At Hazel Dell Dental Care, Dr. Erik Jenson and his team believe that going to the dentist should be as easy and comfortable as possible. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry in Vancouver, WA. Dental sedation is a general dentistry service that helps patients feel calm and relaxed during their visit. Whether you’re coming in for a cleaning or a more advanced procedure, sedation can help make your experience better.
We understand that many people feel nervous about going to the dentist. Some even avoid appointments for years because of their fear. Our goal is to help you get the care you need without fear, stress, or discomfort.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is when someone feels scared, nervous, or worried about going to the dentist. For some people, just hearing the word “dentist” can cause a lot of stress. This fear can be caused by a past bad experience, fear of pain, not liking the sound of dental tools, or simply feeling out of control.
Children and adults can both experience dental anxiety. It’s very common, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. But dental anxiety can lead to bigger problems. When people avoid the dentist, they might miss small issues like cavities or gum problems. Over time, these small issues can turn into bigger problems that are harder to treat.
That’s why Dr. Jenson and the team at our Vancouver dental office work hard to create a friendly and welcoming environment. We want all our patients to feel safe and cared for. Sedation dentistry is one way we help make that happen.
Types of Dental Sedation in Vancouver, WA
We offer a few different kinds of sedation to fit each patient’s needs. Each type helps people feel relaxed in a different way. Dr. Jenson will talk with you and help decide which type is best for your visit.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is one of the most common forms of sedation. It’s a safe gas that you breathe in through a small mask placed over your nose. Nitrous oxide helps you feel calm and even a little happy. You stay awake, but your anxiety fades away. The effects wear off quickly after your appointment, so you can usually drive yourself home afterward.
Oral Sedation
This type involves taking a pill before your appointment. The pill helps you feel very relaxed, and some patients even feel sleepy. You’re still awake, but you might not remember much of the procedure afterward. Because it can make you drowsy, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation
We may recommend IV sedation for patients who need deeper relaxation. The medicine goes into your body through a small needle in your arm. You won’t be fully asleep, but you’ll feel deeply relaxed and may not remember the treatment. This type is often used for longer or more complex dental procedures.
All these methods are safe and closely monitored by our trained team. Dr. Jenson will always talk with you before your appointment to answer any questions and make sure you feel comfortable.
Who Can Request Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry isn’t just for people who are afraid of the dentist. It can be helpful for many types of patients. You might be a good candidate for sedation if you:
- Feel nervous or anxious about dental visits
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have trouble sitting still for a long time
- Need a lot of dental work done at once
- Had a bad dental experience in the past
- Have sensitive teeth
- Find it hard to get numb with regular local anesthesia
Children and adults can both benefit from sedation, and Dr. Jenson will always take your medical history and health into account before recommending it. Sedation isn’t right for everyone, but if it’s a good fit for you, it can make a big difference in how you feel during your visit.
We believe that everyone deserves to feel relaxed and confident about their dental care. Sedation can help turn a stressful experience into a positive one.
Ready to Schedule Your Visit?
If you’ve been putting off a dental visit because of fear or anxiety, we’re here to help. Dr. Erik Jenson and his team take the time to listen, understand your concerns, and create a plan that helps you feel safe.
We’ll walk you through everything step by step, explain your sedation options, and make sure you’re never rushed or pressured. Our goal is to help you get the care you need in the most comfortable way possible.
Call our office at (360) 233-8831 or fill out our online request appointment form to get started today.