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Warrenton Dentists
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
220 Culpeper Street,
Warrenton, VA 20186
Dental Anxiety and Sedation
Do fear and anxiety keep you from visiting the dentist? Dental anxiety is one of the most common problems for patients and should not stop you from getting the care you need. Our doctors are thoroughly versed in navigating dental anxiety and have multiple approaches for making a patient feel comfortable in the dental office.
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Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas): Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a safe method for achieving mild sedation in the dental setting. Using a nasal cannula over the nose, the patient will breathe in a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide, which achieves a feeling of comfort, warmth, and sometimes giggles! The patient is still awake yet relaxed, and as soon as the patient is switched to breathing pure oxygen, the effects of the nitrous oxide wear off within minutes -- meaning that it is safe for patients to drive themselves home after treatment and can easily go back to work or school. Laughing gas is a fantastic option for children who need dental work without the risks of being put to sleep.
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Oral Sedation: Our doctors can also prescribe a mild sedative in pill form for patients with dental anxiety. The patient usually will take one dose the night before treatment and one more dose the morning of treatment. Importantly, the patient will need a driver for their dental appointment and will not be allowed to drive themselves.
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Talk Therapy: Sometimes dental anxiety can be relieved simply by asking and answering questions. Many patients have bad memories of dentists from their childhood. Our dentists are caring, patient, and want to get to know you as a person. We promise to treat you with respect and dignity in a painless and safe environment.
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