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.

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

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

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.