919-381-5900 Many people struggle with anxiety related to going to the dentist. This can stem from a traumatic or painful childhood memory, feelings of vulnerability while reclined on the dentist’s chair, or discomfort with the physical proximity of the dentist during treatment. One way we work to provide each patient at Bull City Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Debora Bolton DDS with a comfortable, positive experience is by practicing sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during your dental procedure. It is not used to control pain like anesthetics are. Some sedatives can be quite powerful, though, causing patients to feel groggy or even fall asleep. But often a mild sedative is enough to help people feel calm. Dr. Debora Bolton may recommend using nitrous oxide during your procedure.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a safe and common sedative used in dentistry. It is inhaled through the nose during treatment, works quickly, and is eliminated from the body promptly after treatment. It is called laughing gas because some patients feel a sense of giddiness or euphoria. It can also heighten one’s pain threshold and even make time appear to pass quicker.
Notwithstanding its lightening effects, nitrous oxide does not affect your ability to communicate with Dr Debora Bolton during treatment. Patients remain totally conscious and retain natural reflexes. Effects wear off quickly enough for you to be able to drive yourself home.
Don’t let anxiety about dental treatment prevent you from having a healthy smile. Sedation dentistry can help you feel calmer and more relaxed at the dentist. To get more information about sedation or to make an appointment, call our Durham, NC, office at 919-381-5900.