Sedation Dentistry
Among the most common phobias, dental anxiety can range from mild trepidation to outright terror. Millions of people avoid dental visits every year because of fear, anxiety, or time constraints. Dr. Dougherty has been studying and practicing sedation dentistry for 15 years. This modern miracle will relieve your tension, so you can get the dental care you need—and deserve.
Sedation dentistry is perfect for patients who:
- Are afraid, nervous, or embarrassed
- Have trouble getting numb
- Need several treatments in one visit
- Dislike the sights, sounds, and smells of a dental office
- Have jaw, neck, back, or shoulder pain
- Are claustrophobic
- Gag easily
Sedation dentistry can accommodate unique needs, and we offer different levels of sedation. Dr. Dougherty will evaluate your medical history and discuss your goals and concerns before recommending the level of sedation that’s right for you.
Mild sedation involves a calm-inducing gas called nitrous oxide or laughing gas. Patients inhale nitrous oxide through a small nose mask. The effects of nitrous oxide are felt immediately and subside once the mask is removed. The gas promotes an overall sense of euphoria and calm.
Moderate sedation, or oral conscious sedation, involves an oral sedative that the patient takes on the day of their appointment. Oral conscious sedation will make you feel very tired, although you will still be able to respond to Dr. Dougherty’s questions. With oral conscious sedation, hours will feel like minutes, and you will probably have little memory of the actual procedure. Dr. Dougherty is certified in oral conscious sedation by the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation.
IV sedation is often called sleep dentistry, because patients can literally wake up with a new smile. Dr. Dougherty has more control over the level of sedation you receive with IV sedation. You may feel extremely relaxed, drowsy, or you may fall asleep completely. Sleep dentistry is available for all procedures, and if you are particularly anxious, it is the perfect choice. Sleep dentistry makes it possible for patients to have several treatments done in a short time frame. Dr. Dougherty will carefully evaluate your medical records and monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety during IV sedation.
Dr. Dougherty will guide you through the sedation dentistry process, answering all of your questions and telling you what to expect. If you’d like to learn more about nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, don’t hesitate to call our Ocean City, MD dental office. We’re happy to explain the details of our treatment options. You can also visit our patient library for external links and health articles related to sedation dentistry.
Delmarva Sedation Dentistry – The Shore Choice
Take the first step toward health and wellness, call our West Ocean City dental office and reserve your appointment with Dr. Edward T. Dougherty. Delmarva Sedation Dentistry serves the entire Delmarva peninsula including, Bethany Beach, Selbyville, Rehobeth, Fenwick, Ocean Pines, Salisbury, and Berlin with gentle, holistic care for smiles that last a lifetime.