Dental anxiety doesn't have to stop you from receiving the treatment you need to keep your smile healthy smile. Sedation dentistry offered by your San Jose, CA, dentist, Dr. Nidhi Sikka, provides a simple, safe way to calm your fears during checkups and dental procedures.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves using medications to help you relax during dental visits. Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend one of these sedation options:
- Oral Sedatives: Taking oral sedatives shortly before you leave home will help you feel relaxed before and during your appointment. A friend or relative will need to drive you to and from your appointment if you choose this option.
- Inhalation Conscious Sedation: Inhaled medication, commonly called "laughing gas," offers an effective way to increase your comfort at the dentist's office. The effects of the medication wear off immediately after the mask is removed, allowing you to drive yourself to and from your appointment.
- Intravenous (IV) Conscious Sedation: IV sedation takes effect quickly and produces an immediate improvement in anxiety. Although you'll be awake, you won't remember anything about your visit. Since the IV method uses stronger medications than other sedation options, your vital signs will be closely monitored during your treatment. You won't be able to drive yourself home from your appointment if you choose IV conscious sedation.
How you can benefit from sedation dentistry?
Do you make and then cancel dental appointments because of your dental phobia? When you have dental fears, any visit, even a teeth cleaning appointment, can trigger severe anxiety. Thanks to sedation dentistry, you'll finally be able to keep your appointments.
Pain tends to intensify if your muscles are tense due to stress and anxiety. Sedation relaxes your muscles, decreasing pain. You may also receive a local anesthetic to ensure that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the entire procedure.
Without regular dental care, you're more likely to experience tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, sedation dentistry options available from our San Jose dentist can help you avoid these unpleasant consequences and reduce your fear of dental visits.
Sedation dentistry can help you ensure you receive the dental care you need. Call Dr. Nidhi Sikka, your dentist in San Jose, CA, at (408) 259-1280 to schedule your appointment.
