Dental anxiety and discomfort are more common than most people realize. They are also a bigger problem than you might expect. If a simple routine visit to the dentist causes you to worry, panic, fret, or lose sleep, then this causes stress that can detract from your mental well-being. Such stress can make it hard to maintain a regular schedule of oral care. You don’t need that kind of stress surrounding what should be an easy and routine visit to the dentist. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer. We offer dental anesthesia, Clinton NJ, to help our patients relax and get the care they need.

At Quality Dentistry at Walnut Pond, Drs. Victoria Uryniak and Carson Ferris-Zeolla want you to have a positive experience at the dentist. If this has been difficult for you in the past, we invite you to learn about sedation dentistry options for your next appointment. Call us at (908) 200-7007 to inquire.

What are the Most Common Causes of Dental Anxiety?

There are many reasons why a patient may feel uncomfortable either before or during a dental visit.

  • Bad experiences in the past
  • Fear of pain or needles
  • Aversion to the bright lights, noises, and smells of the dentist’s office
  • Discomfort from a hypersensitive gag reflex
  • Shame over oral health concerns
  • Anxiety about having others’ hands in your mouth
  • The feeling of giving up control
  • Antsiness or discomfort from having to lie still for long appointments
  • Special needs that make it hard to be still

Ultimately, there are just as many reasons a patient might consider dental sedation as there are unique oral health needs. Whatever your reason, let us know if you are interested in dental anesthesia and we’ll explain your options.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Anesthesia, Clinton NJ?

Most patients who are in a generally good state of health are good candidates for sedation dentistry. When you meet with one of our doctors, we will ask about your health history to screen you as a potential anesthesia patient. Both children and adults can be sedated for dental appointments, and options come at varying levels of intensity.

What Forms of Anesthesia Do You Provide?

In our office, we provide two forms of sedation: nitrous oxide sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation. Nitrous oxide is a very safe form of anesthesia, which has been used for more than a century to induce a more relaxed state of consciousness. It is administered with oxygen through a nose mask and can be adjusted to your preferred level of use. The effects only last while the gas is being administered, so patients tend to feel alert and “normal” again very soon after their treatment. You can even drive yourself home after the appointment.

IV sedation is a deeper form of anesthesia, in which medicines are administered directly into the blood stream. This sedation option induces a greater level of relaxation and most patients remain unconscious throughout their treatment. If you choose IV sedation, however, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home afterward, since it can impair your reflexes and cognitive function in the hours after your appointment.

Is Dental Anesthesia Safe?

Nitrous oxide gas is considered one of the safest forms of anesthesia available, since it rarely has any negative side effects and is routinely used on children. There is little-to-no possibility of overdosage, which is one of the reasons why it is often used to treat the pain of childbirth in countries all over the world.

IV sedation may have a greater effect on the body, but is also a very safe option. Our staff has been trained to use IV sedation safely and conservatively, and your vital signs will be monitored throughout the treatment. We carefully watch your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration during treatment, so the IV can be removed if you have any adverse effects (which is rare).

Will I Be Asleep During the Treatment?

Nitrous oxide gas does not induce unconsciousness, but it does put you in a deep state of relaxation and alter your perception of time. Some patients feel as though they have slept through their treatments, while others remain more aware of their surroundings. If you wish to be “put under,” you would probably prefer IV sedation for an upcoming appointment.

Contact Our Office to Learn More

If you’d like to learn more about sedation dentistry, contact a member or our staff and we’ll explain our procedures and qualifications. At Quality Dentistry at Walnut Pond, we try to take the trauma out of dentistry, to make your oral care as pleasant as possible. Call us at (908) 200-7007 to ask about dental anesthesia, Clinton NJ.