Sedation Dentistry Goodyear

Feel At-Ease in the Dental Chair

If you’re anxious, scared, or nervous at the thought of visiting the dentist’s office, our team at Goodyear Family Dentistry has you covered. We offer safe sedation dentistry methods that allow you to relax and get comfortable when you visit us for a checkup and cleaning or treatment. Whether you suffer from more mild dental fear or severe anxiety, we have multiple options for sedation dentistry in our Goodyear, AZ dental office that can help you. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team.

Why Choose Goodyear Family Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?

  • Fast-Acting Nitrous Oxide Sedation
  • We Accept Dental Insurance
  • Friendly & Understanding Dental Staff

Oral Conscious Dental Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is a great option for patients who suffer from moderate to severe dental anxiety. Before your appointment, we’ll prescribe a pill for you to take at home. That way, by the time you arrive to our dental office, you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable. Because the effects last awhile and will begin to kick-in before your appointment, you’ll need to have a trusted friend or family member drop you off and pick you up from our dental office.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

If you struggle with dental-related anxiety or the sights and sounds of the dental office put you on edge, then you know all too well how difficult it can be to schedule even routine checkups. Fortunately, there’s a solution: nitrous oxide. This calming solution can effectively alleviate stress, worry, and nerves, and the effects set in within a matter of minutes. If you are interested in learning more about this type of dental sedation, including if you are a candidate, get in touch with us to schedule an appointment or read on!

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Dentist talking to patient at appointment

Since nitrous oxide is mild, it’s suitable for the vast majority of patients. So, if you need help relaxing in the treatment chair – whether it’s for a routine checkup or multiple tooth extractions – this could be the solution you’ve been looking for! At your appointment, we will get to know a little more about you, including any medications you’re taking or any conditions you have. From there, we can determine if nitrous oxide is ideal for you and, if it is, add it to your treatment plan.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work? 

Patient receiving nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is administered in-office. Once you’re in the treatment chair, we’ll place a small nose mask on your face, make sure it sits comfortably, and ask you to breathe in through your nose. After a few minutes of breathing in the colorless, odorless gas, you’ll feel a wave of euphoria wash over your body, helping you feel calm and alleviating any anxiety or stress you were feeling in the process. Although you won’t be asleep, you may feel so relaxed that you doze off. Don’t worry – we can allow you to rest while we work or gently wake you, if needed.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

Man smiling at dentist while holding small mirror

Once your treatment is complete, we’ll let you know and remove the mask. One of the best parts of nitrous oxide is that there aren’t any lingering effects, like grogginess and drowsiness. Instead, you’ll feel back to your normal self within a few minutes. Then, you can continue on with your day as you normally would! The only thing you’ll need to keep in mind is any aftercare instructions specific to the treatment you received. For example, if you received a root canal, you should rinse periodically with warm saltwater, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and take OTC pain medication as directed.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Absolutely! Sedation dentistry in Goodyear is completely safe so long as it’s performed by a trained and licensed professional. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that not every method is right for every individual.

During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history and current medications to figure out if there could be any negative interactions with our sedation options. Our team will also closely monitor your vitals (i.e., blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, etc.) at all times throughout your procedure to ensure you’re safe.

Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?

While you’re technically awake with most forms of dental sedation, there’s a good chance you won’t remember much of your procedure. If you opt for IV sedation, you’re more likely to forget your appointment than with oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. However, this amnesic effect is a perk for most patients. It makes getting dental care much easier because you’re unlikely to remember any negative past dental experiences.

Will I Feel Any Pain with Dental Sedation?

You shouldn’t! Even though oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide sedation keep you awake, they suppress your body’s ability to register pain. If you do happen to experience any discomfort, you’ll likely feel pressure instead of pain. In addition, your dentist may numb your mouth beforehand with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout your procedure.

How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?

It depends on the type of sedation you’re receiving! With nitrous oxide sedation, the effects should wear off within five minutes once you stop inhaling the gas. You should be able to drive yourself back home or to work afterward without feeling drowsy. If you choose oral conscious sedation, the effects may remain active for the rest of the day. You’ll be asked to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours following your procedure.