Get the Dental Care You Need in Your Comfort Zone
If you suffer from any degree of dental anxiety, you’re not alone. According to research, an estimated 50–80% of adults in the U.S. have some degree of dental anxiety, ranging from mild to severe. Whether you’re avoiding the dentist for dental anxiety or another reason, skipping professional cleanings can lead to bacteria growth, tartar buildup, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and eventual tooth loss.
At Authentic Dental of Willmar – Dentistry and Implants, we understand going to the dentist isn’t on your bucket list of fun activities! Rest assured, it’s our goal to provide the highest quality, gentle dental care with your ultimate comfort in mind—and even make it enjoyable. Whether you have an overactive gag reflex, a fear of needles, or a low pain threshold, minimal dental anesthesia in Willmar, MN, can make your dental experience far more pleasant than you anticipated.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?
If dental anxiety prevents you from getting the professional dental care you need, sedation dentistry in Willmar, MN, can be a game changer. We highly recommend minimal dental anesthesia if any of these issues apply to you:
- Any degree of dental anxiety or fear
- Low pain threshold
- Overly sensitive teeth or gag reflex
- Resistance to local numbing agents
- Require multiple complex treatments
- Undergoing multiple or complex treatments
- Trouble sitting through lengthy appointments
Our Calming Sedation Dentistry Options
Oral Sedation
This type of dental anesthesia is administered as a pill about 30–60 minutes before your procedure. Oral sedatives called benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Halcion, and Xanax) decrease activity in the parts of your brain that control fear and anxiety. You’ll feel highly relaxed and calm, enabling effective and comfortable treatment. Oral conscious sedation dentistry can trigger a form of temporary amnesia that will likely make you forget parts of or the entirety of your procedure. Due to lingering grogginess, someone must drive you to and from our office.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is the mildest type of dental anesthesia. It involves inhaling colorless and odorless nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a small mask that fits over your nose. You usually breathe and feel the relaxing effects of nitrous oxide within minutes. While you may feel lightheaded, tingly, or even a little giggly, the effects wear off quickly by breathing in pure oxygen. With little to no side effects, you can drive yourself home right after treatment and return to your daily routine.
Overcome Dental Fear with Sedation Dentistry
Sedation anesthesia near you in Willmar, MN, can positively change your smile and life. You’ll no longer feel the need to miss appointments and jeopardize your oral and overall health. Sedation dentistry also makes it easier for our team to perform more complex procedures that require lengthy time in the dental chair, such as full mouth dental implants. Soothing sedation can prevent an oral health problem from becoming a whole-body challenge!
