If you’ve been avoiding making that dentist appointment because you’re apprehensive about the dentist’s office, you’re not alone. Research has shown that up to 15% of Americans avoid seeing their dentist out of fear. Dr. James Furgurson’s team at Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers sedation dentistry for patients who need dental care but have anxiety about going to the dentist.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to provide a more relaxing experience for those patients who might otherwise not receive dental care because of dental anxiety or dental phobia. Sometimes referred to as “relaxation” or “anxiety-free” dentistry, it is now offered by thousands of dentists.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?
First, you need to try to uncover what makes you feel anxious at the dentist. Do you have negative past experiences? Is it fear of pain or gagging? Many people are afraid of the feeling of not having direct control over the situation which can cause anxiety. Sedation dentistry can help you with these anxiety-causing problems and show you that the dentist isn’t as scary as it sounds.
Sedation dentistry may also be appropriate for people who have a low pain threshold, need a large amount of dental work completed, or for people who aren’t able to sit still in a dentist’s chair.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide
You might know nitrous oxide by its common name of laughing gas. It’s an effective sedative that is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose. Instead of putting you to sleep, nitrous oxide helps you feel more calm and comfortable while still staying alert enough to carry on a conversation with the dentist and follow instructions. The effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed, and you should be able to drive yourself home from your procedure.
Oral Sedation
This type of sedation is taken in pill form. You will still be aware of your surroundings and follow directions, but you’ll be less alert than with nitrous oxide. The drug that most dentists use is in the same drug family as Valium, so you’ll feel drowsy and will need someone to take you to and from our office.
Sedation Dentistry with Dr. Furgurson
We strive to make sure all of our patients feel comfortable at Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Our relaxing atmosphere combined with our professional and friendly staff, have helped hundreds of patients feel more comfortable at the dentist. But if you’re still not convinced, sedation dentistry might be for you! Contact our office online or call us at (919) 213-9767 for more details and to schedule your appointment.