Dental sedation is a tool that allows us to provide care for patients with lengthy or complex treatment. Sedation is also called sleep dentistry because some patients fall asleep under sedation. At Hebron Family Dentistry, sedation dentistry in our Carrollton, TX office helps patients get necessary care. Under sedation, patients can receive general dental care, including cleanings and extractions. Sedation also ensures patients with dental anxiety receive preventative care with comfortable treatment.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry in Carrollton, TX
Dental sedation offers many benefits. With sedation, you can receive multiple treatments in just one appointment. You can also receive treatment with little to no memory of the procedures. Additionally, sedation helps us perform treatment. We can provide dental care without interruptions.
Sedation benefits patients with the following:
- Dental fear or anxiety
- Lengthy dental treatments
- Strong gag reflexes
- Complex procedures
Dental sedation allows you to get dental treatment without discomfort. It can also make treatments seem to fly by. With this dental tool, you can feel comfortable and relaxed during treatment.
Don’t Avoid The Dentist
We understand that many patients can have a fear of the dentist. Whether you’ve had a negative experience or have general anxiety, we’re here to help. When you visit our office, we want you to feel comfortable.
Dental visits are essential to good oral health. Avoiding the dentist can increase your chance of cavities and gum disease. Over time, you may need more complex dental treatment. If you haven’t visited the dentist in years, please get in touch with our office. We can discuss your accommodations before your next visit.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Dentists use three main types of sedation to ensure patient comfort:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a gas. You will breathe a combination of this gas and oxygen through a mask placed over the nose and mouth. Nitrous oxide takes effect quickly. It also fades quickly, so you can drive to and from your appointment. We replace the nitrous oxide mix with pure oxygen to ensure the effects wear off.
Nitrous oxide is also called “laughing gas” because you may feel happy or giggly during treatment. Under nitrous oxide, you will feel calm and relaxed. This treatment method is safe for children and adults.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For this sedation, you will take a prescribed pill before treatment. It takes time for oral conscious sedation to take effect. You will need a ride to and from your appointment. Under this sedation, you will remain awake but relaxed.
You can respond to verbal commands under oral conscious sedation. However, you will not feel discomfort or pain. This treatment is an excellent option for patients with a fear of needles who respond well to anxiety medication.
IV Sedation
Dentists collaborate with a sedation specialist to provide IV sedation. This sedation is also known as “twilight sedation.” This is because you will be sleepy yet conscious. Under IV sedation, you will feel deeply relaxed. You may not even remember your treatment. Often, we will combine this sedation with medication.
It will take time for the effects of this sedation to fade. Because of this, you will need transportation to and from your appointment.
After your treatment, we will provide you with instructions. These instructions vary depending on your treatment. Sometimes, you can return to work or school after treatment. At other times, you must rest at home to heal correctly.
Which Type of Sedation is Right For Me?
Before any treatment, we consider your medical conditions and medications. We will also review your medical history. Medical problems can impact how you react to sedation.
We will not recommend nitrous oxide if you have sleep apnea, breathing problems, or respiratory diseases. Please let us know if you have breathing problems before treatment. If you are allergic to anti-anxiety medications, oral conscious sedation is not the best treatment for you. Additionally, we will not recommend IV sedation if you have a fear of needles.
Our dental office will find the best sedation method to fit your needs. We want to ensure you feel comfortable and safe during treatment. Our dentists will customize treatment for your comfort level.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Do you want to know more about sedation? Read answers to these common questions from our patients:
Is sedation safe?
Yes, sedation is safe. Only a trained professional can safely administer dental sedation. Our dentists carefully follow protocols to provide sedation. We can also monitor and adjust your sedation.
Additionally, we will track your heart rate if you receive deep sedation. Before treatment, we note any allergies, medications, or medical conditions. This way, we can find the safest type of sedation.
Will I feel anything under sedation?
You may feel the sensations of the dentist working on your teeth under sedation. However, you will not feel pain. You’re more likely to feel sensation under light or moderate sedation than deep sedation.
How will I feel after sedation?
You can feel tired and groggy after sedation. It may be challenging to think clearly after treatment. This is another reason why you need transportation for most types of sedation.
You can feel nauseous if you are under for a long time. When you return home, eat bland food and take small sips of water. Wait about thirty minutes between eating and drinking. Drinking ginger ale can calm your stomach. You can also lay on your left side when resting.
What are the levels of sedation?
There are four main levels of sedation:
- Light: Under this type of sedation, you are awake but will not feel any pain. You will also respond to your dentist. Laughing gas is a standard light sedation that is safe for patients of all ages.
- Mild/Moderate: You will feel sleepier under mild sedation. You can still respond to our team. However, you may not remember treatment. Other types of dental sedation, including IV and oral conscious sedation, are mild.
- Deep: We use this sedation for oral surgery. You are unaware of treatment under deep sedation. Often, you will not remember treatment.
- General Anesthesia: You are entirely unconscious under anesthesia. This means you will not see, feel, or hear anything. This is the deepest level of sedation.
Can I receive sedation if I am pregnant?
Sedation is not safe for pregnant patients. We do not recommend anti-anxiety pills for pregnant patients. These pills can complicate births. Sedation can also cause problems in the first and third trimesters.
Can you fall asleep under sedation?
Sedation isn’t meant to put you to sleep. However, it’s possible to fall asleep under mild sedation. It’s also possible to forget treatment or feel sleepy under sedation.
Get Comfortable Dental Care Today
Pain-free dental care is possible. You can get relaxing dental treatment with sedation dentistry in Carrollton, TX. Call Hebron Family Dental at 972-236-5871 . Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Andrea Canales or Dr. William Jennings.
Please let us know at your next visit if you have more questions. We’re here to help you find the most comfortable treatment possible.