Sedation Dentistry

Millions of Americans put off routine dental work because they suffer from fear and anxiety. Fortunately, sedation dentistry can help you relax and receive the treatment you need. At her practice in Tukwila, Washington, Addie Chang, DMD, a family dentist, and her team, take a patient-centric approach to treatment. They offer several types of sedation dentistry, ensuring your visit is comfortable and hassle-free. Make an appointment today by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature.

What are sedation and comfort, or sedation dentistry? 

At the practice of Addie Chang, DMD, sedation, and comfort refer to sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses prescription medication to help you relax during oral health care. 

You don’t need extensive dental work to benefit from sedation and comfort. The team at Addie Chang, DMD, offers treatment to people of all ages, ensuring anyone who needs it can benefit. 

Who can benefit from sedation and comfort?

At the practice of Addie Chang, DMD, the team uses sedation and comfort to help people who:

• Have low pain tolerance
• Can’t sit still for long periods
• Have very sensitive teeth
• Have a sensitive gag reflex

You might also benefit from sedation dentistry if you need to undergo oral surgery or another complex procedure.’

What are the types of sedation and comfort?

At the practice of Addie Chang, DMD, the team offers several types of sedation and comfort, including:

Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)

Nitrous oxide is an invisible gas that you inhale through a mask placed over your mouth and nose. When the nitrous oxide enters your body, it causes a feeling of intense happiness and relaxation. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, so you can drive yourself home after treatment.

Oral sedation

Oral sedation uses prescription medication, like Halcion, to help you relax during a dental visit. You take the pill about 45 minutes before your appointment so it has plenty of time to set in. Oral sedation takes several hours to wear off, so youl need a friend or family member to drive you  home. 

Do sedation and comfort cause you to fall asleep?

Some people refer to sedation and comfort as sleep dentistry, but that title isn’t entirely accurate. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation may cause you to feel drowsy or doze off, but you won’t lose consciousness. If your dentist needs to ask you a question or have you follow directions, they can gently nudge you awake at any time during the procedure.

Are sedation and comfort safe?

Sedation and comfort are safe and usually well-tolerated, but they can present risks. Make sure to let your dentist know if you have any underling health problems, like heart or kidney disease. These issues won’t prevent you from treatment, but they may increase the risk of complications, so it’s important the team’s aware.

To see if you’re a candidate for sedation and comfort, make an appointment at the practice of Addie Chang, DMD, by calling the office or booking online today.