There's No Need to Fear, Sedation Dentistry Is Here

A recent survey found that almost 73% of Americans report that they’re afraid of going to the dentist.

If you’re in that number, here are a couple of things to help you face your fears: You aren’t alone, and our team at Portrait Dental is highly experienced at using sedation dentistry to give you a calm, relaxing experience you don’t have to be anxious about.

Here’s how it works.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses sedatives to help people with dental anxiety relax during dental treatment. 

Common medication options include nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), a mild sedative that wears off quickly, oral conscious sedation, where you take a medication ahead of time to relax you before the procedure, and IV sedation, where medication is administered directly into your bloodstream to provide a deeper level of sedation.

At Portrait Dental, Dr. Minh Nguyen offers oral conscious sedation. Before your treatment, you’ll take a prescription medication that will help you relax and stay calm while you’re in the chair.

What types of medicine do we use?

Dr. Nguyen offers several different types of oral sedation, depending on your medical history and your scheduled treatment. Most prescriptions we use are members of the benzodiazepine family, which reduce your fear and anxiety by toning down activity that occurs in the fear receptors in your brain.

One type of medication includes sedative hypnotics, which give you a feeling of calm and relaxation. You may even find yourself dozing off during the procedure as the drugs have a relaxing physiological effect on your entire body.

Another type is the category of anti-anxiety medications that help you feel comfortable and happy by promoting calm and relaxation. You won’t go to sleep with these medications.

Depending on which medication Dr. Nguyen decides is best for you, we’ll provide precise instructions on when and how to take it.

What are the benefits?

Sedation dentistry allows you to undergo procedures, including routine cleanings and exams, that are necessary to maintain good oral health. They’ll keep your body calm as they prevent the fidgeting, movement, and muscle tension that often result when people with anxiety must stay still for long periods of time.

Oral sedation can also reduce your overall time in the chair.  We can combine several treatments, if necessary, making recovery more comfortable, with less pain, swelling, and irritation.

If you’re anxious about going to the dentist, our team at Portrait Dental is here to help. To talk about your sedation options, call our Katy office at 281-712-6191.