Gummy Smile? You Don't Have to Live with It

For many people, going to the dentist is a scary experience. They might have a fear of the dentist, or they may have had a bad experience at the dentist's office that causes them to avoid going. If you are putting off getting your dental work done because of fear of the dentist, you should know that there are different things that the dentist can do to help you feel more comfortable. Here are some things you should know about the options available to you.

1. Nitrous Oxide

One of the most common ways to help people relax at the dentist is to administer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. Laughing gas is a quick working gas that helps to relax the body and make you feel happy. It is a way to help someone feel less nervous, and is great because the moment you remove the gas, it leaves the system, so it doesn't stay in the body long enough to create a lasting effect. The individual can drive himself or herself home, and shouldn't have any lasting effects from the gas. Laughing gas is something that is at pretty much every dentist, which means you don't generally need to plan ahead. When you get there, just tell the dentist you would like laughing gas during the procedure.

2. Valium

Another option is to take some valium before the procedure. Valium is a fast acting anti-anxiety medication. Some people take it while they are flying, if they are undergoing a major event that is known to cause panic attacks, and for things like dental work. Usually the dentist will give you the valium before the day of the dental work and have you take it before you come. The valium doesn't always work within minutes, so taking it before you come will help it to be in full force when they are ready to work.

3. Sedation

The last option is to become sedated during the procedure. You can actually be put into a light sleep during all of the dental work so that you don't remember any of the dental work. It is not like general anesthesia, so you don't wake up groggy, instead it is a mild sedative that will only put you into a light sleep for the desired amount of time, and then after you wake you should be able to get it out your system quickly, and depending on your circumstances might even be able to drive yourself home.

By understanding the different options available to you, you can choose what is right for you. For more information, contact a professional clinic such as A Q Denture Services.