When someone needs a cavity filled, a tooth extracted or root canal treatment, numbing substances are applied to the gums to prevent discomfort. This local anesthetic is usually injected, which causes pain for a few moments until it takes effect. While receiving these types of Dental Services in Glendale AZ, the patient also may want some sedation if he or she is feeling unduly anxious.
Overwhelming Dental Anxiety
Many patients deal with anxiety about dental procedures, but for some it’s overwhelming. They may delay seeing a dentist far longer than they should because they’re afraid. Dental Services in Glendale AZ that offer options like nitrous oxide and oral sedation are appealing to these individuals.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide at a clinic such as Beyond Dental Care is commonly called laughing gas and is administered through a mask over the nose. The basic effect is to make the person feel like the dental procedure is of no concern. The patient can easily remove this mask whenever he or she wants to. Nitrous oxide wears off almost instantly when the mask is removed. Visit them to learn more about this particular clinic.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation may be taken in the form of a pill or liquid before the appointment. It normally doesn’t make the patient fall asleep, but it might if the person is sleep-deprived and needs some rest. Many people who don’t fall asleep in the dental chair say it seemed like they indeed were sleeping because they don’t even remember the procedure. Oral sedation has lingering effects, just as all oral tranquilizing medication does. The patient needs a ride home afterward because driving is inadvisable.
Lingering Effects of Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia can continue to keep the area of the mouth numb for several hours. The patient should be aware of that while planning the rest of the day. It might be a little difficult to speak without slurring words or to drink something without the risk of liquid dribbling from the side of the mouth. These usually aren’t big problems, but the person might find it a little embarrassing.
