You know you need to go. You know you should go.

But that doesn’t make it any easier.

Giving a speech? Going to the gym?

It’s neither. We are talking about getting professional dental care. For people with dental anxiety, this can be much more difficult than many people realize.

But we understand it at Butte Family Dental. Whether you are the person who gets nervous about sitting in a dentist chair or someone you care about has a hard time getting a dental cleaning, we want to help.

If you live in or near Butte, MT, our team wants to change your perception of what dental care can be. One of the ways we can do that is through sedation dentistry.

We will be explaining what dental sedation is and how it could help you or someone you love below. If you have questions, please feel free to call us 406-565-4458 or to contact us online.

Your Comfort Is One Of Our Top Priorities

As dental professionals, we want everyone to have the healthiest mouth possible. It’s easier to do this if we can see you a few times each year for cleanings and exams.

And we know it is easier for patients to visit our office when they feel comfortable spending time with us.

Our compassionate staff will do everything that we can to help you relax while you are here. We also have private rooms for our patients, so you won’t have to feel self-conscious if you do become anxious.

At the same time, we know that being caring and compassionate can only do so much.

Dental anxiety can develop for a variety of reasons. You may have had a bad experience with a dentist when you were younger. You may be fearful that your dental care will be painful or that you might gag.

Sedation dentistry can help you manage those feelings so you can get the cleanings or other treatments that you need.

We Offer Three Levels Of Sedation

Every patient is different. One person may have moderate anxiety, while the next patient has severe anxiety. Another patient may be perfectly at ease getting a cleaning but feel nervous when he learns that he or she needs a root canal.

The good news is that dental sedation can help all of them get the care they need. All forms of sedation dentistry will help you relax, prevent you from feeling pain, and prevent you from gagging. Many patients don’t remember anything about their dental care when they are sedated, and we’ve been told that this is actually the best part of sedation for some of them.

If you choose to receive dental sedation, we can discuss your options in greater detail so you can select the right one for you. Until then, here is a brief overview of the kinds of sedation you will find at our office in Butte, MT:

◼ Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

Nitrous oxide is a great option for many patients with mild or moderate dental anxiety. This is a fast-acting option that also wears off quickly when your treatment is over. With nitrous oxide, you inhale the gas and start to feel euphoric and calm in a matter of minutes.

◼ Oral sedation

Oral sedation is a good option for patients with moderate to severe anxiety. This is as simple as taking a single dose of medication prior to your appointment. This is slower to take effect, but those effects last much longer. As a result, you must arrange for someone else to drive you to and from your appointment if you receive oral sedation.

◼ IV Sedation

This is the strongest form of sedation that we offer. In general, this is for patients undergoing longer procedures or with severe dental anxiety. Few dentist offices have completed the training to be able to offer this option, but we have.

Like nitrous oxide, IV sedation takes effect quickly and can be adjusted during your treatment. Like oral sedation, its effects are strong and may last for hours after your treatment is over. So again, you must arrange for someone else to take you home if you receive IV sedation.

Contact Us To Learn More

Dental anxiety is not going to go away in a single visit to any dentist office. You will need to be patient with yourself. With each visit, it can become a little easier.

And our team at Butte Family Dental will be here to support you during each step on your journey. To learn more about us and our approach to anxious patients, call 406-565-4458 or contact us online.