Sedation Dentistry in Worthington, Ohio

Going to the dentist is a common source of stress for many people. Whether it’s fear of pain, anxiety about needles, or bad experiences in the past, these concerns keep some patients from getting the dental care they need. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers a practical solution.

At Anthony Lordo, DDS, we provide sedation dentistry in Worthington, Ohio, designed to make your visits calmer, safer, and less stressful.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients remain calm during a dental procedure. It’s not about putting you to sleep. Instead, the goal is to reduce discomfort and create a sense of relaxation. This can make a routine cleaning or even a complex dental treatment far less stressful when performed by or dentist in Worthington, Ohio, who understands how to manage dental anxiety with care and precision.

There are different types of sedation dentistry, each suited for different levels of anxiety and for different kinds of dental procedures. In most cases, patients remain conscious but feel more relaxed and less aware of their surroundings.

Is Sedation Right for You?

Sedation dentistry isn’t just for those with extreme dental phobias. It can also be helpful for patients who experience:

Moderate to severe dental anxiety

A low pain threshold

Trouble sitting still for longer appointments

A strong gag reflex

Extensive dental work needed in one visit

Difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia

If you’ve delayed going to the dentist because of fear, discomfort, or past experiences, sedation may help make your next visit more manageable.

Types of Sedation Dentistry We Offer

We offer two main types of sedation at our Worthington dental office. Each form of sedation has specific benefits depending on your dental history, comfort level, and the procedure being done.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild form of sedation. It’s inhaled through a small nose mask and starts working within minutes. Nitrous oxide helps you feel calm and may slightly dull the senses, allowing you to relax during your procedure. Once the gas is turned off, it leaves your system quickly.

Most patients are alert within minutes and can drive themselves home.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is often used for moderate dental anxiety. It involves taking a prescription pill, usually a medication like diazepam or triazolam, about an hour before your appointment. This form of sedation makes you feel drowsy and relaxed, though you stay awake. Some patients become so at ease, they remember little of the procedure afterward.

But because oral sedation can affect coordination and alertness, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your appointment.

We will assess your health, medication use, and the complexity of your dental procedure before recommending a form of sedation. Safety and comfort are always our priorities.

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What to Expect During a Sedation Dentistry Visit

Before your visit, we’ll start with a consultation. Dr. Anthony Lordo will review your health history, current medications, and previous dental experiences. This helps him choose the right type of sedation and dosing.

On the day of your procedure:

We’ll explain each step and answer questions before beginning
You’ll receive either nitrous oxide or oral sedation, based on the plan
For oral sedation, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you
Once the dental procedure starts, we monitor your breathing, blood pressure, and comfort throughout
After the procedure, we’ll give easy-to-follow instructions for recovery

Most patients find the experience easier than expected and report feeling calm and in control throughout.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can reduce mental and physical stress during a dental visit. It makes it easier for you to stay still and comfortable, which allows us to complete treatments more efficiently.

In addition, sedation can:

Reduce anxiety related to past dental experiences
Minimize sensations from sounds or movements
Lessen physical discomfort in longer procedures
Enable dentists to perform more work in a single visit

By using sedation, we help patients maintain regular dental appointments and prevent the need for more invasive procedures later on.

Your Local Option for Sedation Dentistry in Worthington, Ohio

Finding a trusted dentist in Worthington is the first step toward stress-free dental care.

At Anthony Lordo, DDS, we’ve seen firsthand how sedation can transform the way patients view dentistry. From simple cleanings to more complex treatments, we tailor each sedation method to your unique needs—because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in dentistry.

If anxiety has kept you from getting the dental care you need, sedation dentistry may be worth considering. With safe, proven methods like nitrous oxide and oral sedation, we aim to make dental care more comfortable for every patient.

Anthony Lordo, DDS, provides sedation dentistry in Worthington, Ohio, with a strong focus on care, safety, and patient needs. To find out if sedation is right for you, schedule a consultation.

Let us help take the stress out of your dental visit.