What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of sedative medication to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during a visit to the dentist. Many people experience nervousness and even severe anxiety when they think about visiting the dentist or having a dental procedure, especially if they have had a traumatizing dental experience before. At Smile Wright Dental, we want all our patients to feel as comfortable and secure as possible when they visit us. Our caring and well-trained staff will do everything they can to make your child feel safe and comfortable. If necessary, we can provide sedation to achieve that.

What are the types of sedation you offer?

We offer nitrous oxide (N2O) – also known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is a sedative gas mixed with oxygen and inhaled through the nose during a dental procedure. It is a mild and safe form of sedation and wears off within minutes after the flow of gas is stopped. This is the most commonly used sedation in our office, and we use it during a variety of procedures like tooth extractions, dental crowns, or cavity fillings.

Why should my child have sedation dentistry?

If your child has dental anxiety from a previous negative experience at the dentist or just feels nervous about their treatment in general, sedation dentistry is a good choice for them. It is also helpful for children who have trouble getting numb in their mouths or who have a strong gag reflex. The safe and effective use of sedation makes an otherwise stressful or even frightening visit to the dentist a more pleasant experience for all involved. Regardless of the type of sedation we recommend for your child, you can be sure that they will be monitored closely through the administration of the sedative.

For more information about how sedation dentistry works at Smile Wright Dental, please contact us today.