Many people suffer from a fear of the dentist or dental anxiety. This can be debilitating enough to cause people to skip dentist appointments, leading to more complex dental issues. Dr. Drew Shulman, a dentist in Northeast Philadelphia, discusses why he offers sedation dentistry so he can provide care to those patients that suffer from dental fear.
Providing Patient Comfort
We want to make sure our patients are as comfortable as possible when they come in for treatment. This goes for patients without dental fear as well. Dr. Shulman and his team want to provide a space that you can relax while you’re getting dental procedures done.
This is why we offer personal TVs above every one of our dental chairs. We let you choose the programs you like so that you can keep your mind off of your dental treatment. Entertainment can be a quality distraction that keeps patients more relaxed as they’re getting their dental procedures.
In addition, our experienced dental team will explain anything you need. Many patients can relax more if they know exactly what to expect throughout the procedure. We can also utilize laser dentistry for certain procedures so that they can be quicker and quieter. Patients with dental fear tend to be set off by the sound of a drill or other equipment. Laser dentistry can eliminate the sounds to make the procedure go smoothly.
Nitrous Oxide for Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Shulman is proud to offer sedation dentistry for our patients that are struggling with severe dental anxiety. At our office, we use nitrous oxide, often known as laughing gas, for sedation. You simply inhale it through a small piece under the nose while your treatment is being performed.
Since nitrous oxide is extremely fast-acting, you can drive to and from your procedure on your own. This is the only form of sedation that allows you to do so. It takes effect as soon as you inhale it while wearing off within a couple of minutes of you no longer breathing it in. Since it’s so quick-acting, we can use it for procedures that only take 15 minutes or so, to more extensive ones that may take a few hours.
We can use nitrous oxide on patients of all ages. We often have younger patients that have dental fear or just have trouble sitting still for treatment in the chair. Nitrous oxide is a safe solution that can calm them down enough to ensure they get the dental care that they need.
Nitrous oxide works by slowing down both your brain and body’s responses. You’ll feel calm and relaxed, as well as euphoric at times. You may also feel tingling in your arms and legs. There’s a solid chance that you won’t remember parts or all of your treatment, and you may be relaxed enough that you fall asleep.
Overcoming Dental Fear at Your Dentist in Northeast Philadelphia
Dr. Shulman and the dental staff are here to make sure we can help you conquer that dental fear. Call us today or schedule an appointment online for a better, more relaxing, dental experience.