Have you had a bad experience at another dental office? Do you suffer from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist as a result? If so, we welcome you to visit TotallySmiles, your family dentist office that provides sedation dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD.
TotallySmiles is home to Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik, two of the most compassionate dentists you will ever meet. They treat each patient with kindness and respect and ensure they are comfortable in our dental chairs. We understand that visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-provoking experience, especially if you have had previous bad experiences or dental trauma.
For our most anxious patients, we are happy to provide sedation dentistry solutions to assist with keeping you relaxed while we perform your necessary dental procedures. We also offer The Wand®, a unique way to administer a local anesthetic continuously for maximum comfort.
Sedation Dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are experienced general dentists in Gaithersburg, MD. They are here to provide you with exceptional dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Building trust with our patients is always our priority.
We know that you will take better care of your smile and seek necessary dental treatments promptly when you feel confident about visiting the dentist. Patients should visit the dentist once every six months for optimal dental health. However, patients with dental anxiety will often skip their necessary preventative care appointments because of their fear of the dentist.
To combat dental anxiety, we provide sedation dentistry options to assist in keeping our patients calm and comfortable in the dental chair. Solutions like nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, are effective in keeping patients calm but also conscious and aware during dental procedures.
Sedation dentistry options can be included in almost any treatment plan, as long as your medical history permits. Solutions like laughing gas will keep you relaxed in the dental chair. They also wear off quickly post-procedure to ensure you can make it home safely.
Patients love sedation dentistry because it allows them to enjoy dental visits and forget about any previous bad experiences in the dental chair. Talk to our dentist during your upcoming appointment to learn if this treatment is right for you.
Who Benefits From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry helps people who feel anxious or uncomfortable during dental visits. Many patients avoid going to the dentist because they fear pain, loud noises, or even the thought of sitting in the dentist chair. Sedation allows them to relax, making dental care easier and less stressful.
People with dental anxiety or phobia benefit the most from sedation dentistry. Anxiety can make even routine cleanings feel overwhelming. Some patients have had bad experiences in the past, while others feel nervous for no clear reason. The dentist can complete the procedure with sedation while the patient stays relaxed and comfortable. This helps people get the care they need without fear.
Sedation also benefits those who need extensive dental work. If a patient requires multiple procedures, sitting in the chair for a long time can be exhausting. Sedation helps patients stay comfortable while the dentist works more efficiently. In many cases, it allows the dentist to complete more work in one visit, reducing the number of appointments needed.
People with strong gag reflexes find relief with sedation dentistry. A sensitive gag reflex makes it difficult for the dentist to work, leading to discomfort and interruptions. Sedation relaxes the body and reduces the urge to gag, making treatment easier for both the patient and the dentist.
Patients with special needs, such as those with autism or sensory issues, also benefit from sedation. Some people struggle with the sights, sounds, and sensations of a dental visit. Sedation helps them stay calm and still, allowing the dentist to provide proper care without causing distress. This is especially helpful for children or adults who may not understand the importance of dental treatment.
People with low pain tolerance or sensitive teeth may also choose sedation. Even minor dental work can feel painful for some patients. Sedation reduces discomfort, making procedures more manageable. It allows the dentist to work without causing stress or pain.
Sedation dentistry is also helpful for patients with medical conditions that make it hard to sit still. Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy can cause involuntary movements that interfere with treatment. Sedation helps keep patients still and safe during procedures.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Do you have more questions? Learn more about sedation dentistry in Gaithersburg, MD:
Is sedation safe?
Yes, dental sedation is safe when used by a trained professional. We offer laughing gas, a mild form of sedation that makes you feel calm but still awake. It also wears off quickly after the procedure.
Before treatment, we will take note of your medical history and allergies, as this can affect how your body responds to the sedation. We also control the amount of sedation you get. With nitrous oxide, we mix oxygen with the sedative. We gently add more oxygen to reduce the effects.
Our team will ensure you stay safe and feel comfortable during your dental treatment.
Will I be asleep under sedation?
No, you will not fall asleep but feel deeply relaxed. You will only fall asleep under general anesthesia. However, dentists and doctors only use anesthesia for the most complex procedures.
Can children get dental sedation?
Yes, we recommend laughing gas as a mild sedative for children. We provide the right amount of sedation for your child’s weight, size, and age. Our team can also control the amount of sedation your child gets during treatment.
Will I feel nauseous after laughing gas?
Most people feel fine after using laughing gas, but some might feel a little dizzy or lightheaded. Nausea isn’t very common, but it can happen to some people. If you feel nauseous, take small sips of water and sit or lie down with your head elevated.
Do I need someone to drive me home after sedation?
If you get oral or IV sedatives, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward. These types of sedation can make you feel sleepy, dizzy, or not fully alert, so it’s not safe to drive yourself. However, laughing gas wears off within minutes, so you should be okay to drive after the appointment.
Who isn’t a good candidate for nitrous oxide?
Some people aren’t good candidates for nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These include:
- Pregnant women: Nitrous oxide is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester.
- People with certain health conditions: If you have severe breathing problems, like asthma that isn’t well controlled, or certain heart conditions, nitrous oxide might not be safe for you.
- People with a vitamin B12 deficiency: Nitrous oxide can affect how your body uses vitamin B12, so if you have a deficiency, it might cause problems.
- People with a history of substance abuse: Sedation can be risky for people with a history of addiction.
- Those with claustrophobia: Some people feel uncomfortable wearing the mask if they have anxiety in tight spaces.
Before treatment, we will review your medical history and current physical and dental health problems. We will find the best way to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable during treatment.
Can sleep apnea affect sedation?
Yes, sleep apnea can affect sedation. Sleep apnea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. It can make it harder for you to breathe when you’re under IV or oral conscious sedation.
If you have sleep apnea, we may choose a lighter sedation, like laughing gas because it doesn’t interfere with your breathing. We might also want to monitor you more closely during the procedure.
Does insurance cover sedation?
Most insurance plans will not cover sedation if it’s just for comfort or to help you relax during a routine procedure. However, some insurance plans might cover sedation if medically necessary. Laughing gas is often covered more than other types of sedation.
Schedule An Appointment
Don’t let dental anxiety ruin your dental health. Instead, visit TotallySmiles and experience the difference that compassionate dentistry can have on you and your overall health. Schedule an appointment with our compassionate dentists online.
If you or a loved one have anxiety about dental care and have questions, please ask! We’re here to help. We look forward to seeing you soon.