Little Elm TX family dentist combines comfortable dental care with safe sedation for patients of all ages

While the American Association of Endodontists reports 40% of patients have fear about dental visits, the National Institutes of Health note that 15% of American adults are so fearful that they avoid dental care. Dr. Vidya Suri’s team takes the approach of Why treat when you can prevent? Regular dental visits are a cornerstone of good oral health and general wellbeing. When they’re avoided, you’re at risk of developing significant oral health problems that affect your productivity and happiness, and systemic infections and other medical conditions.

Sedation Dental Care in Little Elm TX at Frisco Elm Dental truly combines “care” and “sedation” to combat fear. Many of Dr. Suri’s patients have unpleasant experiences at other offices to blame for their anxieties about visiting the dentist. A welcoming environment with comfortable office amenities and friendly, non-judgmental staff, goes a long way toward defeating anxiety and putting patients at ease. Just as treatment plans are tailored to needs, sedation at your Little Elm Family Dentist office is designed to treat many different types of patients with varying levels of dental anxiety or fear. Dr. Suri administers nitrous oxide as a safe, predictable, and convenient way to have the best possible experience in the dentist’s chair. When you have a pleasant experience, you’ll keep coming back for the routine care necessary to keep you happy and healthy.

Smile! Sedation defeats dental fear.

American Dental Association guidelines categorize 4 methods of anxiety and pain management:

• Minimal Sedation
• Moderate Sedation
• Deep Sedation
• General Anesthesia

Minimal sedation with nitrous oxide involves depressing your level of consciousness, so you can relax and may even feel giddy (it’s known as “laughing gas” for a reason!). Nitrous oxide combined with oxygen induces these effects fast. You remain in control. The ability to react to the dentist’s commands remains intact. You’re also awake but at ease throughout treatment. Generally, effects wear off quickly. You are not left with the lingering grogginess that is associated with deeper sedative methods.

More on Nitrous Oxide

The chemical compound, nitrous oxide, is a colorless and odorless substance. At the dentist’s office, it is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that covers your nose. The nitrous oxide gas causes your body’s reaction time to slow. It also suppresses the body’s response to discomfort and anxiety, and promotes a sense of calm and euphoria. You can still talk to your friendly dentist, but you don’t feel (or care) about the sensations and noise from dental instruments, or clinical smells – all those characteristics considered to be common sources of dental anxiety. In fact, some patients report a pleasant taste as the gas is administered and takes effect. Time passes by in a flash, and afterward, you may not recall some parts of treatment that might contribute to future anxiety.

Laughing gas is safe, and its effects can be easily adjusted or reversed because of oxygen’s neutralizing capacity. This sedation method is appropriate for patients with mild dental fear as well as more moderate levels of anxiety. Unlike other types of sedation, it is an appropriate option for children, even toddlers. It’s also a hassle-free alternative to oral conscious sedation that requires the use medications like Halcion and Valium. Working professionals and busy parents alike appreciate that they don’t have to arrange for someone to drive them to and from the dental appointment. Patients don’t have to take time off of work or miss school, because the gas works so quickly, and the effects wear off (or can be reversed) so fast. Nitrous oxide doesn’t require needles like some sedative techniques, which are a common source of dental anxiety or phobia.

Many applications for utmost comfort

Sedatives are also a perfect complement with your friendly Frisco area Family Dentist office for those patients with bad gag reflexes, severe tooth sensitivity, or who can’t sit still for long periods of time. Sedation dentistry may also be recommended should you have a lot of dental care needs; for instance, you may be undergoing complex or extensive procedures, or a number of treatments at one time. So, nitrous oxide can be helpful if you are faced with extended time in the treatment chair. Bring your specific concerns to Frisco Elm Dental. Call (214) 705-7100 to schedule your appointment.

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Frisco Elm Dental

Dr. Vidya Suri

A graduate from University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, Dr. Vidya Suri is an established dentist who prioritizes her patients and strives to provide them with the best possible dental care. She brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and skills including her ability to pay close attention to the details to provide her patients with the most optimal outcomes that exceed their expectations.

Dr. Suri treats patients of all ages. In order to ensure that she is doing her best, she regularly participates in continuing education courses to stay abreast of new practices, technology, and advancements in the industry. Dr. Suri is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association.