Sam and Sally Sanderson* sat down with Sam’s siblings, Steve and Samantha, to discuss sedation dentistry.
The Sandersons knew their kids, Samson and Stephanie, were scared of the dentist, so they wanted a solution.
Steve and Samantha started receiving sedation dentistry years ago when then learned about Beaumont Family Dentistry in Lexington.
Steve and Samantha spoke about how the sedation soothed their fears and helped them feel satisfied with the service they received at the dentist office.
So, Sam and Sally shared what Steve and Samantha said about sedation dentistry with Samson and Stephanie, and together, they scheduled a visit to the nearest Beaumont Family Dentistry office.
* The Sandersons are a fictitious family.
Dental Fear and Sedation
Dental fear is a real problem for many people in the United States. Different sources give different estimates, but up 15 percent of people may have considerable dental fear, according to Paul Glassman in a piece for deardoctor.com. Glassman is a dentist from California.
We understand that anxiety can come from a lot of places. We also want you and your family to receive the oral care they need to stay healthy.
Sedation dentistry has become much more common because it helps people of all ages cope with their dental anxieties.
We offer three types of sedation at our three Lexington dentist offices, which serve patients across Central Kentucky.
Sedation As Part Of Patient Comfort
While the Sandersons are a family we made up to introduce the topic of sedation dentistry, plenty of real patients take advantage of this service.
The website Dental Fear Central was created by and for people who experience dental anxiety to help them understand that they are not alone and that there are ways to cope with their anxiety.
The website lists three ways to cope with anxiety: a psychological approach, technology, and sedation. We have incorporated all of these elements into our practice at Beaumont Family Dentistry.
We offer a number of comfort options, including headphones if you would like to listen to music, arm and hand massages, and pillows and blankets. Our technology reduces and in many cases eliminates any discomfort you may feel during your procedure.
Sedation helps you remain calm. This makes it easier for you to accept treatment, and it helps your dentist or hygienist because he or she knows that you are relaxed.
In many cases, you won’t even remember your treatment taking place, although you will receive all the benefits of having it.
Three Ways To Ease Your Fears
We can’t say enough about how much sedation has made a difference for our patients with dental fears and anxieties.
Again, we refer you to Dental Fear Central, where patients from all over have described their experiences with sedation and how it’s helped them.
One patient had a toothache. Not only did sedation help this patient remain calm, it also took away the pain.
“The pain always diminished after the first four or five inspirations; the thrilling came on as usual, and uneasiness was for a few minutes swallowed up in pleasure.”
That patient was Humphrey Davy, who started learning about the benefits of nitrous oxide sedation back in 1772.
A more recent description was from a patient who underwent oral conscious sedation. This patient was at the dentist for a longer procedure and had some concerns about gagging. This procedure included impressions, but the patient had not problems because of the sedation.
“The appointment was two hours, but it felt like I was in and out of there in like 15 minutes,” the patient wrote.
At our office, we use nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation.
- Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas. This takes effect and wears off quickly. When you sit down, we place a mask over your nose. As you breathe normally, you will feel the calming effects within minutes.
When your procedure is complete, we remove the mask. Again, in a few minutes, you are back to feeling like your normal self.
- Oral conscious sedation involves taking medication prior to your visit. This is a strong form of sedation given to patients with more severe dental fear.
Because the effects are stronger, you need to arrange for someone else to bring you our office and to take you home. You should plan to rest for a while when you get home, too.
As with oral conscious sedation, you will need someone else to take you home, and you should plan to rest when you get there.
Providing For Your Family
If you, your partner, or your children struggle with dental anxiety, please contact any Beaumont Family Dentistry office in Lexington to learn about our sedation options. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Then, make an appointment over the phone or by filling out the online form for the office closest to you.