RELAXATION DENTISTRY – KERNERSVILLE, NC
Comfortable & Relaxed Dental Care
Does the thought of dental care make you a little (or a lot) nervous? If so, you are not alone. But visiting the dentist does not have to be a stressful or unpleasant experience. In fact, with help from relaxation dentistry, it can be a downright rejuvenating time -- because, once the appointment is over, you leave the dental office with a clean and healthy smile!
Dr. Zack Walker knows a trip to the dentist isn’t anyone’s favorite thing, and he is happy to be able to offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious medication to help. Keep reading to learn more about how relaxation dentistry works, and whether or not it is right for you. If you would like to be more relaxed at the dentist’s office, the answer just may be a resounding yes!
What Is Relaxation Dentistry?
Relaxation dentistry uses medications to help put your mind at ease while you are at the dentist’s
office. Local anesthesia numbs the treatment area, but relaxation dentistry is available to help the rest of
you feel at-ease as well. Generally healthy patients of all ages can benefit from this dental office -- from
young children to grandparents.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) is our preferred method of helping patients relax
during
their appointments. It has a mild effect and, when combined with local anesthesia, it helps to put patients
completely at ease throughout any procedure. So, if you struggle with nerves or stress surrounding dental
care
– even routine checkups and cleanings – don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us
so we
can determine if you’re a candidate. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more!
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is suitable for patients of all ages, and it has been used for over 100 years now! Usually, it’s used when patients struggle with dental-related anxiety. However, it’s also helpful for those who have a sensitive gag reflex, who need extensive care, or who have a condition that makes it difficult to sit still in the treatment care. As with anything, there are some exceptions. For example, if you have a condition that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, like asthma, then nitrous oxide is not ideal for you.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a small, comfortable mask. Once it’s positioned over your nose, we will switch on the colorless, odorless gas, allowing you to breathe it in. Dr. Walker will only begin your treatment once he is sure that you are completely comfortable and ready to start, but that won’t take long. In fact, many patients feel light, tingly, and completely at-ease within a matter of minutes! Throughout your visit, we will check-in with you to make sure you’re doing well and, if needed, we can adjust the flow of nitrous oxide.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
After the treatment is complete, we will switch off the nitrous oxide and remove the mask. Immediately, the effects will start to dissipate, and they are usually completely gone within 10 minutes. As a result, you don’t need to worry about taking the rest of the day off work or asking for a friend or family member to drive you home from your appointment. Instead, you can go about your day as normal –without any groggy disruptions. If you have any questions for us following your appointment, you can always give us a call as well!
Oral Conscious Medication for Relaxation Dentistry
If you experience anxiety so severe you don’t even want to leave home for your dental appointment,
you’re not alone. That’s one of many reasons why we offer oral conscious medication as a form of
relaxation dentistry. This medication that we will prescribe specifically for you is taken about an hour
prior to treatment and starts working before you ever leave home. You’ll need to have a friend or
family member drive you to and from our dental office, as the effects of sedation are strong and can last as
much as 24 hours following your initial dose. Once you arrive at our dental office, you’ll already be
relaxed, stress-free and ready for treatment. As the name suggests, you’ll remain conscious during the
procedure, but most patients don’t remember their visit to our dental office when the medication wears
off. You should plan to rest for at least 12 hours following your treatment.
Is Relaxation Dentistry an Option for You?
Nitrous oxide is a safe way for just about anyone to have a more pleasant experience at the dentist. Oral
conscious medication is also extremely reliable and comfortable. If, like most people, you believe you could
benefit from being a little more at-ease in the dental chair, relaxation dentistry may be a great option for
you.
Time to Relax at the Dentist!
If you are interested in learning more about relaxation dentistry and how it can help you overcome your dental fear or anxiety, you are invited to contact our dental office! We can’t wait to help you enjoy visiting the dentist once again. Go ahead and contact us today !
Relaxation Dentistry FAQs
Is Relaxation Dentistry Safe?
Since we thoroughly review a patient’s medical history before recommending relaxation dentistry, we will only administer these treatments at our Kernersville office if we are absolutely sure doing so will be perfectly safe. Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is the safest option for most people because it is eliminated from the body about five minutes after treatment ends and involves no side effects afterward. Dr. Walker and the rest of the team will monitor your vital signs and ensure your safety for the entire time you are sedated.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
While you will be awake while under oral conscious sedation, you may not remember much of your procedure. However, you may have no problem remembering your treatment if you receive nitrous oxide. In some cases, memory loss resulting from dental sedation can be useful for patients with extreme dental phobias, as the lack of memory means that there will not be any residual trauma to cause further anxiety in the future.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist’s Office?
The feeling of relaxation dentistry depends on the treatment received. Nitrous oxide will make you feel light and euphoric as well as a deep state of relaxation, and you may also experience a slight tingling sensation in your arms and legs. Some patients may get the giggles, hence the treatment’s nickname “laughing gas.” Oral conscious sedation, on the other hand, causes a deeper sense of relaxation, and you may have trouble speaking or staying awake or a sense that time is passing by more quickly. Some patients receiving oral conscious sedation report feeling “heavy” or dozing off during the procedure.
Is Relaxation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Most dental insurance plans consider relaxation dentistry as “luxury” treatments like cosmetic dental procedures. Accordingly, they usually don’t offer any coverage for them. However, an insurance policy may offer coverage if sedation treatments are medically necessary as they often are for patients with disabilities such as autism or cerebral palsy. You may also be covered if the procedure is particularly complex, as may be the case with multiple tooth extractions. However, this coverage usually does not extend to emergency treatments, root canals, or fillings. Since each insurance plan is different, we’ll be happy to go over yours with you so you know exactly what it will pay for.
How Long Does Relaxation Dentistry Last?
How long the effects of relaxation dentistry last depends on which treatment you receive. The effects of nitrous oxide should disappear within five minutes of the treatment ending, and you should be able to drive yourself home or back to work after your procedure. However, the effects of oral conscious sedation can linger for the rest of the day, so it’s best to refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery for twenty-four hours afterward. After receiving oral conscious sedation, you’ll need a trusted individual to drive you home.