Do you have a recurring nightmare about being in the dentist’s chair? Does just the sound of the drill send chills down your spine? Have you been awakened in the middle of the night by a dull throbbing in your molar that keeps you wide awake, staring at the ceiling, and trying not to cry, because you were too afraid to visit the dentist at the first signs of pain? You are not alone. Many people are afraid of the dentist, and they put off having important dental work done because of that fear.
At Fort Worth Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we understand your apprehension and we want to help you get over it. If this sounds like you, call our Ft. Worth dental office today at (817) 737-6601 and schedule a sedation dentistry consultation with one of our doctors.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Dr. Nikki Green and Dr. Robert Leedy offer sedation dentistry for their patients who exhibit fear or find it hard to relax during dental procedures. Before your procedure, the doctor will talk with you about your anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures and recommend one of several types of sedation to help keep you calm and relaxed during the procedure while he works. Sedatives reduce your brain’s ability to recognize pain and discomfort while easing feelings of fear and stress. Many patients find they have little or no memory of the visit at all when the sedative wears off. Dr. Green and Dr. Leedy offer sedation for all procedures, from simple cleanings to more complicated treatments such as root canal therapy. In fact, the doctors can perform multiple procedures, that would normally require several visits, all in one day while you are sedated.
What Type of Sedation Will I Need?
We offer two different types of sedation in our Ft. Worth, TX dental office. Dr. Green or Dr. Leedy will help you decide which is right for you, based on your level of anxiety or stress and the procedure you are undergoing.
- Nitrous Oxide – Also known as “Laughing Gas”, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask. While it does not actually cause laughter, it does leave the patient feeling calm and relaxed. Nitrous oxide wears of quickly after the procedure is finished, and you should be able to continue with normal activities.
- Oral Sedation – If you need a bit more help relaxing, the doctor may offer oral sedation. You will take a pill before coming in for your appointment, and arrive in our office feeling calm. Depending on your needs, the doctor may give you another pill when you arrive for deeper sedation. While you are under sedation, you will remain conscious and be able to speak to the doctor, but you will remember nothing of the details of your treatment when you recover. Oral sedation works quickly and wears off gradually, so it is recommended that you have a responsible driver bring you to and from your appointment.
Sedation Dentistry Benefits
Most patients will agree that the greatest benefit of sedation dentistry is that when the sedative wears off, they have very little if any memory of the procedure taking place. There is another benefit, however, that you may find even more amazing. While you are under sedation, Dr. Green or Dr. Leedy can actually perform several procedures in one appointment. This means that if you need a root canal, several crowns, and multiple fillings, and have postponed treatment due to a very real fear of the dentist, the doctor may complete your treatments in a single visit. In fact, when the sedation wears off, you may feel like you were there for only five or ten minutes.
Call Us Now for an Appointment
Do not let fear hold you back from receiving quality dental care and enjoying comfortable oral function, fresh breath, and great dental health. Good oral health actually supports good overall health, as well.
Dr. Green and Dr. Leedy understand that many people are scared of going to the dentist, and they do everything in their power to make your visit comfortable and stress free. When you come to our welcoming, modern office, you can enjoy TV on a monitor in the ceiling and stay cozy beneath a blanket during your appointment. Call our Ft. Worth dental office today at (817) 737-6601 to schedule a consultation, and Dr. Green or Dr. Leedy will help you kick that fear of the dentist to the curb!
