Sedation Dentistry
Are you in need of a dental procedure, but just the thought of seeing a dentist causes your heart to race? Dental anxiety and other struggles can lead to missed appointments and delayed treatments that can severely affect your oral health.
Dr. Timothy M. Kelly in Albuquerque, NM, offers sedation dentistry to put your anxiety at ease while maintaining your oral health.
Dental Anxiety Has Many Potential Causes
Fear of the dentist is a common form of anxiety that can cause patients to postpone crucial dental cleanings or procedures for years. This can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other severe oral health issues.
Dental anxiety can occur for many different reasons. Your dental fear could stem from claustrophobia, embarrassment, or a strong gag reflex.
Instead of living with the long-term effects of dental anxiety, you can look forward to more tranquil visits — and that's because of sedation.
Do You Fear the Dentist? You're Not Alone
Beyond Anxiety: Sedation Dentistry Can Help With Other Concerns
Repetitive Motions
Do you have problems staying still? Patients who live with shaking, tremors, and other repetitive motions can find relaxation using sedation dentistry.
Gag Reflexes
Patients who struggle with a strong gag reflex can benefit from sedation dentistry. Sedation puts you in a state of deep relaxation so you will not have to deal with the severe discomfort caused by your usual gag reflex.
Sensory Struggles
Loud noises, the sensation of dental tools, and other sensory details can be overwhelming. With sedation, that unease can melt away into dependable tranquility.
Choose From Two Types of Sedation
We offer two types of sedation: nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Both forms are safe, gentle, and highly effective.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a well-known and conservative sedation option that is delivered through a mask. Your body will respond quickly, and you will enter a state of deep relaxation or even mild euphoria. You may experience a tingling sensation in your limbs, be a bit more talkative, or a bit giggly — hence the name laughing gas — after receiving nitrous oxide. Once your treatment is complete, the medication will wear off quickly, and you will be able to drive home and perform the rest of your daily activities.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation may be a good option if you have severe anxiety. Oral sedation is a pill prescribed by our dentist for you to take before your dental care. Typically, you will take one dose at home and another when you arrive for your dental appointment. Your dose will depend on your needs and the severity of your dental fear. While under oral sedation, you will be able to answer questions but will remain deeply relaxed. If you choose this form of sedation, you will need a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your dentistry appointment.
Prevent Oral Health Issues Call Our Albuquerque, NM, Practice
The goal of Dr. Kelly and everyone at our Albuquerque, NM, practice is to create and maintain healthy, pain-free smiles. Your oral health can affect your overall quality of life. Cavities, missing teeth, gum disease, and other issues caused by delaying dental appointments can make daily activities like chewing and speaking difficult.
Call our Albuquerque, NM, office to learn more about sedation dentistry if your dental fear is stopping you from necessary oral care. You can also leave us a message and we will get back to you.
(505) 256-1770
A Friendly, Thoughtful Team Here to Help Albuquerque Patients
Cynthia McConnell
Albuquerque, NM
2023
Always a great experience. Friendly and competent staff. I’ve never waited more than 5 minutes.
View on GoogleNadia Marsh
Albuquerque, NM
2022
Dr. Kelly is a very thoughtful and wonderful dentist. The office staff is really supportive too.
View on GoogleWondering About Our Approach to Sedation Dentistry?
Dr. Kelly's legacy of dedicated dentistry first began in 1981. He can meet you where you're at, and guide you to a healthier, happier smile. How? By combining empathy, transparency, and dental sedation. If you're ready for worry-free care in a patient and friendly atmosphere, we can help you plan your custom dental treatment.
The Advantages of Choosing Dr. Kelly for Your Sedation Treatment
Extensive Dental Options
Have you missed cleanings? Are you living with broken or decayed teeth? Do you wish you had a more beautiful smile? Because our Albuquerque practice provides comprehensive options, you can seek comfortable care for a variety of goals.
Patient Monitoring
When you visit Dr. Kelly, you can have complete peace of mind throughout your sedation dentistry use and your dental treatment. Our team will prioritize your safety during treatment by monitoring you closely.
Continuing Education
By keeping up with his education, Dr. Kelly can bring you consistently excellent care. For example, as a member of the Richard V. Tucker Gold Study Club, he continues to hone his knowledge of restorative dental matters.
Sedation Dentistry Can Save You Money by Enabling Good Oral Health
If your fear of the dentist has caused you to delay treatments or routine cleanings, we encourage you to learn about sedation with our Albuquerque dental office. Postponing treatments puts you at risk of developing serious oral health issues that require extensive and expensive dental care.
Though it's rare for dental insurance to assist with the price of sedation, it may help to view this treatment as an investment in your health and happiness. If out-of-pocket costs are an obstacle, we also accept financing through LendingPoint™.
We Work With You To Make Dental Visits Comfortable
"Dr Kelly is very accommodating of my phobias and has been able to give me a pain free experience while they take care of my dental health. Thank you also to the pleasant staff." Joella Moats
The Sedation Process
Wondering how the sedation process will go? Each of our Albuquerque, NM, patients can expect several steps:
"Through sedation dentistry, patients can achieve a healthy smile in a relaxed environment."
Which Treatments Can Sedation Make Possible? Get a Glimpse of Your Options
At long last, you can finally get excited about your smile. Some of the dental procedures that our Albuquerque team commonly combines with sedation include:
- Braces
- Cleanings and Exams
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Implants
- Porcelain Veneers
- Smile Makeover
Will I Need Sedation Every Time I Go to the Dentist?
As long as it is safe for you, you can use sedation during each of your visits.
However, one benefit of sedation that our patients don't commonly anticipate is confidence. Our team helps them see the dentist as a safe and comfortable place, allowing them to finally feel at home. You may decide you don't need sedation after a few appointments with our team.
"Most patients, once they come in and they've been treated a few times and they see what the process is like here at our office, they are more comfortable and then they don't really need sedation any longer."
-Dr. Kelly
Our Team Strives for Excellency Each and Every Day
Sabine Henrie
Albuquerque, NM
2022
One of my kids has sensory issues which have made dentist appointments hell in the past. The hygienist at this office was just wonderful and understanding. She kept things calm, took things slow and explained every step of the process. That made all the difference in the world. Wonderful experience overall.
View on GoogleNicky Ovitt
Albuquerque, NM
2019
Friendly service & staff! Dr. Timothy Kelly explained everything in a way I could understand and definitely can tell he has many years of experience in his field.
Looking forward to next visit.
