There are many reasons why a person might avoid going to the dentist, but anxiety and fear are two of the most common ones. While Dr. Meghan Kilkelly and Dr. Erika Whitehouse do everything they can to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, sometimes it simply isn’t enough. Luckily, we can help you conquer anxiety during dental visits thanks to sedation dentistry. Our sedation treatments are designed to safely soothe your nerves and make it a breeze to get the care your smile needs. To find out which type of sedation dentistry from our Austin, TX dentist is right for you, contact our Derby Dental team today!
If you suffer from moderate levels of dental fear or anxiety, then oral conscious sedation might be just what you need to feel comfortable. We’ll prescribe a potent anti-anxiety pill to take before your appointment starts; the effects will have kicked-in by the time we’re ready for your procedure. You’ll remain awake the whole time, but you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll have little to no memory of your treatment. The sedative will take several hours to wear off, so you’ll need a ride to and from our dental office.
For milder levels of dental anxiety, we recommend nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas.” Once you’re situated in the dental chair, we place a small mask over your nose, through which you’ll inhale this clear, odorless gas. Within minutes, warm waves of relaxation will wash over you. Throughout your procedure, our team can adjust the levels of the gas that you’re breathing as needed to ensure your safety and comfort. When we’re finished, the mask is removed, and the effects should dissipate quickly. In fact, you’ll most likely be able to drive yourself back to work or school with no lingering grogginess.