The US Census Bureau estimates that the United States population is around 350 million people. Experts on dental anxiety estimate that it affects up to 35 million people.
Based on those estimates, as many as 1 in 10 people struggle with dental anxiety to one degree or another.
Odds are you know someone with dental anxiety. You may be that someone.
And we want you to know that you are OK. At our dentist office in Woodbury, MN, we have helped many people manage those anxious feelings and get the dental care that they need.
Mark W. Wilhelm, DMD, offers four different kinds of dental sedation. Whether you have mild or severe dental anxiety, we have a way to help you.
Today, we are presenting a short overview of our sedation options. But first, we want to discuss why you may want to choose sedation dentistry as part of your care.
Call 651-319-9064 or contact us online to learn more.
Should You Consider Sedation Dentistry?
In our experience, patients who are experiencing dental anxiety, undergoing complex procedures, or both often benefit from sedation dentistry.
Dental anxiety affects different people in different ways. Some people have difficulty sitting in a dentist chair for any reason, while others become anxious about specific procedures such as root canals or tooth replacements.
Pain is not the only reason people can become anxious, but it is a common and understandable concern. With dental sedation, you can rest assured that you won’t feel any pain during your procedure.
Sedation is also beneficial when a patient is undergoing longer and more complicated treatments.
Dr. Wilhelm is a prosthodontist, which means he is a dentist with special training in restoring and replacing teeth. At our Woodbury, MN, dentist office, he has done everything from wisdom tooth extractions to full-mouth reconstruction.
Sedation dentistry makes it easier for both the patient and the doctor during this procedures.
If you have questions about how sedation could help you in general or during a particular procedure, call us at 651-319-9064 to learn more.
What Kinds Of Dental Sedation Are Available?
Many dentists will offer one or two sedation options, but we offer four options at our Woodbury, MN, dentist office. We have completed the necessary training because we want to be able to help any patient who walks through our doors.
With this in mind, here are the different types of sedation we offer, starting with the strongest:
◼︎ General anesthesia
This is similar to the sedation used by hospitals for surgical procedures. This means it can only be administered by someone with the necessary training to do so safely and effectively.
With general anesthesia, you are unlikely to remember what happened during your procedure, much less feel anything while it is happening.
The effects of this type of sedation can affect you for hours. You must have a family member or friend available to take you home if your receive general anesthesia.
◼︎ IV Sedation
This is another strong and long-lasting form of sedation. It is also a fast-acting form of dental sedation. You will feel its effects within moments of it starting.
IV sedation can be adjusted as needed during your procedure to keep you relaxed and pain-free. Again, you will need time to recover, which means someone else will need to take you home.
◼︎ Oral Sedation
This is sometimes called oral conscious sedation as well. This is one of the simplest types of sedation although it is still strong enough for most procedures.
With oral sedation, you will take a dose of medication prior to your appointment. This is slower to take effect, but we will not begin your treatment until we know that you are sedated.
As with general anesthesia and IV sedation, someone else will need to drive you to and from your appointment.
◼︎ Nitrous Oxide
This form of sedation has been used by dentists going back to the 1800s. We have learned a great deal about “laughing gas” in that time. We know that it takes effect quickly, and when it is turned off, it wears off quickly as well.
Nitrous oxide is the mildest form of sedation that we offer, and it can be beneficial for many patients with mild or moderate dental anxiety.
We Are Here To Help
Everyone at Dr. Wilhelm’s office wants your visits with us to be as comfortable as possible. We will be glad to answer questions you have about our many services, including which kind of sedation dentistry may be most helpful for you.
To schedule a consultation at our dentist office in Woodbury, MN, call 651-319-9064 or contact us online.
