Many patients struggle with feelings of fear and anxiety surrounding the dental office. In some cases, these negative emotions can even develop into an outright phobia, leading to skipped appointments and worsening oral health problems. At Kirlough Family Dental, your comfort and safety are always our top priorities. If our team’s gentle and friendly demeanor isn’t enough to help you feel at ease, sedation dentistry is available as an effective backup that can make your care experience truly relaxing from beginning to end. Interested in learning more? Contact our Middleburg Heights, OH dental office today.
Oral conscious sedation comes in the form of prescribed medication. Patients will be directed to take it at a certain point before their appointment begins, and they should feel deeply relaxed by the time they arrive here at Kirlough Family Dentistry. While you will remain capable of responding to our team while under the effects of oral conscious sedation, the effect is strong enough that most patients have very little memory of their visit after they’ve recovered. When using oral conscious sedation, please plan to have an escort drive you to and from the dental office.
Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) is a mild form of sedation that’s safe for patients of all ages to use while in the treatment chair. The process is simple – we’ll place a nasal mask and start administering the gas (mixed with oxygen) directly to the patient. After a few minutes, they should feel calmer and more content while remaining fully aware of Dr. Kirlough and our team’s actions. One of the most attractive benefits of nitrous oxide is that the effects wear off very quickly after treatment is complete, which means busy patients can return to work and even drive themselves without the need for inconvenient downtime.