Do you avoid the dentist because of your dental fear or anxiety? Do you need comfortable and pain-free dental care? Fortunately, Dr. Sahil Goyal provides dental sedation in Frederick, MD.
Along with Dr. Anshu Goyal, Dr. Sahil Goyal helps patients get the dental care they need without worry. Sedation methods allow anxious and fearful patients, and anyone who needs complex treatments, get the dental care they need. Frederick Center for Dentistry offers two forms of sedation dentistry in Frederick, MD.
Dr. Goyal works with patients on an individual basis. He will suggest the best type of dental sedation, ensuring both comfort and safety in his Frederick dental office. Continue reading to learn about our sedation methods and more.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?
If you’re unsure about sedation dentistry, talk to your dentist about it to review your worries and choices. Sedation can be a great general dentistry option for specific patients like:
People with Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is common. Many people feel nervous or fearful about going to the dentist; for some, this anxiety can be overwhelming. Whether it’s the sounds, smells, or the thought of pain, dental anxiety can make it hard to go for routine check-ups or treatments. Sedation dentistry can help calm these nerves, allowing patients to relax during their appointments. By making the experience more comfortable, sedation helps patients receive the dental care they need without fear.
People with a Strong Gag Reflex
Some people have a sensitive gag reflex, making it difficult to tolerate dental work, especially when tools are placed in the back of the mouth. This reflex can make routine procedures like cleanings or fillings uncomfortable or even impossible. Sedation dentistry can help by relaxing the muscles in the throat, making it easier for patients to undergo dental treatments without gagging. This helps reduce the stress and discomfort that comes with certain dental procedures.
People Who Need Extensive Dental Work
For patients who need a lot of dental work done in one visit—like multiple fillings, crowns, or even a root canal—sedation dentistry can be a lifesaver. Under sedation, patients can remain relaxed and comfortable while the dentist works on several areas of the mouth in one session. This is especially helpful for people who would otherwise need to return for multiple appointments. Sedation makes it easier to get more work done in less time, saving both time and stress.
People with Sensitive Teeth
Some people have extremely sensitive teeth, making even the simplest dental procedures painful. Teeth sensitivity can make cleanings, fillings, or other dental treatments feel unbearable. Sedation dentistry helps by reducing discomfort and allowing patients to undergo necessary treatments without the added pain from tooth sensitivity. By calming the nerves and numbing the area, sedation ensures patients receive the care they need without feeling pain.
People with Physical Disabilities
Sitting still for long periods during a dental appointment can be difficult for individuals with physical disabilities. Some may have trouble controlling their movements, making dental procedures challenging. Sedation dentistry can help by calming the patient and making it easier for the dentist to work without interruption. It also ensures that patients stay comfortable throughout the procedure, which is especially important for those with special needs.
People Who Have Difficulty Getting Numb
Some patients have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia, meaning that even though the dentist may apply numbing agents, they still feel pain during procedures. Sedation dentistry can help these patients by putting them into a deeper state of relaxation or sleep, ensuring they don’t feel anything during treatment. This is particularly useful for procedures that require more numbing, like tooth extractions or complex root canals.
Contact the Frederick Center for Dentistry if you have dental anxiety and need dental treatment. Our kind and caring team knows dental fear or anxiety can prevent patients from getting routine care. Our dental office is a judgment-free zone, so you will feel good after every visit.
Sedation Dentistry in Frederick, MD
We offer two methods of sedation to ensure that you are cozy and relaxed during dental treatments. Oral-conscious sedation and nitrous oxide are the two most popular and common forms of sedatives.
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe sedative that your dentist will deliver through a nasal mask. The gas takes effect quickly once you begins to breath it in. You may feel a sense of bliss or tingling in your fingers and toes.
During the entire procedure, we will monitor your vital signs for safety reasons. Once the treatment is complete, we will remove the mask and the effects will wear off quickly. This sedation method allows patients to remain fully conscious but relaxed and serene during their treatment.
Oral conscious sedation
You will take this type of sedation before the appointment, in the form of a pill. We will give you a prescription to fill before the appointment with instructions on how to take it. Because the effects will set in before the appointment, you will need a ride to the appointment. Once at the office, the dentist may adjust the dosage based on your level of sedation.
During treatment, you will remain awake and we will monitor your vitals. You will also experience a calming effect and may feel drowsy or tingling sensations. Oral sedation is painless. You will also need someone to drive you home from your appointment.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Read through our sedation dentistry frequently asked questions to learn more about how this option. We cover many topics to help you better understand how sedation in dentistry works and how it can help you.
How long do the effects of oral sedation last?
The effects of oral sedation will vary from patient to patient. It will depend on the type of medication we use and the patient’s metabolism. Also, the dosage for the patient will also determine how long the effects last.
While it can take 30 to 60 minutes for it to take effect, the sedative effects will last for several hours after the procedure. On average, oral sedation should last patients from two to eight hours.
Is sedation dentistry safe for all ages?
Before a dentist administers a sedation method, they will review the patients complete medical history. While sedation dentistry can be safe for all ages, it actually depends on the status of the patient’s health. Some people have certain conditions that may not allow them to use sedation methods for dental treatments.
Some oral sedation medications have age restrictions as well. Unless otherwise stated by your dentist, sedation is safe for most patients. We use it in a controlled environment by trained and certified dental professionals who administer it safely.
Does oral sedation put you to sleep?
The main goal of oral sedation is to keep the patient in a deep state of relaxation. This will allow to remain comfortable yet awake. The patient is able to speak with the dentist and staff the entire time if necessary.
However, in some cases, the oral sedation may cause the patient to fall asleep simply because they are so calm. The level of sedation a person experiences from oral sedation varies. Factors such as age, weight, overall health, dosage, and metabolism will affect sedation. Our dental team will closely monitor you to make sure you’re comfortable and medically stable during your dental treatment.
What are the side effects of sedation?
Most patients will not have any side effects of dental sedation. However, there are a few side effects that depend on the person’s age, weight, health status, and dosage. Some side effects from sedation treatment include:
- Drowsiness: The sedative may cause the patient to feel drowsy for several hours after their appointment.
- Low blood pressure and dizziness: Sedatives can lead to a decrease in blood flow. This will result in low blood pressure and make the patient feel dizzy.
- Dry mouth: Some sedatives will decrease saliva production thus leading to dry mouth.
- Headaches: These are common after the use of any type of sedation.
- Nausea: Some patient’s bodies simply may react to the sedation in this manner. However, nausea is temporary and will only last for a few hours.
Will I feel any pain if I use sedation dentistry?
In most cases, patients will not feel pain during their treatment while undergoing sedation dentistry. However, understand that you will be awake and able to feel pressure, pulling, and other movements. Also, after the appointment when the sedation wears off, you may begin to feel sore and swell from your treatment. You can take over-the-counter pain medication after the sedation wears off to alleviate discomfort or pain.
What patients need sedation dentistry?
Most patients who choose to use sedation dentistry suffer from some type of fear of the dentist or dental anxiety. However, there are other reasons to consider it. People with severe gag reflexes find going to the dentist a hard task. A sedation method will allow them to relax enough for the dentist to perform the treatments they need without gagging.
Patients who can’t sit still can use sedation dentistry to relax during their entire appointment. We also use sedation for patients who require major restorative dentistry work. Complex dental work can be painful and there is no reason to endure that pain if you do not have to.
Dr. Sahil Goyal is helping many patients get the dental care they need. Call 301-264-5680 or request an appointment with us to learn more. If you have questions about dental sedation, please reach out to us. Our goal is to help each patient achieve the best oral health and receive all the dental services they need.