Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, TN
Are you currently dealing with any of the following?
- A high sense of anxiety regarding going to the dentist, including feelings of fear or outright terror, even just at the thought of receiving dental care
- Jaw discomfort that makes it difficult to keep your mouth open for long periods of time
- Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
- A heightened gag reflex
If you can answer yes to any of the above questions, then you may benefit from the sedation dentistry services in Greeneville offered at Tusculum Dental Care. We are able to offer relief to patients who suffer from any of the previously listed conditions by administering nitrous oxide throughout your visit.
What is nitrous oxide and how is it used in dentistry?
Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a chemical compound that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled via a mask that slips comfortably over the nose. Once inhaled, nitrous oxide produces a general calming effect. Under the effects of nitrous oxide, you will not go to sleep. Instead, you feel more relaxed and have a diminished awareness of your surroundings. Any fears or anxieties become eased. You retain your ability to communicate with those around you. After dental work is completed, the flow of the nitrous oxide is cut off and you breathe regular air, allowing you to feel yourself again.
Dental Phobia
Nitrous oxide is particularly helpful for patients who suffer from dental phobia. This condition refers to individuals who have a magnified sense of nervousness over a prospective visit to the dentist. Individuals who suffer from dental phobia avoid seeing the dentist at all costs. Ironically, this avoidance only worsens their oral health. Often, patients who suffer from dental phobia actually are in the greatest need of professional care for their oral health because of problems that have developed due to their neglect of regular visits to the dentist.
This condition is more common than you may think. According to an article on Colgate’s website, an estimated 9 to 15 percent of Americans abstain from visiting the dentist because of feelings of anxiety and fear. That represents approximately 30 to 40 million people.
Is nitrous oxide right for me?
Certain conditions prohibit a person from undergoing sedation.
These conditions include:
- Pregnancy
- An allergy to sedatives
- Central nervous system depression
- Glaucoma
- Resistance to medications
Nitrous oxide is proven safe and can be used on patients of various ages, but children often feel nausea as a side effect during or following the procedure. If you schedule a treatment at Tusculum Dental Care for your child that will involve nitrous oxide, take measures to make sure your child has as little food as possible before the appointment.
Sedation Dentistry in Greeneville
Nitrous oxide is just one of the ways that Tusculum Dental Care is committed to providing the highest level of care while maximizing comfort. To learn more about sedation dentistry or schedule a consultation, call (423) 639-7575.
Tusculum Dental Care is proud to serve patients in the areas of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee.