Find out how sedation dentistry could make your next dental visit stress-free.
Does the idea of visiting the dentist leave you feeling anxious? Not sure when you last visited the dentist because you were scared or nervous? There are many people out there not getting the dental care they need because they are scared of even a simple dental cleaning. Luckily, our San Jose dentist, Dr. Nidhi Sikka, can make your next trip to the dentist’s office a breeze with the help of sedation dentistry.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry offers our patients in San Jose, CA, a way to alleviate their anxieties surrounding their upcoming dental visit. By administering sedation, we can promote a calmer and more relaxing experience for our patients. It’s also a good option for those who have difficulty sitting still, have a sensitive gag reflex, or are prone to jaw pain. Sedation dentistry is also safe for patients of all ages, from children to older adults.
What Types of Sedation Dentistry Are Available?
The two most common types of sedation dentistry are oral and inhalation sedation,
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is administered by our San Jose, CA, sedation dentist as a prescription-strength anti-anxiety pill that you will take up to one hour prior to your procedure.
- Pros: The level of sedation can be increased based on the severity of your anxiety, as well as the dental procedure you are undergoing, so this medication can be tailored to your experience; doesn’t require needles; you may have little or no memory of the procedure.
- Cons: Takes up to one hour to kick in; effects will linger for hours after your procedure or cleaning, which means that someone will need to drive or escort you home; taking medication can come with certain side effects.
Inhalation Sedation
Better known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide provides patients with a breathable form of sedation to help ease their symptoms. This will be administered right before your procedure and may be a great option for those with severe dental phobias or those who can’t take oral sedation.
- Pros: Effects appear almost immediately and wear off once the mask is removed, which means that there are no lingering effects; you may be able to drive yourself home; virtually no side effects.
- Cons: Effects can wear off quicker than with oral sedation.
Interested? Give Us a Call!
Are you interested in learning more about sedation dentistry and whether it could be beneficial for your next trip to the dentist? If so, call Sikka Dental's San Jose office today at (408) 259-1280 to let us know that you are interested in what sedation can do for you!
