Sedation Dentistry

If you have been putting off dental care because the thought of sitting in the chair makes your chest tight, you are not alone. Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons adults in Bedford and across the country avoid the dentist entirely — even when something hurts. Sedation dentistry exists so that anxiety does not have to stand between you and the care you need.

At Bedford Family Dentistry, Dr. Maharaj offers comfort options designed to help you feel calm, relaxed, and in control during your visit. The goal is not to knock you out — it is to take the edge off so you can sit comfortably through your appointment without white-knuckling the armrest. You stay aware of what is happening, but the nervousness fades into the background.

Nitrous oxide — sometimes called laughing gas — is the mildest option and the most commonly used. You breathe it in through a small mask that rests on your nose, and within a couple of minutes you feel relaxed, warm, and a little floaty. It wears off almost immediately after the mask comes off, so you can drive yourself home and go on with your day.

For patients who need a deeper level of relaxation, oral sedation is available. You take a prescription medication before your appointment, and by the time you sit down in the chair, the anxiety has already loosened its grip. You will be drowsy but still responsive — you can answer questions and follow simple instructions, but you probably will not remember much of the visit afterward. You will need someone to drive you home.

No matter which option fits you best, Dr. Maharaj monitors your comfort throughout the entire appointment. You are never left alone, your vitals are watched, and you always have the ability to communicate if you need a break. The whole point is for you to feel safe — because when you feel safe, you come back, and when you come back, your teeth stay healthy for life.