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Dental anxiety, or dental phobia, is extreme anxiety or fear related to visiting the dentist. This type of anxiety can prevent people from visiting the dentist in Salem, OR, regularly, and may even result in feelings of shame or embarrassment. The good news is that there are a number of options available to help relieve dental anxiety.

Our dentist in Salem, OR, at Cascade Dental Group LLC can provide you with safe sedation dentistry, so you can feel relaxed and at ease during your dental treatments. If you’re anxious about your procedure, contact our dentist in 97302 about your options for sedation.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation is a technique that helps ease your fear and anxiety during a dental procedure. 

The major types of dental sedation include the following:

• IV sedation

If you experience a lot of anxiety or fear related to dental treatments, IV sedation may be a good option for you. This form of sedation involves administering medication intravenously, meaning the medication enters your bloodstream directly.

• Oral sedation

Oral sedation is administered via a pill taken an hour before the dental appointment. This sedation is ideal for calming down those who have mild to moderate dental anxiety. 

• Nitrous oxide sedation

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is administered through a mask that fits over the patient’s mouth. The patient receives oxygen through the mask, as well as nitrous oxide. The gas has a calming effect that can help ease anxiety in nervous patients.

• Local anesthesia

Local anesthesia prevents pain by blocking the nerve sensation from reaching the brain. Dentists often use local anesthesia to numb the areas around the mouth. This allows them to perform a procedure without causing the patient pain. Local anesthesia is used for most dental procedures.

Benefits of Dental Sedation

If the thought of going to the dentist makes you anxious, dental sedation could be a game-changer. One major benefit is that it helps patients relax during procedures, reducing fear and discomfort. This can make even routine check-ups more bearable for those with dental anxiety.

Another advantage of dental sedation is that it can help patients who have a low pain tolerance. By numbing the senses or inducing relaxation, sedation allows dentist in Salem, OR, to perform treatments without causing unnecessary discomfort. This is especially beneficial for longer or more complex procedures.

Moreover, dental sedation can also help patients with special needs or medical conditions that make sitting still challenging. Sedation ensures they stay calm and cooperative throughout their visit, making it easier for the dentist in 97302 to provide the necessary care effectively.

The benefits of dental sedation extend beyond just physical comfort – they also contribute to mental well-being by alleviating anxiety and promoting a positive experience at the dentist's office.

Is Sedation Safe?

Sedation is safe when administered by a trained professional. Your dentist will discuss your options with you and answer your questions. You can relax during your procedure, and afterward, you’ll feel groggy and tired. For your safety, you will need to arrange for transportation to and from your procedure.

Getting Ready For Sedation

Before your appointment, be sure to tell your dentist about any medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements. Certain medications may cause sedation or drowsiness, so your dentist needs to know about any possible conflicts.

Which Is The Best Type of Dental Sedation?

For most patients, local anesthesia is the go-to option for dental sedation. Local anesthesia is used to numb up the tooth being worked on, so you won’t feel anything during your procedure. However, some patients are more anxious about having local anesthesia than the procedure itself, so it’s best to talk with your dentist about your options.

Oral sedatives are also used frequently. These sedatives can be taken approximately one hour before your appointment, depending on their dosage. For heavier sedatives, your dentist may want you to arrive several hours early so you can safely adjust to the sedative before the procedure begins.

If you want to learn more about us, feel free to contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Salem, OR. Our doctors and team are always here to help your smile stay healthy!