Sedation Dentistry: Peace of Mind for the Treatment You Deserve

Millions of Americans avoid dental care due to dental anxiety, but Swanson Family Dental is here to change that. Dr. Robert Swanson and Dr. Taylor Steffans specialize in sedation dentistry to make your visits comfortable and stress-free. Serving Ames and Perry, we provide gentle, compassionate care in a modern environment that puts you at ease. If fear has kept you from the dentist, it’s time to take the first step toward a healthier smile. Please schedule an appointment with us and experience a new, anxiety-free approach to dental care.

Why do I have dental fear?

Mild uneasiness is normal before a dental appointment. However, sweaty palms, a racing heart, or sleepless nights before your appointment are signs of dental fear.

So, why do you have dental anxiety? The following are the possible causes.

  • Past negative experiences
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Fear of needles
  • A sensitive gag reflex
  • Fear of the unknown
  • Embarrassment with the current state of your oral health
  • Fear of loss of control

If you fear the dentist, you’ll skip dental exams and cleanings and neglect treatment for minor issues. Putting off the necessary dental care can create considerable problems for your smile. Minor issues go unchecked and develop into significant issues over time, leading to more pain, systemic complications, and the need for costly restorative treatments. Luckily, we can stop this vicious cycle with our sedation dentistry options.

What are the available options for sedation dentistry?

Don’t let dental fear prevent you from getting the care you need. Overcome dental fear with the following sedation dentistry options.

  • Nitrous oxide: Called laughing gas, nitrous oxide provides calm relaxation by breathing the gas through a mask on your nose. You’ll be alert and awake but feel relaxed during your treatment. The sedation effects last as long as you wear the mask and fade quickly once the mask is removed. Laughing gas is the mildest and safest sedation. It’s ideal for all patients, including children.
  • Oral sedation: The dentist will prescribe an anti-anxiety medication taken orally, typically an hour before treatment. Patients experience deep relaxation and short-term amnesia after treatment. Like nitrous oxide, you’ll remain conscious and responsive. However, its sedation effects don’t wear off immediately. As such, you need someone to escort you to and from our office.

Sedation medications aren’t painkillers, so we still numb your mouth with anesthetics to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. We are trained to combine sedation and anesthetics to achieve the most optimal outcomes.

What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?

Consider sedation dentistry in our office and enjoy the following benefits.

  • Reduced pain or discomfort
  • Faster treatments
  • Fewer appointments because we can bundle several procedures in one visit
  • Reduced gag reflex
  • Lasting oral health by receiving necessary care
  • Sedation dentistry is safe when administered by trained personnel

Ready to try sedation dentistry?

Do you have dental fear? Welcome to Swanson Family Dental for personalized painless dentistry treatments. Call (515) 233-2174 (Ames) or (515) 465-5170 (Perry) to determine the best sedation dentistry option.