Does the thought of visiting the dentist fill you with anxiety? Do you avoid dental visits due to previous bad experiences with dentists? At Orchard Lake Dental Care, we want patients to feel comfortable and welcome when they visit our dental office. Dr. Anthony Yaldo provides sedation dentistry for patients in his Keego Harbor, MI, dental office. Sedation allows patients to receive necessary general dental care without pain or discomfort.
Benefits of Dental Sedation
Sedation dentistry offers many benefits for patients. Using dental sedation, we can:
- Provide more comfortable dental care
- Work more efficiently
- Provide anxiety-relief
- Reduce the gag reflex
We can also use dental sedation for patients with:
- A low pain tolerance
- Dental fear or anxiety
- A poor gag reflex
- Complex dental treatment
- Movement disorders
- Phobias of blood, needles, and loud noises
Dental sedation is also safe for children. As a family dental office, we recommend sedation for younger patients who need comfortable dental care.
Types of Sedation Dentistry in Keego Harbor, MI,
Our dental office provides oral sedation and nitrous oxide to patients. Additionally, we use a local anesthetic to numb the areas around where patients will get their treatment inside their mouth.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is an easy way to help you feel calm and relaxed during a dental visit. Dr. Yaldo will suggest it for people who feel nervous or scared about going to the dentist. With this method of dental sedation, you take a small pill prior to your appointment. Because you will take the pill at home, you will need someone else to drive you safely to our dental office.
The pill helps you feel at ease, but you’re still awake and can talk to the dentist. Under oral sedation, patients will feel sleepy and may stay awake but will not remember their procedure.
The pill is safe and works quickly. By the time you’re in the dental chair, you’ll feel much more comfortable. You might even feel sleepy, but you won’t be fully asleep. The dentist will talk you through your treatment, so you know what’s happening.
After the appointment, you’ll need someone to drive you home because the pill’s effects take a little time to wear off. You might feel tired, but you’ll return to normal soon. Oral conscious dental sedation is a simple, effective way to feel calm at the dentist.
Nitrous Oxide or “Laughing Gas”
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe and gentle way to help you relax during a dental visit. People who feel a bit nervous or scared about going to the dentist can benefit from it. The gas is mixed with oxygen and given to you through a small mask or nasal cannula we place over your nose. You’ll breathe it in, and within a few minutes, you’ll feel calm and at ease.
You’ll stay awake for the appointment and will be able to talk to the dentist. However, you will feel more relaxed and maybe even a little giggly (hence why it is called laughing gas). The dentist can adjust the amount of gas to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the appointment. The effects of the gas wear off quickly once we remove the mask. You may even be able to drive yourself home afterward.
Nitrous oxide is safe for both kids and adults. We can use it to help you stay calm during cleanings, fillings, or other dental work. You won’t remember much about being nervous, just that your dental visit was easy and stress-free. It’s a simple, effective way to make your time at the dentist a lot more comfortable.
Local Anesthesia
In addition to dental sedation, we use local anesthesia to numb areas of the mouth so patients do not feel any pain or discomfort getting treatment. We may use anesthesia alone or in addition to dental sedation.
Your dentist can perform extractions, fillings, and root canals by numbing specific areas in the mouth without causing pain.
We will administer the anesthesia via injection to block nerve signals temporarily. This technique enhances patient experience, reduces anxiety, and enables precise treatment.
Receive Comfortable Care
Do you need dental care but have anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist? Call Orchard Lake Dental Care today at (248) 682-0922. You may also request a dental appointment with Dr. Yaldo online. We’re here to ensure your comfort in our office.