At Lighthouse Family Dentistry, we provide general dentistry treatment to patients with sedation dentistry in Annapolis, MD. Dental sedation can relax patients during longer or more complex treatments like tooth extractions or dental implants. However, patients who have dental fear or anxiety also benefit.
Under sedation, patients who have not visited the dentist because of a negative past experience or have generalized dental anxiety can get the care they need. Our lead dentist, Dr. E. Taylor Meiser, works with his patients to accommodate their needs and ensure they feel comfortable in his office.
How Can I Visit the Dentist with Dental Anxiety?
Feeling nervous about visiting the dentist is common, and many people experience dental anxiety. In addition to sedation, you can make your dental visits more comfortable and stress-free in several ways:
Talk to Your Dentist
Be honest with your dentist about your fears and concerns before your appointment. Dentists are trained to help anxious patients, and they can adjust the visit to suit your needs. They might explain each step of the process, provide frequent breaks, or use gentle techniques to help you feel more in control.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness can be helpful. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your nerves, or focus on a positive image or thought. You can also listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks to distract yourself.
Bring a Friend or Family Member
Having someone you trust by your side can make a big difference. Ask a friend or family member to come with you to the appointment for emotional support. When you know they’re there for you, it can ease your anxiety.
What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry in Annapolis, MD?
There are several advantages of dental treatments that use sedation dentistry. This treatment:
- Reduces dental fear and anxiety
- Allows complex treatment with fewer visits
- Helps patients feel comfortable
- Makes it easier for our team to provide care
We recommend sedation for patients with:
Dental Anxiety
If the thought of dental visits makes you nervous or scared, sedation can help calm your nerves. It can make your visit more comfortable and less stressful. For many people, sedation has helped them get past their fear so they no longer avoid dental visits.
A Strong Gag Reflex
Some people experience a strong gag reflex.. This can make it hard to tolerate X-rays, cleanings, or other treatments. Dental sedation can help relax the body and reduce the gag reflex. It makes it easier for patients to undergo procedures without feeling uncomfortable or gagging.
Long Procedures
Some dental treatments, like full-mouth restorations, can take a long time to complete. Being in the dental chair for a long period may make some patients feel restless or anxious. Sedation helps people remain calm and relaxed so we can perform these lengthy procedures with less stress and more focus. It helps us when we have multi-step treatments where patients might otherwise feel overwhelmed.
Special Needs
Going to the dentist can be tough for people with special needs, especially if they find it hard to understand the procedure or stay calm in a new environment. Sedation can make dental visits easier because it helps patients relax and feel less anxious. This allows them to get the care they need without feeling stressed.
Difficulty Sitting Still
Some patients, including children or individuals with medical conditions that make it hard to stay still, may have trouble remaining in one position for their dental treatment. This can affect the dentist’s ability to complete procedures. With the help of sedation, patients can stay still and relaxed. This makes the process smoother for both the patient and the dentist.
Please let our office know if you or a loved one need accommodation. We will work with you to find the best option for your comfort level.
Is Dental Sedation Right For Me?
Sedation isn’t right for everyone. Let our dentist know if you have any allergies, especially regarding medications. We will not use sedation if you are allergic. Some medications may also interfere with treatment or may require dosing adjustments. Our office will ensure that your current medications will not interact negatively to sedation.
Also, please let us know if you have certain medical conditions, like heart problems, breathing issues, or liver disease. We might need to adjust the sedation to keep you safe. Share your complete medical history with our dentist so he can choose the best option for you.
What Happens Under Sedation?
At our office, we provide conscious sedation when needed to ensure your dental treatments are as stress-free and comfortable as possible. We administer this sedation as a pill that you take a few hours before your appointment. While under this type of sedation, you’ll remain awake and responsive during your procedure, but you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
One of the benefits of conscious sedation is that patients typically don’t remember much about the procedure. You can rest easy knowing that your dental care will feel like a breeze.
Since conscious sedation can take time to wear off, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you to and from the dental office. This ensures your safety as the effects fade. Oral conscious sedation helps us provide excellent dental care and ensures you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Is Sedation Safe?
Yes, oral conscious sedation is safe when administered and monitored by a trained dental professional. Before we recommend treatment, our dentist will review your medical history, current medications, and any health conditions. We want to make sure sedation is the right choice for you.
We carefully measure the medication. Our dental team will also monitor your vital signs, like your heart rate and oxygen levels for your safety.
Get Comfortable Dental Care
Are you filled with fear when you think of dental visits? Do you or a loved one need dental sedation? Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Meiser online. You can also call Lighthouse Family Dentistry today at 410-324-7287.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We will be glad to help.