Fear of going to the dentist and dental anxiety can stop you from getting the care you need to maintain optimal oral health. Sedation dentistry in Woodinville, WA, with Dr. Saman Saghafi of Smiles To Remember can help you handle your dentophobia and anxiety.

What is Sedation Dentistry 

Negative experiences at your dentist's office as a child could make you hate going to the dentist. That means skipping routine dental checkups and missing out on the best dental care. Sedation dentistry offers a way for you to have more comfortable experiences at your dentist.

Your dentist, Dr. Saghafi, offers you three ways to reduce your discomfort and anxiety during dental procedures. These include:

• Oral sedation
• Inhalation conscious sedation
• IV conscious sedation

 However, your dentist would need your medical history before prescribing a sedative for your procedure.

Oral Sedation 

Oral sedation involves taking medication orally just before your dental procedure. This option might be excellent if you have an existing fear of needles. Oral sedation might not get you unconscious but some have amnesic properties. So, you remember very little or nothing at all from your dental appointment.

Inhalation Conscious Sedation 

Inhaling nitrous oxide, known also as laughing gas, is one of the most popular means of relieving discomfort in dental practice. There are no needles involved, just a mask that delivers the gas to your nose.

Nitrous oxide isn't the most effective pain relief option available but it could reduce your anxiety and help you stay relaxed during your procedure.

IV Conscious Sedation 

IV sedation involves administering sedatives through your veins directly into your bloodstream. The effects of these medications are almost immediate and profound.

You might not feel pain or remember anything from your dental procedure. Procedures that give you anxiety such as root canals, tooth extraction, and gum disease treatment could proceed smoothly with IV sedation.

The effects of the IV sedatives can last several hours and you might need to have someone take you home from your dentist's office afterward. If pain is a major contributor to your dental anxiety, you should discuss getting sedation during dental procedures in Woodinville, WA.

Don't lose your teeth to fear. Let Dr. Saghafi of Smiles To Remember, relieve your dental anxiety in Woodinville, WA, with sedation dentistry. Schedule your appointment today by calling (425) 424-0744.