Are You Afraid of the Dentist?
Many people suffer from dental fear and anxiety that may prevent them from visiting the dentist. If you rarely visit the dentist, this may result in poor oral health. When dental fear and anxiety start to affect the condition of your teeth, it may be time to find ways to manage it. Our dental care team understands how bad dental anxiety can be. We work with you to create a safe and calming atmosphere where our patients feel comfortable.
Our preventative dental care office is uniquely designed with patient comfort in mind. We have personal TVs located above each dental chair for viewing your favorite programs. Being distracted by entertainment can often help anxious and fearful patients feel more relaxed and able to tolerate their dental treatment.
Dr. Drew Shulman is highly trained in sedation dentistry and offers several types of sedation. He is one of few dentists in the Philadelphia area to be licensed and certified by the State of Pennsylvania to offer oral conscious sedation to patients. As an active member of the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation (DOCS), Dr. Shulman has taken over 125 hours of continuing education and training to ensure that your experience is safe, effective, and relaxing.
Sedation dentistry can be a stress-free way to maintain your oral health and improve your smile. Because this solution is virtually painless, it allows for dental work that could have been anxiety-inducing otherwise. Dr. Shulman offers nitrous oxide to his patients. The patient will inhale the gas through a small cannula which sits beneath the nose.
Nitrous oxide calms and relaxes patients and ensures that dental care is pain-free. The patient will inhale this through a breathing mask. It can take effect, and wear off, almost immediately. You will remain conscious and not feel groggy afterward.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Most prominently, patients who suffer from dental fear will benefit from sedation dentistry. It allows patients to remain calm enough for them to get the dental care they need. But they aren’t the only patients that can benefit from dental sedation.
If a patient suffers from a movement disorder or other condition, dental care can actually be dangerous for them. It’s difficult for dentists to perform the precise procedures they need to if they don’t know when you’re going to move. Sedation helps suppress these movements so that you can get dental care safely. It helps patients that have gag reflexes for the same reason.
Sedation is ideal for patients that have to get multiple dental procedures at one time. Often, this coincides with patients that suffer from dental anxiety. If their fear is bad enough to avoid coming to the dentist for regular checkups, it’s more likely that they’ll suffer from more severe conditions that develop. Treatment for these is more intensive and it means more time in the dental chair. Sedation helps the dentist get through the procedures quickly and efficiently.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
How long does it take for oral sedation to work?
Sedation can work for as little as 15 to 30 minutes or several hours for more extensive surgeries. The sedation procedure is completely safe and effective.
Can you drive after a sedation procedure?
The answer to this question depends on what type of sedation you receive. Some sedation dentistry procedures use nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Nitrous oxide gas tends to wear off quickly and is the only form of sedation where you can drive yourself home after the appointment.
If you were given conscious sedation, you will need to arrange for a ride home before you visit for your procedure. You may also want someone to pick up any children from school or daycare in case they need care before or after your appointment.
Please remember that if you are taking an anti-anxiety medication such as Valium or Xanax, then it will take several hours before they are completely out of your system and you are safe to drive.
Do you offer sedation for anxious children and teens?
Dr. Shulman works with all patients who experience dental anxiety on an individual basis. He will make sure each patient receives safe and effective dental care in a compassionate manner. We may offer young patients Nitrous Oxide, or “laughing gas” as needed to maintain or restore the health of their smile.
What effect does nitrous oxide have on the body?
Nitrous oxide slows down your brain and your body’s responses. You may feel euphoria, relaxation, and calmness. You may also feel a tingling sensation in your arms and legs.
If you have any further questions about this process, please don’t hesitate to ask us! If you want to address your dental health concerns in a safe and relaxing space, call Dr. Drew Shulman. Our professional team will work with you to restore your smile while ensuring your comfort and helping you overcome fear and anxiety. Regain your self confidence today and call us at (215) 372-1142 or request an appointment online.