If the thought of going to the dentist’s office stresses you out or makes you feel anxious, you aren’t alone—many people these days suffer from dental-related anxiety. However, it becomes a serious issue when these feelings prevent you from receiving the dental care you need. Luckily, there’s a way to experience dentistry without any of the nerves or anxiety, and Dr. Christel and our team here at Cochell Family Dentistry are ready to help. To learn more about our anxiety reduction dentistry services or to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact our Salem office today!
Feeling nervous about visiting the dentist is more common than you might think. In fact, research from the National Institutes of Health suggests that about 1 in 3 patients face some form of dental anxiety. At Cochell Family Dentistry, PC, we offer nitrous oxide to help patients relax and alleviate dental anxiety during their appointments. If you feel uneasy about dental visits, this may be the perfect solution for you.
Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is an excellent option for patients who struggle with nervousness, muscle tension, or difficulty sitting still during dental treatment. It can also help those with a sensitive gag reflex, past negative dental experiences, or mild discomfort at the sound or feel of dental instruments.
For children with anxiety in unfamiliar places or who have behavioral issues, it can also be a helpful tool to allow them to make it through necessary treatment.
Before treatment, Dr. Cochell will review medical histories and current medications to ensure nitrous oxide is a safe and effective choice for you or your child.
Nitrous oxide is delivered through a small, comfortable nosepiece at the start of your visit. As you breathe in the gas mixed with oxygen, you’ll begin to feel lighter, calmer, and more at ease—sometimes even pleasantly warm or giddy.
However, despite this lightness, you’ll remain awake and able to communicate with our team the entire time. Throughout the appointment, Dr. Cochell can adjust the flow of nitrous oxide to keep you comfortable.
Once treatment is complete, the gas is turned off and replaced with pure oxygen. Within a few minutes, the effects fade completely, allowing you to walk out of the office feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Nitrous oxide is one of the safest tools we use to help patients manage their anxiety during appointments. Because the effects fade quickly, side effects are incredibly rare, and most patients can drive themselves home and return to their routines almost immediately.
In rare circumstances, you may feel slightly light-headed for a few moments after treatment, but this sensation passes quickly.
If you experience minor stomach fluttering, eating a small snack after treatment is usually enough to settle the sensation. Of course, if you have any lingering questions or concerns once you’re home, our Salem team is always happy to help—just give us a call!
Oral conscious pills offer another simple yet effective means of helping you feel relaxed and comfortable during dental treatment. Before your appointment, you’ll take a small, prescribed pill that helps calm your nerves while keeping you awake and able to communicate with Dr. Christel and our team. Many patients describe feeling drowsy, peaceful, and unaware of time passing during their visit. The effects typically wear off a few hours after treatment, so you’ll need to arrange for transportation to and from our office.
