Do you feel anxious about going to the dentist? Do you feel heightened anxiety just sitting in the dentist’s chair? Fortunately, we offer sedation dentistry for our patients who need assistance relaxing during their dental treatments.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry at Hillsboro Dental Excellence
We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed during your appointment. At our office, we strive to create an atmosphere that promotes a pleasant experience. Dr. Skinner and our team are certified by the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation (DOCS), the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), and the Oregon Board of Dentistry to administer dental sedation safely.
Each team member is dedicated to our patient’s safety, comfort, and sedation dentistry care here in Hillsboro, Beaverton, and the Forest Grove area.
Dental sedation can:
- Help you relax during your appointment.
- Make your treatment run more smoothly.
- Help you relax and feel comfortable through treatments that may take a longer time than usual.
Okay, guys – here’s the deal. This is the best dental office I have ever been to. Every member of the staff is kind and incredibly helpful. Dr. Skinner is extremely talented, and you can tell he loves what he does for a living.
I have been a longtime skeptic of dentists and typically tried avoiding them as much as possible in years past. We all those years caught up with me and landed me in Dr. Skinner’s office – and I am very grateful that’s where I landed. He and his staff welcomed me with open arms and put me on a plan for my best dental health.
– Twyla Faye
Our goal is to ensure your comfort throughout your visit. Let us know how you feel, and we can recommend the best dental sedation option for you.
Dental Sedation Is Meant to Help You
We only use safe sedation methods for our patients. Dental sedation can help the following:
- Patients who start to feel stressed when they think about dentistry treatments.
- Patients who need several procedures at once or who need a treatment that takes more than an hour.
- Patients who start to feel anxious while visiting the dentist—especially once they are sitting in the room for treatment.
- Patients who have had previous negative experiences at a dentist’s office.
Our dental sedation options can also help people who have a strong gag reflex or patients who otherwise have a difficult time with dental treatment.
Skipping the Dentist’s Office Can Create Severe Problems Down the Road
We want you to have exceptional oral health! When you skip regular dental treatment out of fear or anxiety, you could unknowingly create problems down the road. Unattended tooth decay can cause infections or gum disease, both of which lead to permanent tooth loss or even oral cancer.
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What Types of Sedation Do You Offer?
We offer two types of sedation: Nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas sedation) and oral sedation.
What Is Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)?
Nitrous oxide is a popular option for many patients. It is a form of dental sedation that you simply breathe in during your appointment for a relaxing feeling.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) works greats for adults and children alike for two simple reasons:
- First, laughing gas starts working fast.
- Second, laughing gas only stays in your bloodstream as long as you breathe it into your lungs. Once we take the mask off, the gas wears off quickly.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, ask your dental team about laughing gas to help with your next treatment!
I had to do dental work on my front teeth. I was really nervous and was procrastinating on it for a while. Dr. Skinner and his team really helped me with my treatment. Dr. Skinner is highly professional and is an excellent dentist. The team listened to my concerns and did the best job that they possibly could. I highly recommend this dental clinic.
– Srujana Gattupalli
What Does Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Do?
Simply put, laughing gas relaxes your body and puts your mind in a happy and somewhat euphoric state. Because you breathe the sedative directly into your body, it takes effect almost immediately. You can relax for your treatment without waiting around for your anxiety to leave you.
What Does Laughing Gas Feel Like?
You’ll feel your body relax within seconds. Laughing gas has been a helpful tool during many dental treatments and allows our patients to relax and feel comfortable at the dentist, maintaining healthy and beautiful smiles.
Can You Still Feel Pain with Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)?
We use localized anesthesia to numb any pain, but laughing gas also dulls your senses, which can take away many negative sensations you might otherwise feel—making you feel much more comfortable during treatment.
Does Laughing Gas Make You Laugh?
Laughing gas was given its name because of the euphoric, care-free state that it puts your mind in. This sensation can cause giggling or giddiness.
Although many patients do start laughing, not all patients respond that way. Laughing depends on how your body reacts to the gas, and of course, the quality of any jokes told by your dental team.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
When you need a little extra help feeling relaxed or you need a more complicated treatment, we may recommend oral conscious sedation. Oral sedation is a pill that you chew that will help you feel comfortable and relaxed for an extended period of time.
You will be conscious during your appointment with oral sedation, but your body will feel relaxed and often sleepy. Our dentist will still be able to communicate with you to ensure you are feeling okay. You will need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment; you can’t drive safely by yourself.
Do I Need Oral Sedation Dentistry?
That depends on the treatment you need. Our dental clinic believes in using sedation only when necessary. However, we find that patients who need more than one treatment or who have extreme dental anxiety do well with oral sedation. So if you have anxiety or fear of the dentist, please make sure to let us know.
If you’ve been more resistant to the effects of laughing gas in the past, you may feel better under the stronger effects of oral conscious sedation instead.
How Can I Find Sedation Dentistry Near Me in Hillsboro, OR?
If you are looking for the assistance of oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to calm your nerves, let our expert dental team at Hillsboro Dental Excellence help! Dr. Skinner has experience with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and with other sedation medications.
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For Dental Treatment that Feels Like a Dream, Contact Our Office Today!
Don’t put off needed dental treatment out of fear or anxiety. Contact our office today at 503-648-6671 to find out how dental sedation can help you relax and get the treatment you need. We’re excited to meet you and show you how we can improve your smile!