Sedation Dentistry - Hagerstown, MD
Achieve Peace of Mind and
a Healthy Smile with Dental Anesthesia


Gentle Sedation Helps Alleviate Worrying
According to research, between 50 and 80% of adults in the U.S. have some degree of dental anxiety. At Smile Design Centre, we combine positivity, comfortable amenities, and minimally invasive sedation dentistry to help patients overcome dental anxiety. In addition to alleviating dental fear, a big advantage of dental anesthesia in Hagerstown, MD is that most patients feel like their dental procedure lasted a few minutes, even when it took a couple of hours. Sedation dentistry also enables withstanding longer periods in the dental chair, so procedures that typically require multiple visits can be performed in fewer and briefer appointments. This makes it a perfect option for more complex dental procedures, such as full-mouth dental implants. If you’re looking for soothing sedation anesthesia near you, we have your needs covered!

Is Sedation Dentistry
Right for Me?
If dental anxiety is preventing you from getting the dental care you need, you’ll benefit from receiving some type of dental anesthesia. We highly recommend sedation dentistry for patients with any of the following issues:
- Any degree of dental anxiety
- Sensitive gag reflex or teeth
- Low pain threshold
- Resistance to local numbing agents
- Undergoing multiple or complex treatments
- Trouble sitting through lengthy appointments
- Past traumatic dental experiences
- A fear of needles and shots
Your Dental Anesthesia Options



Nitrous Oxide
A mainstay of sedation dentistry for decades, nitrous oxide is still the most widely used dental sedation method in the U.S. Within five minutes of inhaling the colorless and odorless gas, pain is neutralized as you experience a euphoric feeling spreading throughout your body. With nitrous oxide, a dental procedure can begin within minutes and we can easily adjust the depth of sedation throughout treatment. This completely safe sedation method provides a nearly painless, fear-free dental experience with minimal to no side effects, so you can drive yourself home.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide
Anxiolysis
This term refers to a drug-induced state, with or without nitrous oxide to decrease anxiety, during which you can respond normally to both tactile stimulation and verbal commands. While cognitive function and coordination may be slightly impaired, breathing and blood pressure are maintained without assistance. When you choose this type of light sedation in Hagerstown, MD, we prescribe a single dose of sedative medication. This medication works by decreasing activity in the parts of your brain that control fear and anxiety to make you feel relaxed. You’ll take one pill the morning of your procedure, one pill the evening before, or both. Your vital signs are closely monitored during treatment. While you’ll be able to respond to simple instructions, a big benefit is that you may not remember a single thing about your procedure! Due to lingering drowsiness, somebody will need to drive you home.
Anxiolysis
Anxiolysis

Sedation Dentistry Protects More Than Smiles
Avoiding dental care can have serious consequences that impact your oral and whole-body health. Without proper dental care, bad oral bacteria can make teeth more prone to severe decay. When teeth can’t be saved, the gaps can cause functional and aesthetic repercussions and the need for dental bridges or implants. Neglecting professional dental care also leads to gum disease. If gum disease advances to periodontitis, oral bacteria can spread to other parts of the body, causing systemic infections and complications, especially if you have diabetes, respiratory disease, or heart disease.
Are you counting the hours until your next dentist appointment or feeling anxious about getting dental work? If so, ask about sedation dentistry in Hagerstown, MD when you schedule an appointment at Smile Design Centre. Don’t let small oral health problems turn into major ones that negatively impact your life. Our team is passionate about using the latest technologies to deliver life-changing outcomes while offering ultimate comfort and reassurance to our patients.