Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies

It’s rare to get excited about going to the dentist, but for most of us, it’s bearable. Some people, however, get too anxious about a dental appointment, and it can interfere with their oral health. If you’re anxious or fearful about going to the dentist, have you ever considered sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry helps people feel more comfortable at the dentist. If you choose this option, the dentist will give you some medication to help you relax. In most cases, you’re still awake and aware during the procedure, though you may not remember details after the appointment.

There are different types of sedation available.

  • Inhaled minimal sedation: Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is administered through a mask over your nose. This helps you relax and wears off quickly enough that you may even be able to drive yourself home after your procedure.
  • Oral sedation: This can be minimal or moderate, administered through a pill. In minimal sedation, the pill will make you drowsy but you’ll still be awake. For moderate sedation, the dose of medication will be larger, and can make some people groggy enough to fall asleep.
  • IV moderate sedation: The sedative is administered through a vein, working quickly. With this type of sedation, the dentist can adjust the level of sedation as necessary.
  • Deep sedation: Also known as general anesthesia, this type of sedation uses medication that will make you unconscious or almost unconscious for the procedure.

How do you know if you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry? There are several different issues that can be a factor:

  • Going to the dentist makes you very anxious
  • You find dental work very painful
  • The smells and sounds of the dentist’s office bother you or make you gag
  • You want to be sedated but awake
  • Your procedure is going to take a long time

You might wonder, is sedation dentistry safe? There’s always a risk with anesthesia, but if your dentist is experienced and well-qualified, sedation dentistry is generally safe. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your medical history, and which type of sedation is appropriate for your age and health.

At Belmont Dental Group, our team of dentists provides personalized and gentle dental care, backed up by more than 25 years of experience. We believe in open, honest communication, and encourage our patients to ask questions and learn all they can about different treatment options and make informed decisions. Our practice covers all phases of dentistry from teeth cleaning to cosmetic dentistry to emergency care, and we’re committed to helping patients become partners in their own dental health. We always have your best interests in mind and will use our training and technology to benefit you and your family. If you’re looking for quality dental services and personalized care in an atmosphere of trust, call (617) 484-2431 or contact us through our website to learn more.