3505 Ellicott Mills Drive · Suite B2

Ellicott City, MD 21043

(410) 461-3311

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Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

Control Your Anxiety About Going to the Dentist

If you have more than a little anxiety each time you visit the dentist, you’re definitely not alone! Many people get nervous at the thought of having a cavity filled or even having their teeth cleaned. We understand it — the sound of all those instruments and whooshing water can be a bit nerve-wracking.

Your choices used to be to either tough it out or skip the dental appointment altogether. We really would rather you not have to make that choice.

These days, sedation dentistry gives you a much better third option. Modern dentists, like us here at Ellicott Mills Dental, use sedation dentistry for everything from routine teeth cleaning to more complex dental procedures.

Dental Check-up

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

At Ellicott Mills Dental, we use a sedation dentistry method called enteral sedation. Our dentists use a pill or liquid medication to calm you. We use medications called benzodiazepines, which you probably recognize as Valium, Ativan or Halcion.

We can provide a neck support, warm blankets and headphones to listen to music, and pictures of cute puppies on the ceiling to calm your nerves. We use all of these strategies together to keep you relaxed but awake, and definitely not nervous about your dental work.

Who Can Have Sedation?

While most patients choose this sedation to calm anxieties, some choose it for other reasons: sensitive teeth, a bad gag reflex, low pain threshold or trouble sitting still in the dentist’s chair.

The great news is that sedation dentistry is safe for the large majority of healthy patients. We don’t recommend sedation for certain immune-compromised or health-compromised patients, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or patients who have a benzodiazepine sensitivity.

Dental practices have used enteral sedation as a safe practice for many years. Our sedation dentistry method is very effective for our patients with a mild to moderate anxiety or fear about dental procedures. Don’t be afraid! The professional team at Ellicott Mills Dental is ready to make you feel calm and comfortable. Contact Us Today to book a free consultation or to schedule an appointment.

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