Has dental anxiety or phobia kept you from your regular dentist appointments? You're not alone. Dr. Derek H. Tang is well-versed in treating patients with dental anxiety and is committed to ensuring patients have comfortable access to the quality dental care they need. We offer a safe solution for dental anxiety through sedation dentistry.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows patients who have dental fear or anxiety to feel at ease throughout their dental visit. Whatever the reason behind your discomfort, nitrous oxide sedation can help provide a more calm, relaxing experience.
Sedation dentistry is especially beneficial for patients with severe gag reflexes, those requiring extensive dental work, or individuals who have had traumatic dental experiences in the past.
Derek H. Tang, DDS offers the Following Types of Sedation Dentistry
Laughing Gas Sedation
Laughing gas, or inhalation sedation, is a light sedation choice generally offered to younger patients or those with mild anxiety in the dental chair. It is a colorless, odorless gas administered through a comfortable breathing mask, with Dr. Tang controlling the amount delivered to ensure optimal safety and comfort. With this form of sedation, you can expect to be completely relaxed while remaining awake and able to follow instructions.
Laughing gas sedation is affordable and effective for patients with mild dental anxiety. This sedation method allows patients to transport themselves to and from their appointments safely. The effects of laughing gas wear off quickly, allowing you to return to your daily activities almost immediately after your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation uses a prescription pill administered orally about one hour before the dental appointment. Patients need to arrange transportation to their appointments while under the influence of oral conscious sedation. Many patients are awake throughout the appointment but do not remember their visit to the dental chair. This form of sedation is ideal for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety or those undergoing longer or more complex procedures.
Oral conscious sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation compared to laughing gas and is highly effective for patients who have a strong fear of dental procedures. The sedative effect helps patients feel calm and detached from the dental environment, making it easier for Dr. Tang to perform necessary treatments without causing discomfort.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is another option offered for patients with severe dental anxiety or those undergoing extensive dental work. Administered intravenously, this form of sedation allows for a deeper state of relaxation and can be adjusted throughout the procedure for optimal comfort. Patients will need to arrange transportation to and from their appointments when choosing IV sedation.
IV sedation is highly effective for patients who have difficulty sitting still for long periods or those with a low pain threshold. This method ensures that you remain deeply relaxed and unaware of the procedure, waking up with little to no memory of the dental treatment.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry offers numerous benefits for patients with dental anxiety or those requiring extensive dental work. These benefits include:
- Reduced anxiety and fear during dental procedures
- Increased comfort during long or complex treatments
- Minimal memory of the procedure, reducing trauma for anxious patients
- Enhanced cooperation from patients, allowing for more efficient and effective dental care
- Ability to complete multiple procedures in a single visit, reducing the need for multiple appointments
Schedule Your Sunnyvale Sedation Dentistry Consultation Today!
Sedation dentistry helps patients feel at ease during dental treatments, particularly those who experience dental anxiety or phobia. Common concerns include fear of pain, discomfort, or having someone in their personal space, and nitrous oxide sedation can help alleviate these worries.
Dr. Tang takes care to make each patient feel comfortable and at home in our office. If you need extra support feeling calm and comfortable receiving dental care, contact us or visit us today for your sedation dentistry consultation! You can also schedule an appointment online or visit our contact page for more information.