Does the idea of visiting the dentist make you nervous? You’re not alone. For many people, the thought of sitting in a dental chair is enough to bring on a wave of anxiety. Maybe it’s a past experience, a fear of pain, or just the sounds and sensations of dental work that make you uneasy. Dental anxiety affects millions of people. Fortunately, going to the dentist doesn’t have to be stressful.
Dental anxiety is common, but it shouldn’t stand in the way of your health. At Advanced Smile Care, we offer sedation dentistry to help you feel calm, relaxed, and completely at ease during your visit. We believe getting the care you need should be as comfortable as possible. With nearly 40 years of experience serving San Antonio, we’re committed to providing a judgment-free, compassionate environment where you can feel at ease every step of the way.
How Do Sedatives Help to Relieve Dental Anxiety?
Sedatives in a dental setting and many other medical environments can significantly reduce anxiety. This is because sedatives disrupt specific nerve communication within your central nervous system, simultaneously slowing brain activity.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the sedatives specifically boost the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits activity in the brain. These sedatives can also be tailored to a specific patient, reducing or increasing the potency of GABA-related activity. With a more potent sedative, patients can be placed into a controlled state of unconsciousness. Less potent sedatives will slow down brain activity just a little bit, and these levels can be dialed in based on patient needs.
Based on the paper “Oral Sedation: A Primer on Anxiolysis for the Adult Patient”, patients with moderate or severe dental anxiety may prefer oral sedatives to certain alternatives. This may be because oral options are less expensive, painless, convenient, and more widely accepted. The paper claims that adults generally “have few objections to taking medications by mouth” and that the majority of “fearful patients can be easily and safely treated with oral sedatives.”
If you have any questions about the sedative options available at Advanced Smile Care, just let us know. You’re welcome to call ahead or speak directly with a provider when you come in for your appointment. We want to ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience with us without any feelings of judgment getting in the way.
The Different Types of Sedation Dentistry Available
At Advanced Smile Care, we’re dedicated to providing our patients with the comfort they need to feel safe during their visits to our office. The following are the general sedation options we provide:
Oral Sedation
This is a pill you’ll take 30 to 60 minutes before your appointment. It induces a state of relaxation and allows you to respond to verbal cues from your provider. Oral sedation is a very popular option for patients with dental anxiety.
Nitrous Oxide
Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedation option that helps you relax. You won’t fall asleep while on nitrous oxide, but it is an excellent choice for some shorter procedures or for patients with lower levels of anxiety.
IV Sedation
IV sedation offers a more intense level of relaxation and is perfect for individuals with more severe anxiety. While you may feel drowsy and relaxed to the point of falling asleep, you will not be completely unconscious. Some patients don’t remember very much of their care after IV sedation.
General Anesthesia
If you need to be completely unconscious during your dental care, general anesthesia is available. This is often used for longer or more complex procedures but is an option for patients with very intense anxiety surrounding dental care. General anesthesia does require monitoring by a professional anesthesiologist.
While we offer multiple sedation options for our patients, we also want to ensure that whatever method we use is safe. Based on your medical records and history, we will work together to find the best and most comfortable option possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Advanced Smile Care so we can provide helpful answers and guidance.
Want Stress-Free Dental Care? Get Safe Sedation Dental Care with Advanced Smile Care
At Advanced Smile Care, we know that dental anxiety is real, and we’re here to help. Our sedation dentistry options are designed to make your visit as comfortable and worry-free as possible. Whether you need a simple cleaning or a more complex procedure, our team provides gentle, judgment-free care so you can feel at ease from start to finish.
Don’t let fear keep you from a healthy smile—call us today at (210) 366-3606 or visit our contact form to learn more about sedation dentistry and schedule your appointment.
