Do you have dental anxiety? Are you dreading your upcoming dental visit? Ask us about sedation dentistry in our Dallas, TX office. Sedation is a dental tool to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed in the dental chair.
We often use sedation for long dental treatments like tooth extractions. However, we also use sedation for patients with dental anxiety. No matter your needs, we can find the right solution for relaxing dental procedures and routine visits. Sedation is a part of our general dental services; pain-free treatment can help you get the care you need.
The Benefits of Dental Sedation
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 sedation for lengthy dental treatments. There are many advantages to treatments that use sedation:
- Quicker Treatment: Depending on the type of sedation, it may seem like hours of your dental procedure fly by. Additionally, because you are relaxed, 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 have dental anxiety and haven’t visited the dentist in years, you can get the necessary treatment. 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. Also known as “laughing gas,” we use a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen delivered 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. This level of relaxation is known as “twilight sleep.” You are still conscious but not 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 often recommend pain medication and a soft diet if you receive treatments like tooth extractions or root canal treatment.
We encourage you to ask our office if you have any questions following treatment. Our office will provide detailed instructions, but if you have any adverse effects, let us know immediately.
Managing Fear at the Dentist
If you have dental fear or anxiety, we can help you feel calm at regular visits. There are multiple recommendations we can make to make the office more comfortable:
- Get an Office Tour: We recommend an office tour before you visit our office. During this tour, we will introduce ourselves so you can familiarise 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 office.
- Ask Questions: If you have questions about your treatment or accommodations, please ask. Our friendly team is here to help.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about sedation dentistry in Dallas, Texas, with answers to these patient questions:
Am I a candidate for sedation?
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 anti-anxiety medication because we cannot predict when it will take effect.
Additionally, we will not recommend laughing gas if you have sleep apnea or other breathing problems. Generally, we recommend sedation if you are in good health and are not allergic to the medication used during treatment.
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 is sedation?
The cost of sedation depends on the method. Usually, dental insurance covers a portion of the sedation cost. Our office will also 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 avoided the dentist due to 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 face. IV and oral conscious sedation can take hours to wear off. For this reason, we recommend going home and relaxing.
Is sedation safe?
Yes, sedation is safe. We can control the level of sedation if you receive laughing gas or an IV. If you take a pill before treatment and have an adverse effect, we will give you medication to reverse these 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
Do you want pain-free dental treatment? Call East Quarter Dental for sedation dentistry in Dallas, TX, today at 469-529-5401. You can also schedule an appointment on our website.
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.