Around 15% of Americans avoid dental care because of anxiety or fear of dental treatment. These people would rather endure life with infected, discolored, damaged, or otherwise painful teeth and potentially endanger their health instead of seeking dental care.
Dr. Jody Harrison provides his patients with a judgment-free environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable to receive the dental treatment they need. To that end, Dr. Harrison and his staff offer sedation dentistry at our Asheville, NC dental office to help patients achieve their oral health goals in comfort.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?
You might consider sedation dentistry if you find yourself putting off dental care due to anxiety, or even if you are normally fine seeing the dentist but have an upcoming complicated dental procedure that is causing you anxiety. In many cases, patients that admit to a lifetime of dental fear often report their phobia is caused by:
- Fear of pain or strong gag reflex
- Negative past experiences
- Feeling out of control
- Discomfort with sounds and smells of the dental office
- Not wanting to feel numb
Sedation dentistry may be a good option for patients with a low pain threshold or who aren’t able to sit still in a dentist chair, such as individuals with special needs. You and your dentist also may decide to utilize sedation dentistry if you have a large amount of dental work that needs to be completed, even if you don’t always suffer from dental anxiety.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is an effective sedative gas that is mixed with oxygen and administered through a mask that fits over your nose. Nitrous Oxide will not put you to sleep and you will still be able to carry on a conversation with Dr. Harrison. However, you will help you feel more calm and comfortable during the procedure. The effects of nitrous oxide will wear off soon after the mask is removed, and you should be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. AH Smiles typically uses this method of sedation unless our dentist or the patient decides otherwise.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation relaxes you and limits what discomfort or pain you can feel. You will be aware of your surroundings and will be able to answer Dr. Harrison’s questions and participate in the procedure as needed, but you’ll feel less responsive and anxious to what is happening. You may even feel drowsy and might want to take a nap during the procedure. You will need the help of a friend or family member to drive you home from your procedure if you have taken oral sedation.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is administered directly into the vein, so it will start working more quickly and effectively. This method of sedation allows Dr. Harrison to continuously adjust the levels so that you can and it allows you to be almost or completely “out” during your procedure if needed.
Sedation Dentistry in Asheville, NC
Periodontist Dr. Jody Harrison has advanced training in sedation dentistry and works with patients on an individual basis to choose the right sedation method based on their needs. We use advanced techniques and state of the art technology to help our patients achieve their oral hygiene goals.
If you are searching for a dentist office that offers judgement-free, sedation dentistry in the Asheville, NC area, schedule an appointment online today or call (828) 255-8100. Your comfort and safety are important to our team, so we take all the proper steps to ensure your overall experience is a positive one. Whether you are undergoing periodontal therapy or dental implant surgery, we can provide the best sedation for your dental needs, Dr. Jody Harrison is here to help you.