Dental phobia? No problem! We are here to help make your next visit smoother.
When was the last time you visited the dentist? If you have a dental phobia perhaps it’s been a while since you stepped foot in our office. 
It’s okay! While we completely understand that being scared of dental procedures does happen, our San Jose, CA dentists, Dr. Nidhi Sikka and Dr. Mona Chattha, are here to provide you with the stress relief you need to get through your next appointment with ease.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a way to help both children and adults relax during their next dental visit. This can be a great option if the patient is particularly nervous or fearful of dental procedures, and it can also be great for those who require multiple dental treatments to help make their visit easier and more relaxing.
There are several forms of sedation dentistry:
- Inhaling a special gas
- Taking a pill
- IV sedation
Nitrous Oxide
Also referred to as laughing gas, this can be a great option for patients who only suffer from more mild to moderate dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide and oxygen are combined and administered through a mask that is placed over the nose. You will need to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth. As the gas takes effect, you will find yourself feeling more and more relaxed and stress-free.
What makes this a popular option is that the effects are pretty mild and wear off the minute the mask is removed.
Oral sedation
If you are feeling a bit more anxious then our San Jose family dentist may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to be taken orally. The type and strength of the medication will depend on the type of dental treatment you are getting and how anxious you are. You may start to feel tired or sleepy while under the effects of oral sedation. You will still be able to follow instructions but some patients actually forget some parts of their dental procedure. You will need to have someone pick you up and drive you home if you take oral sedation.
IV Sedation
While laughing gas and oral sedation tend to be the most popular sedation options patients can also receive an injection or an IV that provides the same effects. Of course, with the introduction of an injection or IV a patient will need to be more closely monitored. This form of sedation is typically used for more involved dental procedures.
Do you want to find out if sedation dentistry is right for you? Could your next visit to see our San Jose, CA dentists be a breeze? If you are ready to find out if sedation dentistry is right for you then give us a call today.
