Just thinking about the sound of the drill, lying back in the dental chair or the feeling of not being in control is enough for many people to keep putting off their next dental appointment. If that sounds familiar: you are not alone, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.
The good news is that there are several ways to make dental treatment a much calmer experience. At our practice in Pfalzen near Bruneck, we offer three options: nitrous oxide, twilight sedation (conscious sedation) and general anaesthesia.
But what does each one actually feel like? And what does it mean for the day of your treatment? Here is a calm overview, so you can come to your conversation with us well prepared.
Nitrous oxide: relaxed, but awake
You breathe in nitrous oxide through a small mask over your nose. After a short time, most people notice a sense of lightness and calm. Some describe it as a pleasant warmth or a gentle floating feeling. You stay awake, can talk and respond to questions, but the treatment seems to fade into the background.
Nitrous oxide works quickly and usually wears off soon after the treatment. For pain, a local anaesthetic is normally used as well. It is often an option for people with mild to moderate anxiety and for shorter treatments.
Twilight sedation: like a deep doze
With twilight sedation, also called conscious sedation, you receive calming and pain relieving medication, usually through a vein. You drift into a state of deep relaxation, similar to dozing. You breathe on your own and can generally respond, but you are often only vaguely aware of what is happening. Many people barely remember the treatment afterwards.
Twilight sedation is often considered for pronounced dental anxiety or for longer procedures, for example when several teeth are to be treated in one session.
General anaesthesia: you sleep through the whole treatment
Under general anaesthesia, you are fully asleep. You do not feel or experience anything of the treatment and only wake up once it is over. This can make sense if your anxiety is very strong, if extensive restorative work is needed, or if other methods are not suitable for you.
General anaesthesia is a bigger medical step than nitrous oxide or twilight sedation. That is why it is carefully prepared, for example with questions about your health, any existing conditions and the medication you take. After waking up, you will need some time until you feel fully yourself again.
What to keep in mind
Whichever method you choose, a few points will help you get through the day of your treatment smoothly:
- Someone to accompany you: after twilight sedation or general anaesthesia, you need someone to pick you up and take you home. Ideally, plan for a person you trust who can also stay with you for a while.
- No driving: after twilight sedation or general anaesthesia, please do not drive a car, ride a motorbike or bicycle, or operate machinery for the rest of the day. After nitrous oxide, too, we will talk with you about when you can drive again.
- Eating and drinking: whether and for how long you need to fast beforehand depends on the method. You will receive exact instructions from us. Please follow them and ask if anything is unclear.
- Health and medication: tell us openly about any existing conditions, a possible pregnancy and all the medication you take. The easiest way is to bring your list of medications with you.
- Plan some rest: give yourself a quiet day after your appointment and avoid making important decisions while you still feel drowsy.
Which option suits you?
There is no one size fits all answer. Which method is right for you depends on several things: how strong your anxiety is, how extensive the treatment will be, your general health and what feels right for you.
That is why we never make this decision over your head. In a preliminary consultation, Dr. Jule Hirte takes time for your questions, explains the pros and cons and chooses the method that suits you best together with you. And sometimes you may realise during that conversation that you need less than you thought.
How we work at our practice
For anxious patients, we follow our 3-T method, which guides you in three gentle steps:
- First appointment: you get to know Dr. Jule Hirte in a calm, reassuring setting without a dental chair. Together you talk about your fears and questions. Using a 3D X-ray, we assess the condition of your teeth and draw up an initial plan together, with no pressure at all.
- Second appointment: when you are ready, the treatment takes place with nitrous oxide, under twilight sedation or under general anaesthesia, either at our practice or at Brixsana.
- Third appointment: this is the follow-up check or the fitting of your final dental restoration. Sedation is usually no longer needed for this step.
For other procedures too, such as wisdom tooth removal, treatment under twilight sedation or general anaesthesia is possible if needed.
You do not have to decide anything today. Get in touch in whatever way feels comfortable for you: by phone, email or WhatsApp, anonymously if you prefer. Or book your appointment directly online. Whether you live in Bruneck, Pfalzen or elsewhere in the Puster Valley, we take time for you. You will find all the ways to reach us on our contact page.
