Figures now show that somewhere between 9% to 15% of Americans neglect receiving needed dental care due to various fears surrounding dental visits. These would rather suffer painful, infected, discolored, and damaged teeth then set foot in a dental office. Or, if and when they do come in, it’s the absolute worst part of their week. Fortunately, good dentists like Dr. Frederick Marra of Cohoes NY don’t take it personally. Instead these conscientious healthcare providers look for the most effective means of reducing their patients’ anxiety so that they get the help they need.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to allow for less stressful experience for those patients with a phobia of dental care as a barrier to proper dental treatment. Sedation dentistry may also be referred to as “relaxation” or “anxiety-free” dentistry. This aide to treatment is now offered by thousands of dentists, including Dr. Marra.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?
You may need sedation dentistry if you find that you avoid dental examinations due to anxiety. Most often, that anxiety can be traced back to:
- Negative past experiences
- Phobias about pain or gagging/choking
- Fear stemming from the sounds and smells of a dental office
- Fear of numbness
- Fear of feeling out of control
Sedation dentistry may also be a good option for people who:
- Have difficulty sitting still in a dentist’s chair
- Need a large amount of dental work be completed in one sitting
- Have a low pain threshold
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, known as “laughing gas,” is a very effective sedative that is mixed with oxygen and applied through a mask that fits over your nose. It does make you sleep and you will still be coherent and able to carry on a conversation with the dentist. However, it will help you feel more calm and comfortable. Its’ effects wear off very soon after the mask is removed, which will allow you to drive yourself home after the procedure. Nitrous Oxide is safe to be administered to children.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is used to relax you and reduces your ability to feel pain. While under its’ influence you will be aware of your surroundings and be able to carry on a conversation, but you’ll be less prone to fear or pain. You may even feel drowsy and like taking a nap during the procedure.
The medicine that is used most often for oral sedation is Halcion. This medication is a member of the same drug family as Valium and is usually taken about an hour before the procedure to give it time to take effect. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home if you use this method.
IV Sedation
The strongest type of sedation for dental procedures, IV sedation allows for control over your level of comfort and careful monitoring of your vital signs. Delivered directly into the bloodstream, your sedative will slowly take effect and also need some time to wear off completely. IV sedation provides the “deepest” relaxation and patients generally have no memory of their procedure. Dr. Marra is one of the few Albany area dentists trained and certified in the use of IV sedation.
Sedation Dentistry with Dr. Marra
Dr. Marra strives to make sure all of his patients feel comfortable. The relaxing atmosphere of our Cohoes NY office combined with our professional and friendly staff, have helped hundreds of patients feel more comfortable at the dentist’s office. If you would like to know more about our sedation dentistry or any of the other services Dr. Marra offers, please schedule a consultation online or call us at (518) 650-1930 to schedule your appointment.