If you feel nervous about coming to the dentist, you are not alone. About one-third of our patients tell us they have dental anxiety and it’s not their fault. Usually it’s from a bad childhood experience and sometimes just fear of the unknown.
To help with nervousness and anxiety, we offer two types of sedation:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas” has a calming, relaxing effect. A small nose-piece is gently placed in position and you breathe through your nose during the appointment. At the end of the appointment it is removed and you are back to your normal state.
Oral Sedation
Some people need a little stronger than Nitrous Oxide can provide, so we offer oral sedation. It is a tablet of Triazolam that you take one hour prior to the appointment in our office. It works by slowing down the nervous system temporarily, making most people feel relaxed & sleepy – but you don’t go fully to sleep with this medication. The effects naturally wear off 6-10 hours later, so you will need to have a friend or family member drive you home after the appointment. We advise not getting behind the wheel for 24 hours after taking this medication.
