Sedation dentistry in Springfield
Relax through your dental care.
If fear of the dentist or trouble sitting still has kept you away, sedation dentistry can help you feel calm and relaxed while you get the care you need.
When the dentist feels hard to face
Some patients are afraid of the dentist because of bad experiences in the past. Others find it difficult to sit still through an appointment. Whatever the reason, sedation dentistry can help you stay calm and relaxed during your procedures, so you can get the treatment you need for a healthier smile.
Over time, sedation may also help you overcome your fear of the dentist, so you feel more comfortable coming in before small problems grow.
Our sedation options
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is given with oxygen. You stay conscious, but your whole body relaxes during the procedure. Your dentist can adjust the amount as needed, and the effects usually wear off within minutes after the gas is turned off.
Oral sedation is a prescription pill you take before your appointment, and we will tell you when to take it. It may suit you if your anxiety starts before you even reach our office. You should feel very relaxed, and you may even drift off to sleep. Because you cannot drive while under its effects, arrange a ride to and from your appointment.
The NuCalm Relaxation System is a narcotic-free option that brings your body to the first stage of sleep, when you are just beginning to fall asleep and feel very peaceful. It is designed to keep you in that relaxed state throughout your appointment.
How sedation can help
Patients with dental anxiety often come in only when a problem has become painful. Sedation can make it easier to keep up with exams and cleanings every six months, when x-rays and an exam can catch problems early. You can ask about sedation for your next cleaning.
Sedation can also make it possible to have several procedures done in one visit, which can save you trips to our office. And because you are relaxed, your treatment may go faster.
Is this right for me?
Sedation dentistry may be a good fit if you:
- Feel anxious or afraid about visiting the dentist
- Have put off appointments because of that fear
- Have had bad experiences at the dentist in the past
- Find it hard to sit still for long periods, for example because of back or leg pain
- Have a condition such as ADD, ADHD, or Parkinson’s disease that makes sitting through an appointment difficult
- Would like to have several procedures done in one visit
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
- Let our staff know you would like sedation when you schedule your appointment.
- Your dentist recommends the option that best fits you and your procedure.
- For oral sedation, take the pill when we tell you to, and arrange a ride to and from your visit.
- Your treatment, with sedation helping you stay calm and relaxed.
- With nitrous oxide, the effects usually wear off within minutes after the gas is turned off.
Questions we hear
Sedation dentistry FAQs
Which type of sedation is right for me?
We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and the NuCalm Relaxation System. Your dentist will recommend the option that best fits you and the procedures you are having.
Will I be asleep?
It depends on the option. With nitrous oxide you stay conscious while your body relaxes. With oral sedation you should feel very relaxed, and you may drift off to sleep. NuCalm brings you to the first stage of sleep, with a peaceful feeling.
Does laughing gas make you laugh?
Not usually. The name is misleading. Nitrous oxide helps your body relax while you stay conscious, and the effects usually wear off within minutes after the gas is turned off.
Can I drive after oral sedation?
No. You will not be able to drive while under the effects of oral sedation, so arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
Can I use sedation for a routine cleaning?
You can ask your dentist about using sedation at your next cleaning. When you schedule, let our staff know you would like to try sedation dentistry.
Ready when you are
Let’s make your next visit something to smile about.
New patients are welcome. Call us or send a request, and we will help you take the next comfortable step.
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