Stay Stress-Free with Sedation Dentistry in Philadelphia, PA

Sedation dentistry in Philadelphia, PA, represents an excellent choice for many patients who feel nervous or anxious about getting dental work. Sedation dentistry helps you feel calmed and more relaxed throughout treatment from the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence.

You can contact us at 215-969-4400 to discuss your sedation and oral healthcare treatments options.

Situations That Call for Sedation Dentistry

Dr. Christine Han, the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence owner, understands that dental care makes some people feel nervous. Perhaps the smells or sounds associated with dental work make you uncomfortable. 

Other patients may experience panic attacks or different psychological severe reactions to the thought of dental care. Fear causes many patients to neglect their oral health, leading to severe cavities or gum disease issues.

We support your choice to use sedation during a dental procedure in any of these situations. Sedation can make you feel comfortable throughout the oral healthcare process. Discuss your concerns with us today, so we can make a plan to care for you. 

We Offer Options for Patients of All Ages

Some patients worry that sedation dentistry in Philadelphia, PA, will not work for them. Therefore, we carefully monitor all of our patients during the sedation process, making it safe for many clients. In general, sedation therapy works for juvenile and adult patients.

However, we go over your medical history and concerns before using any form of sedation. In addition, if you have questions about how the sedation may interact with other medications you take, we’re happy to review your unique medical situation. 

Your Sedation Therapy Options in Philadelphia

Our team offers patients three types of sedation. We want you to feel comfortable with the sedation option that you choose, so consider the following choices before your appointment. 

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Many patients select nitrous oxide as a sedation option. Medical professionals also call nitrous oxide ‘laughing gas.’ During this therapy, you inhale the gas through a mask. We can control the amount of nitrous oxide you receive.

Some patients only want enough nitrous oxide to feel calm, while others wish to be unconscious during the procedure. Regardless of how much nitrous oxide you inhale, most patients recover quickly after a procedure. 

Medical professionals recommend nitrous oxide for adults as well as children. 

Oral Conscious Sedation

Some patients prefer oral conscious sedation. This form of sedation requires you to take a small pill before you come in for your appointment. The medication helps you remain calm and relaxed but does not make you unconscious. 

IV Sedation

Finally, you have the option to consider IV sedation. IV therapy works very quickly but requires an injection directly into your veins. This treatment puts you in a deeper state of unconsciousness. We often recommend it for patients who need:

• Dental implant procedures 
• Tooth extractions
• Wisdom teeth removal 

We can help you review all your options when you contact us for sedation dentistry in Philadelphia, PA.

Possible Side-Effects of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry generally comes with several side effects. These effects vary based on the kind of sedation therapy that you select, but many patients report feelings of:

• Grogginess
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness

Due to these side effects, we recommend that you bring someone else with you to any appointment involving sedation. In addition, it can be dangerous to drive after IV sedation, nitrous oxide use, or oral sedation. 

Some patients recover from sedation more quickly than others. Even if you believe that you’ll recover soon, it’s a good idea to have someone else drive you home. Many patients experience symptoms for several hours. 

Sedation Therapy and the Gag Reflex

Many patients select sedation therapy even if they do not experience anxiety about dental procedures. Sedation often works for patients who have sensitive gag reflexes since the sedation process numbs this reflex.

Dentists and hygienists must place their hands in your mouth during dental procedures. However, this process may irritate your gag reflex, leading to discomfort during your appointment. Fortunately, we provide you with options in this situation. 

Please find out more by contacting our team members to get professional accommodations. 

Set Up an Appointment with Sedation Dentistry in Philadelphia

Sedation dentistry in Philadelphia, PA, can increase your comfort during oral health care procedures. We offer a range of sedation options that negate your anxiety. Discuss all of your options with the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence team. 

Call us at 215-969-4400 to get answers to your dental questions today!