Flower Mound Dental is committed to providing each patient with the dental care they need. Our dental team understands that there are several reasons why people avoid the dentist, including dental anxiety. If you suffer from this fear of the dentist, then sedation dentistry can help.
Dr. Jennings provides sedation dentistry in Flower Mound, TX, as a general dentistry service to help patients remain calm and relaxed during their dentist appointments. This allows them to receive the dental care they need to maintain good oral hygiene.
Why is Sedation Dentistry Necessary?
The most common reason patients need sedation is due to dental anxiety. However, there are many other reasons to use it. Flower Mound Dental uses sedation dentistry in Flower Mound, TX for a variety of reasons, including:
- Dental anxiety or fear of the dentist causes many skipped dentists appointments. Using sedation allows them to feel relaxed and stress free so that the dentist can treat them.
- Some patients were simply born with a low tolerance for pain. This can make dental procedures, even routine dental care, uncomfortable or even painful. With sedation, they will not be able recognize the pain and they will also not remember much of anything from the appointment.
- Some patients are also simply born with a strong gag reflex. This makes it very difficult for the dentist to treat them. Poor oral health is the result of not being able to tolerate dental treatments. A sedation method will relax them to the point where it reduces the gag reflex making the dentist able to treat them and the procedure more comfortable.
- If you suffer from complex dental problems, then you will likely need many restorative dentistry procedures. This will take time and sometimes the appointments can be lengthy and complex. Sedation methods will help the patient relax and allow them to sit still for a long period of time while the dentist performs lengthy procedures.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are several types of sedation dentistry methods available. Flower Mound Dental uses oral conscious sedation dentistry and nitrous oxide.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation dentistry involves administering oral medication to the patient before their scheduled appointment. This pill delivers sedative effects on the central nervous system and helps the patient relax and remain calm through the entire dentist appointment.
During oral conscious sedation, the patient remains awake and in full control of their body. They can communicate with the dentist and respond to verbal commands. However, the medication will put them in a deep state of relaxation and calmness so that they will feel more comfortable during the dental procedure. Patients should expect to feel drowsy, have no anxiety, feel less pain, and experience temporary memory loss.
With this type of sedation, patients will be unable to drive to their dental appointments. They will need to have reliable transportation and someone who can remain with them for a few hours after the appointment until the sedative effects wear off.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a gas that is used in dentistry to sedate patients for dental treatments. A small mask is placed over the patient’s nose where they will breath in the gas during the entire appointment. It will create a mild sedative effect that will help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during their procedure.
This sedation method has been used for many years in dentistry and is considered very safe. The effects are fast acting and wear off quickly once the mask is taken off the patient. This makes it more convenient for patients who need to resume their normal daily activities after their dentist appointment.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The most important benefit of sedation dentistry is it allows patients to receive dental treatments when they otherwise could not. Avoiding the dentist for any reason is bad for your teeth, gums, and overall health.
The sedation dentistry we offer allows patient to stay calm and stress free the entire time they are in our dental office. It also helps make anesthetic more effective only enhancing our patients comfort level. This state of relaxation and calmness prevents the patients from panicking and tensing up. This results in no muscle or joint soreness after the appointment.
When a patient is calm, they are easier to work with. Dr. Jennings can perform more treatments in a single office visit because of this. This will also save you time and money.
Most people report that they do not even remember what happened during their appointment. What little they do remember is not typically traumatic or painful. Even though you will remain awake the whole time, you will have little to no memories about what happened.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Sedation dentistry allows patients to stay relaxed throughout dental procedures. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
What is sedation dentistry, and how does it work?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who experience anxiety, fear, or discomfort at the dentist. Different levels of sedation are available depending on the procedure and patient needs. Minimal sedation, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), keeps you awake but relaxed.
Moderate sedation, administered orally or via IV, can make you drowsy and may result in partial memory loss of the procedure. For more complex treatments, deep sedation or general anesthesia may be used, rendering you either on the edge of consciousness or fully unconscious. Your dentist will choose the appropriate type of sedation based on your individual requirements and the nature of the procedure.
Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is suitable for a range of patients, including those with significant dental anxiety or phobia who find it challenging to undergo treatment without assistance. It’s also beneficial for individuals with a low pain threshold who need a more comfortable experience.
Patients undergoing extensive dental work, which could be lengthy or complex, might find sedation helps them stay calm and still throughout the procedure. Additionally, those with strong gag reflexes or conditions that make it difficult to remain in a dental chair, such as ADHD, may also benefit from sedation. Your dentist will assess your suitability based on these factors and your overall health.
What types of sedation are available in dentistry?
Several types of sedation are available, each catering to different levels of anxiety and types of dental procedures. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a common choice for mild sedation, helping you relax while remaining fully conscious. For moderate sedation, oral sedatives can be taken prior to the procedure, causing drowsiness but still allowing you to stay awake.
IV sedation provides a deeper level of sedation and can be adjusted throughout the procedure to ensure comfort. For more invasive procedures, general anesthesia may be used, which puts you into a deep sleep and is usually administered in a hospital setting. Your dentist will determine the most appropriate form of sedation based on your needs and the complexity of the procedure.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry is generally safe when administered by a qualified and experienced dental professional. Before using sedation, your dentist will review your medical history, including any medications you are taking, to ensure the chosen sedation method is safe for you.
During the procedure, your vital signs, such as heart rate and oxygen levels, will be monitored to ensure your safety. While risks are minimal, it is important to follow all pre-procedure and post-procedure instructions provided by your dentist to avoid complications and ensure a smooth experience.
What should I expect after receiving sedation for a dental procedure?
After receiving sedation, you can expect to feel drowsy or disoriented as the sedative wears off. The exact recovery time depends on the type of sedation used. For mild sedatives like nitrous oxide, the effects wear off quickly, and you may feel back to normal within a short time.
With oral or IV sedation, you may need a few hours to fully recover and should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the sedative has completely left your system. It’s advisable to have someone accompany you to your appointment and assist you during the recovery period. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions based on the type of sedation used.
Are there any side effects associated with sedation dentistry?
Side effects from sedation dentistry can vary depending on the type of sedation used and your individual response. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea, which typically resolve within a few hours. Some patients may experience temporary memory loss of the procedure or a dry mouth.
In rare cases, there may be more significant reactions such as prolonged drowsiness or an allergic reaction. It’s important to discuss any concerns or past experiences with sedation with your dentist prior to the procedure. Your dentist will take measures to minimize risks and ensure your safety throughout the process.
If you are interested in learning more about sedation dentistry in Flower Mound, TX, call Flower Mound Dental today. You can reach our office at 972-640-7891 to reach our helpful dental staff.