Why You'll Love Sedation Dentistry

Going to the dentist is not at the top of anyone’s “fun things to do” list, but thanks to sedation dentistry, it just might move up the rankings a little.

If you’re one of the more than 60% of people who suffer from dental fear, this is welcome news. Whether you’re nervous because of the pain, the smell of chemicals, the sound of the drill, getting stuck in the chair, the bill, or just having to keep your mouth open for that long, you’ve likely been fighting this battle for a long time.

You don’t have to worry anymore. Sedation dentistry offers the relief you’ve been craving, and Dr. Minh Nguyen and his expert team at Portrait Dental are just the experts to manage the sedation. Here’s how it works:

What is sedation dentistry?

With sedation dentistry — also called oral sedation — your dentist uses sedatives to help you relax while you’re undergoing dental treatment. The idea is to take the edge off your anxiety and nervousness so you can be calm during your treatment.

While there are various types of sedation dentistry available, Portrait Dental offers oral, or conscious, sedation. Dr. Nguyen will write you a prescription and you’ll take the medication by mouth before your procedure.

Once the medicine dissolves and enters your bloodstream, it helps you stay calm and relaxed while you’re in the dental chair. You’ll be awake during the entire procedure, so you’ll be aware of what’s going on.

How does it help?

Sedation dentistry offers several benefits to patients. First, it keeps your teeth and mouth healthier by allowing you to undergo even routine cleanings and treatments that you may have otherwise skipped because of your nervousness.

It also loosens your muscles and releases tension so you won’t fidget and move around in the dental chair. Because you’ll be calmer and can sit still longer, you can often undergo more than one treatment in the same visit, which saves you time and money.

Oral sedation also helps reduce the pain you feel — it helps time pass more quickly and makes you less aware of your surroundings. In addition, it can help smooth your recovery process by making you more comfortable and reducing any swelling and irritation that might occur.

Will it work for you?

If you think you might be a good candidate for sedation dentistry, contact Portrait Dental in Katy, Texas, today to set up a consultation. Dr. Nguyen will listen to your needs and concerns and you can make the decision together about what options are best for you.

A visit to the dentist’s office doesn’t have to be scary. Sedation dentistry just might be the answer for you! We also offer Nitrous Sedation, also known as Laughing Gas, which is an excellent option for anxious patients. Call the office or use our convenient online scheduler to make your appointment today.