Sedation Dentistry in Bothell, WA
Every year millions of Americans skip their dental visit because of stress or fear. At Annigan Dental, we don’t want patients to miss out on receiving the quality dental care they need for any reason. Our Bothell practice strives to provide all patients with a comfortable, relaxing experience, and Dr. Henry Huse partners with his patients to plan treatment they fully understand. For those patients who need extra help relaxing for their appointment, we also offer sedation dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Do you struggle with anxiety, nerves, and worry leading up to and during your time in the treatment chair? If you answered “yes,” then you should consider asking us about nitrous oxide! If you haven’t heard of this form of dental sedation before, it’s likely because you’ve heard it referred to as its nickname: laughing gas. In this next section, we’re covering some helpful information about it, including how it works.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is ideal for patients who:
- Struggle with dental-related anxiety
- Have a fear of needles
- Need a little extra help becoming numb
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Experience head/neck/jaw pain in the treatment chair
- Need extensive dental care, like several tooth extractions
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask. Once you arrive at our office and settle comfortably into the treatment chair, we will position it in place and ask you to breathe through your nose. After a few minutes, you’ll begin to feel the effects set in. Most patients describe it as a wave of relaxation or even a feeling of euphoria. One of the many benefits of this type of dental sedation is that we can adjust the flow throughout the procedure, ensuring that you stay calm and comfortable throughout.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Another reason patients love nitrous oxide: the effects diminish immediately. As a result, you don’t have to arrange for someone to drive you home or take the rest of the day off work. Instead, you can drive yourself home and resume your daily activities.
Of course, we may give you aftercare instructions specific to the care we provided. For example, if you underwent a root canal, then we will likely ask you to rinse with warm saltwater periodically, use a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, and take OTC pain medication as directed.
If you have any lingering questions about dental nitrous oxide in Bothell, including if we would recommend it for you, then give us a call!
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a great way for patients who are severely fearful or anxious about dental appointments to get the oral care they need to stay healthy. This treatment puts the patient into a deeper state of relaxation than nitrous oxide while still leaving them aware enough to respond to questions and instructions. While some patients may have difficulty remembering their appointment afterward, this can be beneficial by preventing the formation of memories that may make future dental work more difficult. Here’s a quick look at how oral conscious sedation works from the friendly team at Annigan Dental.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a safe treatment that involves no needles or face mask and can make it easier for patients to receive top-quality dental care despite being nervous, fearful, or anxious. The treatment involves our dentist prescribing a small pill to be taken briefly before your appointment, and the effects should begin shortly before treatment begins.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
The effects of oral conscious sedation should last through your entire appointment, so you will need to have a trusted individual give you a ride to our office for your procedure. Afterward, they’ll need to transport you back home and monitor you for several hours while the medication wears off. While you are sedated, our skilled dental team will carefully monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety. You’ll remain conscious and able to respond to questions and instructions while sedated, but the medication will relax you and make you less sensitive to pain.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
At Annigan Dental, we often recommend sedation for patients who:
- Are anxious or fearful about receiving dental care
- Have sensitive gag reflexes
- Have sensitive teeth and gums
- Do not become sufficiently numb using local anesthetics
- Experience discomfort when sitting in a dental chair for an extended time
- Have health conditions that may cause fear or agitation
- Need to complete extensive or numerous procedures in a single visit
At Annigan Dental, we’re always working hard to give our patients new reasons to smile. Contact our Bothell, WA practice today if you have any questions about sedation dentistry options or if you’d like to schedule your appointment with Dr. Hsue. Our office also welcomes new patients from the nearby areas of Mill Creek, Kirkland, Woodinville, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Kingsgate, and beyond. We hope you’ll choose to visit us for many years to come!
