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or any disability that may make it uncomfortable to sit in a treatment chair for longer periods of time may benefit from nitrous oxide sedation. Before we begin your treatment, we’ll place a small nose mask to administer the nitrous oxide. Within minutes, you’ll feel a warm wave of relief wash over you, allowing you to feel more relaxed. Once your treatment is over, we’ll remove the mask, and the effects will quickly wear off, allowing you to go on with your day as you normally would. Nitrous oxide dental sedation in Burien is one of the easiest and gentlest ways to feel completely at-ease in the treatment chair. Read on to find out more!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Nitrous oxide sedation has commonly been used in dentistry for hundreds of years. In fact, you may be more familiar with its nickname “laughing gas”. This is the lightest form of dental sedation available, making it a great choice for patients of all ages who need help relaxing in the dental chair. You may be a good candidate for nitrous oxide sedation if you:
- Feel nervous or anxious during treatment
- Don’t respond well to numbing medications alone
- Have neck, back, head, or jaw pain from sitting in certain positions
- Have sensitive teeth or an overactive gag reflex
- Will be completing several treatments or a complex procedure
This being said, nitrous oxide sedation is not a good choice for everyone. Typically, we won’t recommend it for patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking certain medications, have specific medical conditions, or who are experiencing nasal congestion. We’ll meet with you beforehand to ensure that nitrous oxide is a good choice for you.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
First, we’ll place a small mask over your nose, which will administer a colorless, odorless gas. Once you breathe in the nitrous oxide, you’ll begin to feel light, tingly, and relaxed within just a few moments. Though nitrous oxide will not put you to sleep, you won’t feel anxious or uncomfortable at all while we work on your smile. You’ll be able to answer simple questions, and we’ll monitor your heart rate and breathing. If needed, we will be able to adjust your level of sedation to ensure your safety and comfort.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Sedation
One of the most exciting benefits of nitrous oxide sedation is how gentle it is. Once we remove the mask from your nose, you’ll return to your normal level of alertness within just a few moments. The vast majority of patients feel no significant side effects after nitrous oxide sedation. In fact, you’ll be feeling well enough to drive yourself home afterwards and go about the rest of your day uninterrupted.
