Remaining in good humor is quite the skill. But did you know the word “humor” actually has ancient medical roots? Early Greek physicians believed that four bodily “humors,” or fluids, needed to stay in balance to achieve optimal health. It wasn’t until the 1500s that the term took on its modern meaning, describing laughter, happiness, and a cheerful attitude. While you might feel like a trip to the dentist is no laughing matter, sedation dentistry can help put you in good humor in both senses of the word, keeping you healthy and happy.
Sedation eases anxiety and helps you tolerate necessary dental procedures, supporting optimal oral health. It also helps Dr. Keider perform dental treatments efficiently and safely. At Keider DDS, we offer minimal to moderate sedation for dental work to calm your nerves and keep your mood lifted!
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Why is sedation dentistry so valuable? Because it removes one of the biggest barriers to dental intervention: fear. Even when you know a dental treatment could benefit you in the long run, you might still put it off out of anxiety. By putting you into a relaxed state, you’ll be able to tackle your treatment, whether it’s a routine procedure or an oral surgery.
Many patients also struggle with staying still during treatment, which can complicate care. If you have a sensitive gag reflex or behavioral needs, staying still can feel like an uphill battle.
At Keider DDS, our goal is to do whatever we can to help make your visits positive. By offering sedation options, we can ease your anxiety by putting you in a temporary drowsy or euphoric state, making your visit feel like a breeze. Because sedation also suppresses the gag reflex and reduces discomfort, Dr. Keider can complete your treatment more quickly and comfortably.
On top of local anesthesia, Dr. Keider may use mild to moderate sedation to perform root canals, extract wisdom teeth, or place dental implants.
Your Options for Sedation
At Keider DDS, we offer mild to moderate sedation to lift your mood and take the stress out of dental work.
When you only need light sedation, we offer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. This colorless, odorless gas tastes slightly sweet and is inhaled through a small nosepiece. You might feel lightheaded and giggly while breathing it in, hence the nickname. Time might also feel like it’s speeding up, making the process feel faster.
With this sedation, you’ll be conscious but completely relaxed. Laughing gas takes effect quickly, putting you at ease during the procedure, and wears off within minutes, so quickly that you can drive yourself home right after. It’s perfect if you just need to de-stress a bit during your appointment.
If you need something stronger to overcome your worries, we’re able to prescribe Valium, an anti-anxiety pill, for a moderate effect. With this type of sedation, you’ll feel awake but drowsy for several hours. You’ll take the pill before the appointment, making it easier to stay relaxed in the chair. It’s important to note that this sedation takes several hours to wear off, so you won’t be able to drive yourself home afterward. You should also plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
If you struggle with the most severe dental anxiety, you might want to be fully asleep during the procedure. In this case, you might need general anesthesia. Dr. Keider will be happy to refer you to a trusted specialist who performs dental work under general anesthesia.
It’s easy to delay dental care if you’re worried it might be uncomfortable, but putting it off can lead to bigger issues down the line. Our team at Keider DDS is here to help you manage dental anxiety so you can get the preventive and restorative care you need!
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry at Keider DDS
Is fear keeping you from the dentist’s chair? If so, sedation dentistry can help calm your nerves and access the care you need. Dr. Keider uses nitrous oxide for light sedation, which wears off quickly. If you need heavier sedation, he will prescribe Valium to help you tolerate your treatment. No matter your needs, our team is dedicated to making your dental visit as positive and stress-free as possible!
At Keider DDS, we want to put you in good humor, helping you tolerate the dental work you need to stay healthy and happy. Contact us today to find out the best sedation dentistry option for you.
