Does the thought of dental treatment trigger fear and anxiety for you? Are you putting off dental treatment that you want or need because of these fears or anxieties?
Dr. Nancy Snyder understands the stress and apprehension that some people feel about going to the dentist. Fortunately, thanks to modern sedation dentistry solutions, she can help you undergo dental treatment without fear or anxiety.
Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective option that puts you into a deeply relaxed and comfortable state during your dental appointment. The medication used will be carefully chosen for you based on your personal preferences, health history and dental treatment plan.
With sedation dentistry, you will remain conscious and able to communicate with our team. After your appointment, you will have little to no recollection of your treatment.
Could You Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
You may benefit from sedation dentistry if you:
- Feel nervous or anxious at the thought of dental treatment
- Fear needles
- Are delaying treatment you want or need because of your fears or anxiety
- Had a bad dental experience with another dentist in the past
- Have trouble keeping your mouth open for long periods of time
- Have very sensitive teeth
- Have trouble sitting still for a long time
- Have a sensitive gag reflex or TMJ problems
- Need a lot of dental work done in one sitting
Dr. Snyder welcomes you to contact our team to inquire about sedation dentistry. If you would like to meet with her in person to discuss your specific dental needs and your fears (without performing any treatment), we are happy to accommodate. Together, you and Dr. Snyder will determine the most appropriate sedation option to help you safely and comfortably undergo dental treatment. We will treat you with complete respect and compassion, and never make you feel judged or embarrassed about your needs. We are committed to helping you achieve oral health and wellness without fear or anxiety!
Sedation Options
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a commonly used form of sedation. You breathe in the gas through a small mask placed over your nose, and it should quickly make you feel very relaxed and comfortable while your treatment takes place. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off as soon as your procedure is complete and you take off the mask. You can drive yourself home from your appointment.
Oral conscious sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a stronger type of sedation administered through oral medication. About an hour prior to your appointment, you take a pill prescribed by Dr. Snyder. It will help you feel extremely relaxed and perhaps a little sleepy during your dental treatment. You may even take a short nap during treatment. Under oral conscious sedation, you will be able to respond to verbal cues and questions from our dental team. The medication will wear off after your appointment, and you will be left with no memory of your procedure. Because the effects of the medication linger longer than that of nitrous oxide, you will need to arrange for a companion to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you as the medication wears off.
Local anesthetic is used with both types of sedation to numb the area of the mouth being treated.
Contact Dr. Nancy Snyder at Fort Oglethorpe Dental
Dr. Snyder belongs to the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), an organization which provides training and continuing education for dentists that offer sedation dentistry. Her affiliation with DOCS helps her stay up to date on the latest advances in sedation dentistry, so you can feel confident you are getting the safest care possible.
To inquire about sedation dentistry or book an appointment with Dr. Snyder, please call or email Fort Oglethorpe Dental today.