Relaxation dentistry.

Say ahhhhhhhhhhh.

Anxious about going to the dentist—and not because you’re eager to go? You’re not alone. Some people experience anxiety and its accompanying sweaty hands, racing heart, profuse perspiration, jitters, feeling of near hyperventilation when contemplating a visit to the dentist. Relax. At Awbrey Dental Group we offer a care, compassion and solutions for dental anxiety. After all, we believe in treating you first and your mouth second.

Nitrous Oxide

Dental anxiety is no laughing matter. But “Laughing Gas” or Nitrous Oxide or is one of the safest forms of sedation and can take the anxiety out of most routine dental procedures, including cleanings. Non-allergenic and non-irritating, most people feel the onset within minutes, and the effects are completely reversed within about 5 minutes of gas termination. This complete reversal allows you to safely drive home or go to work right after your appointment.

Almost anyone can have nitrous oxide treatment. We can vary the depth of sedation depending on your level of anxiety. The gas also tends to reduce gag reflexes and saliva flow. Most importantly, you will bask in a feeling of relaxation as we care for you.
The gas is administered through a simple rubber hood that rests on your nose providing a feeling of numbness, security, and warmth. (If you are claustrophobic, this might not be the right treatment of choice for you.) At or near the end of your treatment, we’ll give you with 100% oxygen so you will feel 100% normal within 5 to 10 minutes.

Oral Sedation

Oral Sedation or Sleep Dentistry use the oldest of all routes of drug administration: the mouth. Safe, economical and convenient, oral sedation can deliver a deeper relaxation state than nitrous and provides some amnesic effects. If you suffer more from the thought of coming in than actually being here, this may be the treatment of choice for you. After an initial consultation to determine if you need anxiety relief or if you simply need an extensive treatment in a single visit, we’ll take your baseline vital signs and write a prescription. Halcion (Triazolam) will be taken about an hour before your dental appointment, so you will be relaxed before you start. Although awake, you will feel relaxed and drowsy. During your treatment, we will monitor your pulse, oxygen saturation rate and your blood pressure with state-of-the-art patient monitors. We never leave your side. The same medication can also be given to you the night before to help you sleep.

IV or Deep Sedation

If you want to be “out” during your treatment, we have the perfect in: Deep sedation. We work with anesthesiologists at St. Charles Medical Center for those who want to be completely disconnected between the dental care that is being provided and their level of consciousness. We reserve this level of sedation only for patients who cannot achieve the level of sedation they desire with nitrous oxide or Halcion, or for those patients with extreme anxiety.

Don’t let anxiety prevent you from getting dental care—or from the healthy, confident smile you’ve always wanted. Come in and let’s decide together how we can conquer your anxiety. If you would like a first appointment to simply talk about your anxieties and fears, no worries. We will do so without a dental exam. So you can feel better already.