At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we are committed to patient comfort. Dr. Matthew Bridges takes as much time with each patient as needed so that you will never feel rushed or pressured into treatment. Furthermore, we offer nitrous oxide sedation so that even the most fearful patients can receive the treatment they need. 

With our gentle and personalized care, you don’t have to suffer from fear of dentists. Contact our Duncan, OK, office to learn more about how we treat dental anxiety or to book your first appointment. 

Dental Anxiety and Phobia: What You Should Know

Dental anxiety causes mild to moderate fear of dentists, and it is common, affecting an estimated 36% of the population. Anxious patients may suffer from a racing heartbeat, sweating, insomnia the night before an appointment, and spinning thoughts. 

Dental phobia is characterized by an extreme fear of dentists, and it affects about 12% of the population. Patients with dental phobia may experience panic attacks. Many delay treatment altogether. This can have drastic effects for their oral health, such as gum disease and widespread tooth loss. Neglecting dental care can also have serious consequences for their general wellness, since gum disease has been linked to poor cardiovascular health.

Patient Comfort Is Our Top Priority

Dr. Bridges and his team have a true heart for service and for providing outstanding care to anxious patients. We know that dental anxiety is not something that you can fully control. That is why we do everything possible to make you feel comfortable and at home in our office. We take the time to listen to your concerns, thoroughly explain your treatment options, and answer all your questions.

And, of course, Dr. Bridges’ gentle touch will ensure comfortable treatment with minimal discomfort. 

Nitrous Oxide for Anxiety Relief

We know that many patients will need something more to help them overcome their anxiety. That is why we offer nitrous oxide, more commonly called laughing gas. Administered through a facial mask, nitrous oxide causes feelings of deep relaxation and even mild euphoria. Varying levels of sedation can be achieved, depending on your needs.

Reassuring Facts about Nitrous Oxide

Some anxious patients also feel a bit nervous at the thought of sedation. If you are among them, the following facts may set your mind at ease: 

• Nitrous oxide has an established safety record, having been used by doctors and dentists since the mid-19th century.
• Nitrous oxide wears off quickly. Though you will likely need a ride home from your appointment, you should be able to resume most of your normal activities the same day.
• Nitrous oxide distribution has at least 12 visual and auditory safety features to reduce the already low risk of complications during administration.

Overcome Your Fear of Dentists at Chisholm Trail Smile Center

Even if you have been afraid of dentists since childhood, we can help you overcome your lifelong anxiety. 

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center online or call us at 580-255-4880.

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What is dental sedation?

Dental sedation is the act of administering a sedative to a patient so that she is calmed during the procedure. Laughing gas is one of the most common methods employed by dentists to calm patients’ nerves. 

Nitrous oxide, the clinical name for laughing gas, is safe and effective. It is administered via a mask or nosepiece. Patients who use nitrous oxide remain conscious during their procedure. They are aware of their surroundings and are still able to interact with their dentist, but feel very calm and relaxed.

Additional Benefits of Nitrous Oxide

1. Easy administration. Nitrous oxide does not require an injection or sedatives administered intravenously. Patients breathe the gas into the lungs as they normally do, and within minutes the effects are felt. Just as beneficially, because it is a gas, the effects wear off soon after the mask is taken off.

2. Proven. Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry and broader medicine for not just decades, but centuries! It was invented by Joseph Priestly, an English chemist, in 1792. It is still among the most commonly used sedatives today, hundreds of years later.

3. Safe. Nitrous oxide works quickly and a dental professional can raise or decrease the duration of the sedation quickly. It is safe for the brain, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. It can also be used for young and old patients alike, as well as the disabled.

Is there anyone who should not use nitrous oxide?

While nitrous oxide is widely considered a safe sedative, some patients should avoid its use. These include individuals who:

• Are in their first trimester of pregnancy
• Have a history of respiratory illnesses
• Have a history of B-12 deficiency
• Have an alcohol or drug abuse problem
• Have a history of mental conditions

Be sure to inform your general dentist if you have these or any other conditions that may cause conflict with the administration of nitrous oxide.

Is nitrous oxide safe for kids?

Yes. Nitrous oxide is safe for kids of all ages, and it can help calm and relax a child during a dental procedure. Side effects of nitrous oxide in children include vomiting, sweating, and dizziness. However, these side effects are uncommon, generally mild, and go away quickly after the gas wears off.

The dentist should review your child’s health history to confirm that nitrous oxide is right for her.

Dentist With Sedation in Duncan, OK

Don’t put off dental care for another day for fear of pain or discomfort during the procedure. Dr. Bridges offers dental sedation to make you feel as comfortable as can be during your dental procedure. Call (580) 255-4880 or make an appointment online today to schedule your free one-on-one consultation.

The post The Benefits of Seeing a Dentist with Sedation appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

We have a heart for fearful patients at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, which is located near Rush Springs, OK. Dr. Matthew L. Bridges wants his patients to know that visiting the dentist does not have to be a stressful or uncomfortable experience. That’s why we strive to create an environment that’s peaceful and inviting. We also offer sedation dentistry.

How Can Nitrous Oxide Address Dental Phobia?

In the United States, around 20 percent of adults experience dental phobia. Many of these patients can benefit from undergoing nitrous oxide sedation. Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that quickly wears off and has little to no side effects. The gas mixture is commonly used and has a long and safe track record. Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask that feeds a stream of nitrous oxide and oxygen to your nose while you undergo a dental procedure. 

Dr. Bridges is trained in how to administer and monitor the gas to ensure that you always receive an adequate and safe dose. Nitrous oxide acts quickly once it is administered. The gas enters the lungs before it is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, it interacts with the central nervous system and brain. Patients who are under the effects of nitrous oxide report feeling:

• Peaceful
• Euphoric
• Like they are floating
• Light tingling in the extremities
• Very relaxed

Shortly after the gas mixture is turned off, patients will regain full use of their senses and mental faculties. Nitrous oxide is one of the few sedation options that allow you to drive yourself home afterward.

Most patients are candidates for this mild form of sedation. Certain medications and conditions (such as emphysema) can disqualify candidacy for nitrous oxide. Pregnant women should not use this form of sedation. During your consultation with Dr. Bridges, your candidacy for sedation will be established. In general, good candidates have:

• A low threshold for pain
• A history of fidgeting when seated
• A bad gag reflex that disqualifies pill-based sedation
• A lengthy number of dental procedures to be performed
• Sensitive teeth
• Traumatic past dental experiences

Work with a Sedation Dentist in Rush Springs

Nitrous oxide is considered safe and effective by the American Dental Association and other dental care groups. If you have been putting off important dental treatments due to dental phobia, we welcome you to discuss the benefits of nitrous oxide sedation at our dental office, which serves Rush Springs, OK. 

Dr. Bridges is known for his calm and kind chairside manner. If you experience dental phobia, do not hesitate to tell Dr. Bridges or one of our trusted staff members. After just a few simple questions, Dr. Bridges can determine if you are a good candidate for sedation. To schedule an appointment in the 73533 area, contact our office online or call us at (580) 255-4880.

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