Taking care of your smile is a lifelong process. After all, there are countless factors out there that pose a significant threat to your structure’s integrity, and these factors do not cease with time. Because of this, implementing a well-rounded preventive care routine is absolutely necessary. The truth of the matter is, however, that fear or anxiety that accompanies attending these appointments is a very real phenomenon, and for some, it is enough to keep them away from necessary treatment. In today’s blog, your North Hollywood, CA dentist takes a look at the different options our team utilizes to make your visit more comfortable, and how sedation dentistry can help you experience a state of relaxation.

Mild Sedation with Nitrous Oxide

There are countless causes that influence one’s fear of seeking dental treatment. Whether from a traumatic past experience, the fear that excessive dental work is needed, or simply discomfort with a dental environment, this sensation could be enough to deter many patients from receiving the treatment necessary to help them maintain a healthy smile for life.

We recognize this concern, which is why our team offers a range of dental sedation options to help you accomplish a state of total relaxation so that you can better manage your smile. One option you have consists of a gaseous sedative that can be inhaled known as laughing gas.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is administered through a small mask that is worn over your nose. Its effects are nearly immediate, and the sedation wears off as soon as the gas is turned off. This option is helpful for children experiencing dental fear or for adults who drive themselves to and from their visit. For more information about this process, reach out to our team.

Gradual Ease with Oral Options

Another option to consider when preparing to attend your preventive dental treatment includes an oral sedative that can be ingested as a pill or a liquid. This method produces a deeper state of relaxation so that you can remain calm and comfortable during your treatment.

Oral sedatives gradually set in and gradually wear off, which means it is best to take it the morning of your scheduled appointment. What’s more? The effects will likely still be apparent when your treatment is complete, so make sure to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.

Ultimate Comfort with IV Sedation

For our patients who experience severe dental fear or anxiety, as your dentist about IV sedation. This option is administered directly into the bloodstream, and is administered by a trained anesthesiologist.

Schedule Your Appointment

Contact Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, CA by calling 818-763-9353 to learn about your sedation options for your next treatment, or schedule your next appointment with our team today.