Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry

What if you could have all your dentistry that you have been putting off for years in the conventional dental office in one or two comfortable visits?

Visiting the dentist is never going to be someone’s favorite thing to do. However, for some people, even setting foot inside their dentist’s office is a frightening prospect. Fear of the dentist is a widespread cliché, but for those affected, it is a debilitating problem with severe consequences. Studies estimate that as many as 15% of the U.S population experience some degree of anxiety about dental procedures. This level of fear can vary widely, with some patients experiencing mild nervousness and others feeling full-blown panic at the thought of a dental appointment. Many patients in Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, and the surrounding areas benefit from sedation dentistry treatment.

Unfortunately, for many of these patients, their fear is preventing them from getting the dental care that they need for their oral health to be the best that it can be. Patients with a dental phobia could be missing out on crucial preventative dentistry that could help protect their mouth and teeth from a multitude of different oral problems. They could also be putting the longevity of your smile and even your general health at risk.

Fortunately, sedation dentistry can enable even the most fearful patient to successfully undergo anything from a routine dental check-up to an invasive procedure.

Consequences of dental phobia

If you are avoiding visiting the dentist due to a dental phobia, you could experience some of the following effects:

• Dental infections
• Unnecessary dental pain
• Unsightly, unattractive teeth
• Periodontal disease
• Tooth sensitivity
• Bad breath
• Tooth loss
• Inability to eat or speak properly
• The need for a far higher degree of dental work when your dental pain becomes so severe that you cannot put it off any longer

In addition to the consequences listed above, avoiding the dentist can also put you at risk of some chronic, general health problems. Poor dental health almost always leads to severe periodontal disease. Patients with periodontal disease are more likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, gallstones, and some varieties of cancer.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedatives to induce a state of calmness that makes it possible for patients to undergo a dental appointment. Dr. Spellman uses sedation in addition to the anesthetic. Sedation with an anesthetic allows the patient to not be in pain and will be able to relax and remain still so that we can give you the dental care that you need.

We are pleased to be able to offer sedation dentistry in the form of nitrous oxide gas. Dr. Spellman administers nitrous oxide via a mask placed over the nose that delivers a continuous supply of the gas into your body. Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas, but it doesn’t actually make you laugh or feel hysterical. Instead, it slightly reduces your awareness of what is happening around you. It also helps you to feel calm, relaxed, and significantly less anxious. You will be awake during the entire procedure, although some patients relax so much that they fall asleep. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off virtually instantly. As soon as Dr. Spellman removes the mask, you will feel back to your usual self within a couple of minutes.

If you think that you may benefit from sedation dentistry and have any further questions about this service, please call to speak to our experienced dental team. Call our Larchmont dental office at (914) 834-2941 to schedule a consultation today! We also treat patients with sedation dentistry in Mamaroneck, Rye, Scarsdale, New Rochelle, Harrison, and surrounding areas.