Sedation
Do you or your child fear going to the dentist? Dental anxiety is extremely common across all age groups, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Sedation dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ gives patients with dental anxiety access to comfortable care. Dr. Pete N. Mellas, DMD offers several types of sedation to make sure patients get the treatments necessary to maintain a healthy smile.
Understanding Sedation Dentistry in Our Scottsdale Office
Three types of anesthesia can be used to ensure a comfortable dental visit, and Dr. Mellas has the experience to offer all types. The different types of anesthesia that can be used include:
- Local anesthetics injected with a syringe to numb the local nerves
- Nitrous oxide administered through your respiratory system (also known as laughing gas)
- General anesthesia administered through an IV to keep you fully unconscious during treatment
Who Should Ask About Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry can benefit so many patients. You may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry if:
- The idea of obtaining dental treatment makes you feel uneasy
- You have ever prolonged dental treatment due to intense fear of treatment
- You have experienced a negative emotional response to treatment in the past
- You struggle with fear of the tools used or sounds you hear during treatment
- You have issues with claustrophobia or being in close proximity to other people
Children and adults with disabilities who don’t fully comprehend the treatment or are sensitive to sensory stimulation are also good candidates for sedation.
FAQs About Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation dentistry only for children?
Even though children are more likely to have dental treatment anxieties, adults can also face intense fear of the dentist. Therefore, the treatments are available for patients of all ages and can be highly effective regardless of age.
How safe is sedation for dental treatments?
Different levels of sedation carry different risks. However, it is considered extremely rare for a patient to experience an adverse reaction to the medications used. This is partially because patients must be screened before the treatment to ensure they don’t have existing health conditions, allergies, or medication regimens that could interfere during treatment.
Can you drive after being sedated at the dentist?
Some levels of sedation wear off within a few short minutes, while others may leave you feeling groggy for several hours after treatment. For this reason, it is a good idea to discuss your intended treatment and then make transportation arrangements accordingly.
Find Out How Sedation Dentistry in Scottsdale Could Help You
Fear or anxiety about getting dental treatment should never be a hindrance to obtaining the care you need. At the office of Dr. Pete N. Mellas, DMD, we offer sedation dentistry in Scottsdale to make sure every patient feels at ease and can keep smiling. If you would like to know more about how sedation dentistry works, feel free to contact our office.
