Nervous About Dental Sedation? This Will Help

At Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, in Butte, Montana, we love to see our patients. But we know the feeling isn’t always mutual. If you’re among the 30-40 million people who would rather not be in a dentist’s chair, our oral sedation services could help you get the dental care you need without anxiety.

We understand you probably have lots of questions about what’s involved with dental sedation, so we’ve created this helpful guide to keep you informed and put your nerves at ease. Read on to learn more.

What is dental sedation?

For many people, the idea of going to the dentist is terrifying. Oral sedation, or sedation dentistry, offers a way to help patients with fear or anxiety relax during their treatment so they can get the care they need.

With dental sedation, Dr. Wilcox uses medications to induce a relaxing, calming state before he begins your treatment. Sedation dentistry is a good option if you’re a patient with:

Dental anxiety
Fear of pain or injections
Mental or physical disabilities
Strong gag reflex
Fear of anesthesia and its side effects

It’s also a good option for an anxious child. Dental anxiety is quite common and isn’t something to hide. You can choose sedation dentistry for different types of visits, from routine cleanings to more complex procedures.

What can I expect with dental sedation?

At our practice, we offer different types of sedation medication. Dr. Wilcox works with you to determine which option is right based on your needs, your medical history, and the type of work you’re having done.

Here’s a look at the different types of oral sedation Dr. Wilcox offers:

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is an inhalant you breathe in through a nose mask. It keeps you calm and relaxed while undergoing treatment. There are no side effects, so you can drive home after your treatment.

Enteral sedation

With enteral sedation, Dr. Wilcox uses a combination of oral sedatives with nitrous oxide and local anesthetics to help you stay comfortable and relaxed without any pain.

IV sedation

IV sedation is a type of dental sedation that puts you to sleep and is reserved for patients with severe dental anxiety. With IV sedation, the medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream for an immediate, strong effect. Our team controls the amount of the sedative you receive, making necessary adjustments as we go.

In addition to the above medications, Dr. Wilcox may also sometimes prescribe an anti-anxiety pill, such as diazepam or temazepam, for you to take before your appointment.

Depending on which sedation option we use, you may need to arrange for a ride home from your appointment. Everyone responds to sedatives differently, and the medications could make you feel groggy for a few hours.

Don’t let dental anxiety negatively affect your oral health. Contact our Butte office for more information about dental sedation or to schedule an appointment.