Understanding Sedation DentistryFor many people, visiting the dentist is a stressful experience filled with anxiety and fear. Whether due to a past negative experience, a strong gag reflex, or general dental phobia, these concerns can prevent patients from seeking the care they need. Unfortunately, avoiding dental visits can lead to worsening oral health, more extensive treatments, and unnecessary discomfort. That’s where sedation dentistry comes in. At Family Dental Practice, we offer safe and effective sedation options, where clinically appropriate, to help patients feel calm and relaxed throughout their treatment.
At Family Dental Practice in Watertown, we offer conscious sedation options, meaning you remain awake but deeply relaxed during your treatment. Whether you have mild nervousness or severe dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can help you receive the care you need without fear.
Nitrous oxide is the lightest form of sedation, making it perfect for patients with mild anxiety. This odorless gas is inhaled through a mask and takes effect quickly, helping you feel relaxed and even a little giggly—hence the nickname “laughing gas.” One of the best parts? The effects wear off within minutes after breathing pure oxygen, meaning you can drive yourself home afterward. Family Dental Practice offers nitrous oxide as a complimentary option for patients aged 12 and under.
For those who need a deeper level of relaxation, oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication—usually a benzodiazepine—before your appointment. This medication helps ease anxiety and creates a calm, drowsy sensation while keeping you conscious enough to respond to verbal cues. Because oral sedation takes time to wear off, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
The strongest sedation option available in-office, IV sedation is administered through a vein for a fast-acting and highly effective calming effect. This method is ideal for patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing complex treatments. While you won’t be completely unconscious, you may not remember much of the procedure. We also recommend that someone stay with you for an hour or two after you return home to make sure you’re feeling well.
Dental anxiety prevents many people from seeking the care they need, leading to worsening oral health over time. Sedation dentistry is designed to help you relax during your appointment and overcome the fear that has been holding you back.
Sedation dentistry can help minimize discomfort, making it an excellent option for those with a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth, or difficulty sitting still for extended periods. It can help you feel at ease throughout your treatment, even during more complex procedures.
With sedation to help keep you comfortable, we can often complete multiple treatments in one visit, potentially reducing the number of appointments needed. This is particularly helpful for patients who need extensive dental work but prefer to minimize trips to the office.
At Family Dental Practice, we understand that every patient is different. Dr. Buchholtz and Dr. Garro take the time to listen to your concerns and customize your sedation plan to support a comfortable experience.
Our team has years of experience providing sedation dentistry, and we’re dedicated to making each visit as comfortable as possible. “We know that dental anxiety is real, and we’re here to change the way you feel about dentistry,” says Dr. Garro.
We use advanced dental technology and techniques to support safe and effective sedation. “You might not think of technology in regards to sedation, but technology allows us to administer sedation dentistry more carefully, safely, and precisely,” says Dr. Buchholtz.
You may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry if you:
Sedation dentistry is safe when administered by trained professionals. While side effects are minimal, you may experience drowsiness or slight dizziness after oral or IV sedation. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions.
Many of our patients have transformed their dental experiences with sedation dentistry:
“I can’t say enough good things about the team at Family Dental. I have severe dental anxiety and they take such good care of me and set up hand signals and get you blankets so you are completely comfortable. Dr Sarah is awesome and great at easing patients and their anxieties and does great work. They’re helping me get over my phobia of dental anxiety while providing affordable great care. The whole team at family dental is great. I wish I could give them 6 stars.” -Moshua J.
“I had a long procedure done with IV sedation, and it was the easiest dental visit I’ve ever had. I barely “Switching your dentist is not an easy thing to do especially when you have a fear of the dentist and you have an emergency situation! Thank you for calming my fears and giving me amazing care! You are definitely my new dentist!!” – Terrie B.
If dental anxiety has been holding you back, it’s time to take the first step toward overcoming it. Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your concerns and determine if sedation dentistry is right for you.
At your consultation, we will:
Don’t let fear stand in the way of a healthy smile. Call us today to schedule your consultation at Family Dental Practice in Watertown.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Dr. Will Buchholtz is dedicated to improving each patient’s overall dental health. He has a comprehensive approach to helping each patient using progressive treatment techniques in the most efficient ways. As he continues to advance his education and incorporating the latest dental innovation and techniques into his daily practice, Dr. Will improves the quality of his patient’s lives. He has completed extensive advanced training in bone grafting, sinus lifts and advanced implant techniques.
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