Sedation Dentistry in Annapolis, MD
Dr. Keith Polizois is the gentlest dentist in Annapolis, MD, but he understands that dental anxiety and dental phobia are genuine. If you need a boost to stay relaxed and comfortable, the Chesapeake Bay Dentistry team is here to help with sedation dentistry in Annapolis, MD. We also welcome our patients' feedback to learn what else we can do to make dentistry a more relaxing and comfortable experience.
For some patients, the idea of someone working on their teeth creates anxiety—sometimes extreme apprehension. Some patients don’t sleep the night before or put off dentistry for years, leading to severe decay and tooth loss. If you identify with any of these scenarios, Chesapeake Bay Dentistry is probably the best dental office in Annapolis, MD to see you through your treatments and exams.
Dental anxiety can be rooted in the past. Maybe you had a bad experience with a dentist or a dental procedure. Perhaps you experienced mouth trauma at some point in your life. Anxiety can result from fear of pain or merely the idea of someone working inside your mouth. No matter the culprit, we are here for you.
When it comes to relaxation, we have you covered. And we invite you to reach out to a friendly team member to schedule your next dental checkup.
Also, please continue reading to learn more about our sedation dentistry in Annapolis.
- A Gentle Dentist and Compassionate Team Awaits in 21401
- How Dental Anxiety Can Compromise Your Oral and Physical Health
- How Preventive Dentistry and Best Practices Lessen Your Time in the Dental Chair
- Nitrous Oxide for Anxiety Ease
- Calming Begins with Oral Sedation in Annapolis, MD
- Combination Therapy to Combat the Highest Anxiety
- After Your Dental Procedure
How Preventive Dentistry and Best Practices Lessen Your Time in the Dental Chair
Your dentist recommends regular dental exams and teeth cleanings to lower your risks for preventable conditions like root infections and periodontal disease.
Your gentle exam uncovers emerging issues like gingivitis (early periodontal disease) before it poses a significant threat to your health and wellness. Professional teeth cleanings get rid of the bacteria and tartar that promote cavities and other oral health complications. Exams and teeth cleanings are noninvasive and very straightforward.
Part of preventive dentistry also includes an excellent oral care routine at home. We recommend brushing and flossing at least twice every day and always before bed. It is important not to sleep with debris on your teeth.
Preventive dentistry and excellent oral hygiene often mean fewer invasive treatments later and less time in the dental chair as a result.
Nitrous Oxide for Anxiety Ease
Nitrous oxide is an odorless gas and a safe inhaled anesthetic. It has a sweet taste, is nonflammable, and is commonly used during dental procedures.
Patients who choose nitrous oxide describe a euphoric, slow, and tranquil feeling throughout their dental treatment or procedure.
The gas is administered through a small nasal mask, and the effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed.
Typically, nitrous oxide is safe for patients of all ages, and after mask removal, adults are safe to drive themselves home, return to work, and enjoy the rest of their day.
Calming Begins with Oral Sedation in Annapolis, MD
Before oral sedation, your sedation dentist will take a medical history and talk to you about your anxiety. We want to make sure that sedation is a safe option for you and that it will produce the level of relaxation you’re looking for.
Oral sedation is simply a pill you take an hour before your procedure. This medication produces a calming effect that helps you feel relaxed throughout your dental appointment. In fact, you may not remember the majority of your treatment.
With this medication, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment. And we suggest your rest for the remainder of the day and not make any important life or financial decisions until the following day.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Keith Polizois DMD, MAGD
Keith Polizois, DMD MAGD grew up in northern New Jersey and received his undergraduate degree from Salisbury University. While playing football for the Seagulls, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with dual degrees in biology and chemistry. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
After dental school, Dr. Polizois completed a post-graduate General Practice Residency at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center and received extensive training in advanced dental procedures. Dr. Polizois was honored to have the opportunity to ...
A Gentle Dentist and Compassionate Team Awaits in 21401
The team at Chesapeake Bay Dentistry wants you to have a memorable dental experience for all the right reasons:
- Top diagnostics
- Great outcomes
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Painless procedures
Let us know if you’d like a comfy neck pillow or cozy blanket or if you need a little more to enhance your relaxation.
Dr. Polizois can also explain your procedure to you before he begins. This way, you know exactly what to expect. We have found that this approach helps to ease anxiety and lessen stress.
Our team is always looking for new ways to help patients feel at ease to get the dental care they need.
How Dental Anxiety Can Compromise Your Oral and Physical Health
Dental anxiety and dental phobia often keep people from visiting the dentist. When this happens, you increase your risk for cavities, root infections, and periodontal disease.
When your teeth fall into disrepair, it typically increases anxiety. It makes it even more difficult to visit the dentist because patients feel embarrassed by the state of their teeth and would prefer that no one see them.
At Chesapeake Bay Dentistry, we hold no judgments, and our entire team understands dental anxiety and how it stops people from getting dental care. Our only goal is to make dentistry easy for you so that you can avoid preventable conditions that can compromise your oral and physical health.
For example, Periodontal disease has been associated with tooth loss, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and low birth weight.
In the early stages, you may not notice symptoms, but eventually, you may experience one or more of the following:
- Tooth pain
- Jaw pain
- Gums moving away from teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
Preventive dentistry from a gentle team that offers sedation is the best course to avoid this complication
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team works hard to provide pain-free dentistry in Annapolis, MD. We utilize the latest technologies meant to optimize comfort and promote procedure ease.
During root canals, for example, we use rotary endodontics. This technology allows for an easy root canal, and our new patients are often surprised when they experience our technologies and our dentist’s gentle hand. They didn’t expect their procedure to be so relaxing!
Nitrous Oxide in Annapolis
If you have dental phobia or anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation, which keeps you comfortable through even the most invasive dentistry.
Nitrous oxide is a sweet-tasting gas that provides a euphoric or dreamy feeling. Oral sedation is simply a pill you take one hour prior to your procedure. Often, our top Annapolis, MD dentist combines these pain technologies to provide ultimate relaxation for patients who need a little extra.
If you decide on sedation dentistry, it’s important to have a friend drive you to and from your appointment. We also recommend waiting several hours or even a day before making any important life-changing decisions.
You Deserve a Comfortable Dental Experience
At Chesapeake Bay Dentistry, we think patients deserve to feel relaxed at the dentist. Contact our dental office to schedule an appointment with our top Annapolis, MD sedation dentist today.
Whether your anxiety is rooted in a previous bad experience or something else, our goal is to make you feel comfortable in our Annapolis, MD dental office.
Caring Family Dentistry in 21401
At Chesapeake Bay Dentistry, we pride ourselves on making each dental visit a positive experience for you and your family. Children especially love our dental office because our compassionate team works hard to provide a warm environment.
Sedation Dentistry Options
If you or a family member needs a little more, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation.
Nitrous oxide provides a dreamlike feeling or a kind of restful euphoria. It also wears off quickly.
If you choose sedation, make sure a friend is available to drive you to and from your appointment. We recommend not making important decisions in the hours following sedation dentistry.
We also provide cozy blankets and soft neck pillows to keep you comfortable while under our care.
Remember, when you’re in our dental office, you are family. If you’re feeling unsure, let us know!
Contact Our Annapolis Dental Office
If you’re looking for a compassionate Annapolis, MD dental team who place the utmost importance on your comfort and relaxation, get in touch with us today.
Your sedation dentist in Annapolis, MD is very gentle but also understands dental phobia and anxiety. We never want to see you forego dental care for these reasons, which is why we offer sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry in our dental office relies on one or more options to produce the desired level of relaxation. Your dentist may opt for one option or two depending on your need.
Nitrous oxide is a calming gas administered through a nasal mask. It produces feelings of relaxation and disconnection. These effects wear off as soon as your sedation dentist in Annapolis, MD removes the mask, making it okay for you to drive home from your appointment safely.
Oral sedation is a pill you take approximately one hour before your dental procedure. It allows you to follow directions from your dentist, but you may forget the majority of your procedure. You will need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your dental appointment.
Your dentist can combine these methods for ultimate relaxation and treatment ease, but the first step is a chat—and possible medical history conversation—with your dentist. We want to make sure we choose the best option for you.
For Sedation Dentistry in Annapolis, MD, Contact Us
If you have any questions, or if you are scheduled for a procedure and would like to discuss your sedation options further, contact a team member today.
If adequate bone is available, implants can help secure a loose denture so it doesn’t move. In addition to being terrific anchors for stabilizing the denture, they can increase chewing force for a denture. A denture that is held in by an implant can have up to 10 times the chewing force of a traditional denture.
Call Our Annapolis Dental Clinic
Your Annapolis, MD dentist at Chesapeake Bay Dentistry would be happy to look at your dentures and help you decide the best course of action. Give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!
Combination Therapy to Combat the Highest Anxiety
In many cases, Dr. Polizois combines nitrous oxide with oral medication. This produces the ultimate relaxation, and even patients with the highest anxiety levels have done well with this combination therapy.
Dr. Polizois is excellent at sedation dentistry in Annapolis, MD. He will discuss sedation options with you to help you decide the best course for the highest levels of relaxation.
After Your Dental Procedure
If you choose sedation dentistry, a friend or family member must drive you to and from your appointment. You should also avoid making any life decisions during the hours following sedation dentistry.
Dr. Polizois will discuss best practices to keep you comfortable at home following a procedure. This may include medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers. However, most swelling and discomfort following even the most invasive procedures clear up within a few days.
If you notice anything unusual, or discomfort that lasts longer than a few days, we encourage you to reach out to a team member
Featured Blog Posts - Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry with Nitrous Oxide: Annapolis, Maryland’s Stress-Free Solution
Nitrous oxide is a safe-for-all-ages and effective level of sedation that provides relaxation and detachment from dental procedures. It is delivered via a small nasal mask and immediately provides this distinct melancholy.
Besides nitrous oxide sedation in Annapolis, MD, your dentist uses powerful local anesthesia to numb the treatment area thoroughly.
At ...
How Sedation Dentistry Can Help Anxious Patients in Annapolis, MD
For many people, a trip to the dentist is an unnerving proposition. However, these patients can approach their dental procedures without fear, thanks to sedation dentistry.
Today, we're exploring sedation dentistry – what it is, how it works, and some of the different types of sedation used.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry ...
Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry in Annapolis, MD is about more than dental phobia and anxiety. Of course, it does allow patients who have phobias and fears to get the care they need, but sedation dentistry is a good choice in other situations as well.
Reasons You May Choose Sedation Dentistry
Sometimes dental anxiety ...
Get in Touch with Our Loretta Heights, MD Dental Office
If you’re looking for sedation dentistry in Annapolis, Loretta Heights, Edgewater, Riva, Arnold, Severna Park, Pasadena, Crownsville, Crofton, Davidsonville, Kent Island, or beyond, contact the team at Chesapeake Bay Dentistry today.
We look forward to restoring your oral health and helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.
Sedation Dentistry Technology
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is a safe and effective calming gas designed to help you relax during dental treatments and procedures. It is administered through a small mask, and the calming sensation wears off quickly following mask removal.
Nitrous oxide dental sedation in Annapolis, MD is a patient favorite!