Anxiety and fear are some of the most common reasons cited for skipping dental appointments, even for basic preventive treatments like checkups and cleanings. As a result, these people, who need dental treatment, may not be able to go through with it unless they have a way to feel more comfortable. At Dr. Chouinard’s office, sedation dentistry makes that possible. If you suffer from anxiety before your dental appointment, keep reading or call our office to learn more about the different forms of sedation dentistry available!
Anxiolysis is a medication that specifically inhibits anxiety. While this oral medication is generally used to treat anxiety disorders and social phobia, it is also an ideal sedative in dentistry. After taking the medication, which you should do prior to arriving at our office, you should feel incredibly relaxed and prepared to receive treatment. You’ll still be awake enough to confirm your comfort levels with the dentist. We ask that all patients receiving anxiolysis be driven to and from the office as a safety measure.
For those with more mild levels of anxiety, nitrous oxide may be the more ideal solution. Nitrous oxide uses a combination of both oxygen and nitrous to make dental patients feel more relaxed during their appointment. The sedative is administered through a nasal mask that is worn throughout treatment. Communication with the dentist is still possible, allowing you to inform our team if you need additional sedative pushed through the mask. Once treatment is complete, we can quickly remove the effects of the sedative, allowing you to continue your day without interruption.