Do you have anxiety that prevents you from seeing the dentist regularly, or makes you avoid getting restorations or other dental procedures? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, it is estimated that 73 percent of adults in America have some degree of dental phobia. The good news is that your dentist offers sedation options to help make your time in the dental chair a lot more comfortable. If you’ve heard about sedation dentistry but have been hesitant to try it because of these four common myths, here’s the truth, and why dental sedation could be the best decision you’ll ever make for your smile!
Nitrous Oxide Gives You the Giggles
You may have heard nitrous oxide referred to as “laughing gas,” in the past, due to the peaceful feeling it creates when you inhale it. But the truth is, it doesn’t give you the giggles or make you any more likely to laugh at a cringey dad joke. It should, however, help you feel comfortable enough to undergo dental treatment. Best of all, it takes just a few minutes to completely leave your system, so you can return to your professional life as soon as you leave your dentist’s office with no fear of lingering silliness.
You’ll Reveal Your Darkest Secrets
The good news is that dental sedation isn’t truth serum. Not only should it not force you to blurt out your deepest, darkest secrets, but your dental team will not ask you any personal questions while you’re under sedation or at any other time, either. In fact, if you do by chance accidentally reveal something you’d prefer to keep quiet, you can rest assured that everything discussed in your treatment room is kept strictly confidential.
You Can Become Addicted to Sedatives
Depending on the type of sedation used, your risk of developing a bad habit or addiction can vary. Nitrous oxide is not addictive, but it still can be abused. Oral sedatives are more likely to become addictive, but because your dentist will only prescribe enough for your procedure, you shouldn’t have leftovers or the opportunity for dangerous habits to develop.
Sedatives Last Too Long
There are a variety of different dental sedation options available, each lasting different lengths of time. With nitrous oxide, the gas completely leaves your system within about five minutes. However, for oral sedatives, you’ll likely need to take the rest of the day off and get a ride home from a family member or friend.
For IV sedation and general anesthesia, you will also need to arrange a ride home, and you’ll most likely want to rest after treatment, and any effects from the sedatives should completely wear off within 24 hours of stopping.
Remember, sedation dentistry was designed to help ease the effects of dental anxiety, but if you’ve been hesitant to try it out of fear of what could happen while under treatment, the good news is that it’s very safe, and you’re not alone. Your dental team will be there with you every step of the way, so you can get the smile-saving oral healthcare you need without being afraid!
About Our Practice
At Riverside Dental Center, our team of dentists understand that even routine checkups and cleanings can be scary for some patients. That’s why we’re pleased to offer four different sedation options for those who are anxious or afraid. If you’d like to take care of your smile but struggle to get comfortable during treatment, contact us today to learn more about sedation dentistry. We can be reached via our website, or by calling 815-877-4300.