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What Is Comfort Dentistry?
Comfort dentistry uses a series of techniques to help a patient relax during treatment. These techniques may include things like gentle music or the use of sedation.
The Benefits of Comfort Dentistry in Dallas
Comfort dentistry can help patients with dental fear or anxiety relax so they can get the care they need instead of avoiding care until they experience discomfort or a broken tooth. It allows our patients to repair their smiles and maintain optimal oral health while feeling relaxed, safe, and comfortable. Call us today to learn more.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the mildest and safest sedative in comfort dentistry. The patient inhales nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask, and the effects are felt within minutes. Nitrous oxide creates a feeling of relaxation and calm. You might feel drowsy, but you’ll be fully conscious and can respond to questions. Once treatment by your Dallas dentist is complete, we’ll turn off the nitrous and leave the oxygen on for a minute or two to remove remnants of nitrous oxide in the body. Within a few minutes, the effects of the nitrous will be gone.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a little more powerful than nitrous oxide. It is an oral medication taken about an hour before your appointment. Depending on the dose (which depends on your anxiety level), you’ll be fully conscious, but you might fall asleep.
Regardless, you probably won’t remember much of the procedure when it’s over. The sedative’s effect can last for up to 24 hours after you take it, so you’ll need someone to pick you up and stay with you until the medicine is completely worn off.