Sedation Dentist – Alice, TX
How We Soothe Dental Anxieties
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most used during extensive procedures, for dentistry patients with dental phobia, or for dentistry patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, and oral sedatives.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a dental patient to general anesthetics used to put dentistry patients to sleep. Dental patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps, or strong gag reflexes may require sedation dentistry. Procedures like fillings, dental crowns, bridges, root canals, tooth extractions, cosmetic procedures, and periodontal treatments often require some sort of dental sedation.
It is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many dental patients comfortable during their dental visits. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell our sedation dentist in Alice, TX about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Your dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation dentistry and provide any necessary instructions.
Why Choose Advanced Dental Care of South Texas for Sedation Dentistry?
- IV Sedation Available
- Advanced Dental Facility
- Team That Simply Cares
Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry
If you choose to have oral conscious sedation performed at your next appointment, you’ll be given a small pill to take at a set time beforehand. Once the pill takes effect, you’ll be extremely relaxed, but you won’t be unconscious; you’ll still be able to answer our questions, and we can wake you up easily if you happen to fall asleep. It will take a while for the effects of oral conscious sedation to fully wear off, so make sure there’s someone who can drive you home afterward.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as “laughing gas,” is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for 5-10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre-and post-sedation instructions.
IV Sedation Dentistry
IV sedation is the strongest form of dental sedation available; we tend to recommend it for those with moderate to high dental anxiety, or anyone who needs particularly extensive work done. The sedative is delivered straight into your bloodstream, so it will take effect quickly; you’ll feel highly relaxed, and you won’t be aware of anything else going on around you. Many patients don’t even remember anything that happened while under the effects of the sedative.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Do you have questions or concerns about receiving dental sedation? Our team at Advanced Dental Care of South Texas can put your anxieties to rest by giving you the information you need to feel comfortable and confident receiving treatment. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions we receive from our patients. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please call us directly!
What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?
In most cases, dental sedation is a relaxing experience that helps transform your anxiety and nervousness into a lighter, more comfortable feeling. In some cases, it can also make patients feel drowsy or tingly, but these effects can vary from person to person.
Is sedation dentistry covered by dental insurance?
In many cases, dental insurance doesn’t cover the cost of sedation despite it being proven to benefit millions of people. If you’re concerned about the cost of your treatment, you may want to look into signing up for our Membership Plan, which offers a variety of included services and discounts.
Does dental sedation put you to sleep?
Most forms of sedation we offer can make you feel drowsy, like nitrous oxide, oral conscious, and IV sedation, but you’ll remain conscious throughout your treatment. Some can even lead to minor amnesia, like IV sedation, but you’ll still be able to respond to our team throughout your treatment. However, if you receive general anesthesia, you will not be conscious during your procedure and will have no recollection of your experience.
Can dental sedation make you sick?
It’s rare that dental sedation causes negative side-effects like illness. Our team will screen you before administering any medication to make sure you’re a good candidate and it’s safe. In some cases where patients do experience discomfort afterwards, it’s typically in the form of nausea or headaches that go away once the medication wears off.
How long does dental sedation last?
This depends on the type of sedation you receive. Nitrous oxide sedation effects are quickly purged from your system after your treatment by having you breathe oxygen for a few minutes, meaning you’ll get to go about the rest of your day as you normally would. Oral conscious and IV sedation often require some down-time after your procedure until all of the medication’s effects wear off. That’s why we require our patients receiving these methods of sedation to have a trusted friend or family member look after them and transport them to and from their appointment.