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Sedation Dentistry – West Seneca, NY

A Calm, Positive Visit Awaits

Patient relaxing after sedation dentistry visit

Does the sound of dental tools make you nervous? Do you feel anxious when you think about visiting the dentist? You are definitely not alone. It is estimated that between 9 and 20 percent of Americans do not go to the dentist regularly because of fear, but doing so puts your smile at a higher risk of infection and decay. At Applegate Dental, we provide sedation dentistry in West Seneca, NY to make your dental experience more positive and help you get the dental care you need to stay healthy.

Why Choose Applegate Dental for Sedation Dentistry?

  • Various Options for Nervous Patients
  • Experienced and Empathetic Team
  • Inviting and Comfortable Dental Office

Oral Conscious Dental Sedation

Relaxed patient treated under oral conscious dental sedation

If you choose to have oral conscious sedation performed during your next treatment, you’ll be given a pill to take at a specific time before your visit. We ask that you arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Once the treatment begins, you’ll be in a highly relaxed state; you may not even remember the procedure itself afterwards. As the name implies, you will still be conscious, although you may be drowsy enough to drift off (at which point we can simply wake you up).

Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation

Man with nitrous oxide dental sedaiton mask in place

Nitrous oxide is generally perfect for patients with milder phobias or anxieties who want to be able to return to their normal routine right after their visit. A small mask will be placed over your nose so that you can breathe in the sedative during the procedure. We can adjust the sedation levels as needed depending on your needs. Once we’re done, you’ll be administered oxygen and should be ready to drive yourself home in just a few minutes.

Sedation Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about how sedation dentistry works or whether it’s right for you? You can always ask us whatever is on your mind when you call for an appointment, but in the meantime we encourage you to read below to see if you might find the answers that you’re looking for.

Why is visiting the dentist so important?

Many who struggle with dental anxiety think that they do not need to visit the dentist as long as they do not feel pain or experience unusual symptoms. Even then, sufferers can try to “tough it out” as long as possible before finally getting the treatment they need. Unfortunately, by that point, the problem may have already caused permanent damage and be so advanced that only invasive, and expensive, care can resolve it.

Coming to our West Seneca dental office at least twice every year for checkups and cleanings plays a critical role in making sure your smile stays healthy from harmful bacteria. These appointments allow us to proactively keep your teeth and gums protected, and if a problem does develop, we are able to treat it right away—before it causes you unnecessary pain or discomfort.

How can sedation dentistry help me overcome my dental anxiety?

Even knowing how important it is to visit the dentist, you may still have a very real fear of dental work. At Applegate Dental, we understand and want to help you feel more comfortable. That is why we offer oral conscious sedation. This effective solution allows you to stay awake and responsive, but it also takes away any anxiety or real awareness of what is happening. In fact, with oral conscious sedation, you may not remember details from your appointment at all. This method is particularly helpful for those who have moderate to severe dental anxiety or who are undergoing complex procedures.

How does oral conscious sedation work?

Unlike nitrous oxide or laughing gas, oral conscious sedation is not administered in our dental office. We will prescribe a pill that you must take before your appointment according to our instructions so that it can begin working before you arrive. You will need someone to transport you to and from our dental office because the effects of the oral sedation can interfere with your ability to drive safely. Although the medication does not put to sleep, you may become so relaxed that you fall asleep during your procedure. You should feel back to normal within a few hours after your appointment.

If you have dental anxiety, give our dental office a call. Our team can placate your fears and help you feel more comfortable. That way, your smile can stay healthy and happy for many years to come!

Schedule a Sedation Consultation Today