If you have dental anxiety and are scared of the dentist, or you’re just nervous about an upcoming procedure like a filling, preparing your tooth for a crown, or a root canal, the team at Opal Dental Group is here to help!
If you have dental anxiety and are scared of the dentist, or you’re just nervous about an upcoming procedure like a filling, preparing your tooth for a crown, or a root canal, the team at Opal Dental Group is here to help! We offer sedation dentistry for all patients, and Dr. Umair Waheed can make sure that you feel safe and comfortable throughout your entire procedure. Learn more about sedation dentistry in this blog, or contact us now if you’re ready to schedule your appointment in Macomb.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the practice of using sedative medication to help patients feel more relaxed, calm, and comfortable throughout their appointments. Primarily, sedation is offered to patients who have dental anxiety, or to patients who are going through surgical procedures like tooth extractions or dental implant placement.
There are lots of different types of sedation, ranging from minimal nitrous oxide sedation to pill-based and IV-based forms of sedation. General anesthesia, which results in complete unconsciousness during your procedure, is even available from some dentists, though it’s usually only used for extremely complex and lengthy oral surgeries.
Options For Anxious Patients At Opal Dental Group - Nitrous Oxide
At Opal Dental Group, we treat our patients with nitrous oxide (laughing gas). This type of sedation is also sometimes called minimal sedation, because it has minimal after-effects and wears off quickly after your treatment.
To begin the process, Dr. Waheed will place a comfortable nose mask over your face. Then, he will pump a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through the mask, which is mixed in an amount based on your age, height, weight, gender, and other factors.
Then, you’ll simply inhale through your mouth. The nitrous oxide will be absorbed right away by the tiny blood vessels in your lungs, quickly making you feel comfortable and relaxed. You may even think things happening around you are strange or funny, hence the term “laughing gas.”
When your treatment is over, Dr. Waheed will pump pure oxygen through the mask for a few minutes to purge any remaining sedative from your bloodstream. This helps minimize any after-effects of treatment.
Nitrous oxide wears off within 5 minutes, and usually has side effects limited to dizziness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue. You can drive right after treatment, and even go back to work or your day-to-day routine.
Will I Feel Any Pain With Sedation?
No. Along with local numbing, nitrous oxide sedation helps inhibit your pain receptors, and ensures you won’t feel any pain or discomfort throughout your dental procedure. It can also help you feel more comfortable when your mouth is numbed, especially if you don’t like numbing needles.
How Do I Prepare To Be Sedated?
You will need to discuss your medical history and medications you’re taking with Dr. Waheed before your treatment. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating for about 2 hours before your appointment, because having a full stomach may increase your risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting. No other special steps are needed to prepare for nitrous oxide sedation.
Enjoy A Safe, Friendly, Pain-Free Dental Experience In Macomb At Opal Dental Group
Our office is a comfortable, judgment-free zone, and Dr. Umair Waheed and our dental team will do everything possible to ensure you have a smooth and pleasant visit, even if you have dental anxiety. To learn more and get started at Opal Dental Group, just call our office at (313) 409-1773 or contact us online.
