Do you have dental anxiety? Are you dreading your upcoming dental visit? Ask us about sedation dentistry in our Dallas, TX, dental office. Dental sedation is a tool to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed in the dental chair.
We often use dental sedation for long dental treatments like tooth extractions. However, we also offer sedation options to our patients with dental anxiety. No matter your needs, we can find the right solution for relaxing dental procedures and routine oral health visits. Dental sedation can help you get the pain-free treatments you need, and is a part of our general dental services.
The Benefits of Dental Sedation
Dental sedation can benefit all types of patients. We often recommend this dental tool for patients with these conditions:
- Fear of pain
- Bad gag reflex
- Fear of dental tools
- Anxiety around loud noises
Often, we recommend dental sedation for lengthy dental treatments. Look forward to many advantages to treatments that use sedation, including:
- Quicker Treatment: Depending on the type of dental sedation, it will feel like hours of your dental procedure fly by. Additionally, our dentists can work without interruption.
- No Pain: While you may feel sensation during treatment, you will not feel pain. In some cases, you may not even be aware of your treatment. These effects will stay in your system for minutes to hours after treatment.
- Easy Care: If you are afraid of the dentist and haven’t been in years, you can still receive needed treatment without worry. We also often use sedation to complete multiple treatments at once. Our office can complete hours of treatment with sedation.
Sedation Dentistry in Dallas, TX
Common types of sedation dentists use include laughing gas, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. The most common is a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen that you inhale through a mask. As you breathe in, you will begin to feel relaxed. Once we remove the mask, the effects wear off.
You can take oral conscious sedation as a pill before treatment. Under this sedation, you will be conscious and can respond to the dentist but will not feel discomfort. Because it takes time to take effect and wear off, somebody must drive you to and from your appointment.
IV sedation delivers anti-anxiety medication through the bloodstream, offering a deeper level of relaxation, or “twilight sleep.” You are still conscious but will not be aware of your surroundings.
Post-Treatment Instructions
We do not recommend driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours after sedation. Some types of sedation can have the side effects of nausea, drowsiness, or impaired function. You can manage these symptoms with medication and rest. We also recommend pain medication and a soft diet after tooth extractions or a root canal treatment.
We encourage you to ask our dentists if you have any questions following treatment. Our friendly team will provide detailed instructions, but let us know immediately if you have any adverse effects.
Managing Fear at the Dentist
If you have dental fear or anxiety, we can help you feel calm at regular visits. Here are some tips to make your office visit more comfortable:
- Request an office tour. We recommend an office tour before you visit our office. During this tour, we will introduce ourselves so you can familiarize yourself with our team and space. That way, you can feel more comfortable at your next visit.
- Bring headphones. We recommend wearing noise-canceling headphones if you are sensitive to loud noises. You can also listen to music through headphones or earphones during your treatment.
- Bring a comforting object. A stress ball, fidget ring, or other object can help distract and calm you when you visit our dental office.
- Ask questions. If you have questions about your treatment or need special accommodations, just ask! Our friendly team’s priority is your comfort, and we are here to help.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about sedation dentistry with answers to the following patient questions. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to manage dental anxiety and discomfort during procedures.
Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?
We will consider your medical history and current medications before we recommend sedation. If you have medical conditions that affect metabolism, we will not recommend sedation because it will not take effect.
Additionally, we will not recommend laughing gas if you have sleep apnea or other breathing problems. Generally, we recommend dental sedation if you are in good health and are not allergic to any medications.
Will I be asleep under sedation?
You will most likely be deeply relaxed and comfortable but will not fall asleep under sedation. However, you will fall into a deep sleep under options like anesthesia.
How much does dental sedation cost?
The cost of dental sedation depends on the method. Usually, dental insurance covers a portion of the sedation cost. Our office will work with you to provide an estimate for your consultation.
Can I get sedation for routine dental care?
Yes, if you have dental fear or anxiety, you can get sedation. Dental visits are essential, especially if you’ve avoid the dentist because of dental fear. From a dental cleaning to dental bridge treatment, we will help ensure your comfort.
How long does sedation last?
Laughing gas wears off when we remove the mask from your nose and face. On the other hand, IV and oral conscious sedation can take hours to wear off. For this reason, we always recommend having a safe ride home and relaxing for the rest of the day after treatment.
Is sedation safe?
Yes, when a trained professional administers it and with proper monitoring, sedation dentistry is safe. We can control the level of sedation if you receive laughing gas or an IV drip. If you take a pill sedative before treatment and have an adverse effect, we will give you medication to reverse these side effects.
However, we will not recommend sedation for pregnant women. We will also consider your medical conditions before treatment to ensure the treatment is right for you.
Get Comfortable Dental Care
Visit East Quarter Dental for pain-free dental treatments using sedation dentistry in Dallas, TX. Call our dental office today at 469-529-5401. You can also schedule an appointment on our website anytime.
We serve patients from Cedars, Bryan Place, and the Dallas Downtown Historic District. Please let us know if you have any questions during your next dental visit, we’re here to help.