Dental visits are nothing to fear with advanced gentle dentistry, relaxing sedation

When our valued patients from throughout Maryland visit us, they carry with them diverse backgrounds and experiences with dentistry, as well as a range of behaviors, habits, and personal preferences. In turn, we at Hunt Valley Dental appreciate the complexities and multi-factors that can make people anxious about visiting the dentist. And, just like your unique smile and “self,” what works for you to ease that apprehension can vary from what works for other patients. 

Our kind and skillful dentist, Dr. Thomas Rhodes, considers the extent and nature of your fears or concerns. For some patients, sedation is a “helping hand” to make the lengthy or more involved dental visits as positive as possible. For others, relaxing sedative medications are needed during most every visit, regardless of the reason or nature of the appointment. As a technologically-advanced practice, we have many gentle and light-touch tools to aid in providing a comfortable, convenient, fast, and stress-free visit. 

We also have options for sedative “helpers.” These include nitrous oxide or what you likely know as “laughing gas.” When inhaled through a small nasal mask, this gas puts you at ease and “takes the edge off.” It is the most minimal sedation available at the dentist’s office. It is even safe for children. 

For patients with more severe fears or more extensive needs, we can prescribe a sedative medication, taken by mouth, as a pill. This sedative method is often called “conscious sedation” because you remain awake. We don’t put you under. You may nod off and take a cat nap. But, otherwise, you can be awakened and are still able to respond to commands and communicate with us.  The best part is the medication causes a short term amnesia so you don’t remember most of what happens.   This option is also great for minimizing the time spent “chairside” or in treatment. So you can return to your life and enjoy your renewed, healthy smile! 

We at Hunt Valley Dental get great satisfaction by introducing or reintroducing individuals to today’s painless, gentle, fear-free, and no-stress dentistry. 

Call (410) 771-6300 to get to know us and the ease of modern and advanced dental care.