Sedation Dentistry Options
Dr. Chris Hill understands that not every patient has the same needs which is why he chooses to offer three different anxiety relief options for patients to choose from. Offering multiple options allows patients to choose the best method for their own preferences. Each patient is given a customized dental experience to meet their needs and goals. You can count on your dental health care providers at Smile On Dental Studio to give you a comfortable and relaxing dental appointment through every step.
Nitrous Oxide
Our first type of sedation dentistry option in St. Louis is nitrous oxide. Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is an odorless gas given to patients through a comfortable fitting mask with oxygen that rests over their nose. Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation dentistry perfect for allowing patients to feel relaxed throughout the duration of their treatment. Plus, nitrous oxide is an anesthetic, so it can reduce discomfort during your appointment.
One of the top benefits of nitrous oxide is the effects are felt immediately once the treatment has started. In addition, once the mask is removed, the effects wear off just as quickly. You can return home or back to work without worrying about long-lasting effects. For patients interested in using nitrous oxide for their next appointment, our dentist needs to give you a quick evaluation of your health first. Patients don’t require any prep to receive nitrous oxide at their appointment with the exception of a health exam. If you’re interested in using nitrous oxide for your next treatment, please let our staff know so we can help.
Oral Sedation Dentistry
Another type of sedation dentistry we offer at Smile On Dental Studio is oral sedation. Oral sedation is sedative medication patients take prior to their dental appointment. The medication allows patients to stay calm, comfortable and in control for the duration of their appointment. Oral sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who:
Want to complete their entire treatment in 1 or 2 visits- Have a bad gag reflex
- Have had a traumatic dental experience in the past
- Need a complex dental treatment
- Have dental anxiety or fear of needles
- Feel embarrassed of their smile
If you’re interested in using oral sedation, our office will go over the treatment that you will receive under oral sedation. During this time, we are happy to answer any questions you have about the treatment or medication. We will also dispense you the medication to take.
You will need to arrange for a ride to and from your dental appointment as you cannot drive while taking the medication. The night before your procedure, you will take the medication before going to bed. We also recommend that you do not eat or drink anything 12 hours prior to your appointment besides water. When you arrive at our office the next day, we will provide you with more medication that will keep you feeling relaxed throughout your entire procedure. In some cases, we will provide more medication if the effects wear off. We won’t start your treatment until you feel completely relaxed. Some patients may even drift off to sleep during their treatment. Although you will be conscious, you won’t be too aware of what’s happening.
Oral sedation allows patients to receive as many treatments as they need in as little as 1 to 2 visits without experiencing any anxiety. In just a few visits with us, you can achieve amazing dental health and the smile of your dreams. Get ready to experience a boost in confidence and a beautiful and functional smile again.
Once your treatment is complete, someone will need to drive you home. We recommend you take the rest of the day to recover and rest. It’s common for patients to have little to no memory of their appointment afterward. We take full care of our patients after a sedation dentistry appointment. We will call you the night of your appointment and the next day just to check in. And you can call Dr. Hill if you have any questions or concerns.
NuCalm Relaxation Dentistry
NuCalm is another approach to feeling relaxed at the dentist. NuCalm isn’t sedation dentistry. It’s a drug-free approach that uses neuroscience to disable your body’s anxiety response. Patients feel relaxed and in a meditative-like state with this method. It not only helps control anxiety but also feels rejuvenating. Following treatment with NuCalm, patients report having higher energy, more creativity, and better sleep.
Are you ready to experience a visit to the dentist while staying relaxed? Experience sedation dentistry in St. Louis by giving us a call at (314) 678-7876 today for an appointment.
Don’t skip dental appointments because you feel anxious. Opt for one of our sedation dentistry treatments at Smile On Dental Studio to experience stress-free dental care.
