Designing Beautiful SmilesSedation Dentistry – Plano, TX
Relieve Dental Anxiety for Comfortable Dentistry Visits
While Dr. Bita Kamali and her dedicated dentistry team work hard to make every patient feel welcome and comfortable from the moment they arrive, we know there are some patients who need a little extra help relaxing and feeling at ease during dental care. For these patients and many others, we may recommend oral conscious or nitrous oxide sedation. These dental sedatives allow our team to provide treatment for those patients with dental phobia, inability to numb with local anesthesia alone, sensitive teeth, gums, and gag reflexes, who need to complete multiple procedures in fewer appointments, and those who are unable to fully understand their care. If you or a loved one would like to find out more about sedation dentistry in Plano, TX or schedule an appointment at Parkway Vista Dental, we invite you to contact our dental team. We welcome patients from all surrounding communities to visit our dental office.
Oral Conscious Sedation
A great sedative option for patients who have difficulty leaving home for the dentist’s office, oral conscious sedation offers mild to moderate sedative effects that last several hours. Dr. Kamali prescribes many patients at Parkway Vista Dental a sedative pill to take at a predetermined time before their appointment so they can sit more comfortably. As the name implies, patients remain conscious throughout their treatment, but most report feeling extremely relaxed and even dozing during treatments. The most appealing thing for many patients is that they typically don’t remember their visit the next day. Due to the long-lasting effects of oral conscious sedation, patients should have a trusted friend or family member drive them to and from our Plano dental office.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a dental sedation treatment administered through a pill, meaning that it involves no needles or face masks that some patients may be uncomfortable with. This treatment is often recommended for adults who with strong gag reflexes or nervousness, fear, or anxiety about the dentist’s office. The patient will be instructed to take a small prescribed pill (usually Ativan, Halcion, or Valium) when they arrive at the office or immediately before their appointment. The effects kick in within about fifteen minutes and last for several hours, but this timeframe can vary depending on the particular drug prescribed.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
The effects of oral conscious sedation will last throughout the entire appointment, so you will need a family member or trusted friend to drop them off and pick them up from our office. Patients report that oral conscious sedation leaves them feeling relaxed and calm, and many of them are glad to find that they don’t remember much about their appointments afterward. While you can expect to feel calm and relaxed while sedated, you will still be conscious and able to respond to instructions during treatment. While treating a sedated patient, our team will monitor their vitals and ensure their general safety.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation may be an excellent option if you deal with issues such as:
- Severe fear, anxiety, or nervousness about seeing your dentist
- Frequently canceling or rescheduling necessary dental appointments out of fear of bad news
- An especially sensitive gag reflex
- Difficulty holding your mouth open or sitting still
- Finding that local anesthetic treatments are ineffective
- The need to sit in the dentist’s chair for a long period when receiving one or many treatments
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Nitrous oxide is one of the longest used forms of sedation. Often referred to as laughing gas due to the euphoric state patients achieve while under its influence, nitrous oxide relaxes patients and reduces sensitivity making them more comfortable throughout treatment. Inhaled through a nasal mask, nitrous oxide is fast acting and can be easily adjusted at any time throughout the course of the visit for optimal patient comfort. Additionally, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off as quickly as they take effect, which means patients are able to return to their regular daily activities immediately following their appointment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation?
Sedation dentistry is a great option for many patients who feel uncomfortable when visiting the dental office. Nitrous oxide sedation is usually recommended for patients with:
- Dental anxiety
- A fear of needles
- Tooth sensitivity
- A hard time sitting still
- Resistance to local anesthetics
If any of these things applies to you or there is another reason why you think you could benefit from nitrous oxide sedation, let us know. It may be just what you need to feel comfortable during your dental treatment.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation Work?
Before your dental treatment begins, we will administer nitrous oxide through a small mask that will be placed over your nose, and all you have to do is breathe like you normally would. We will adjust the flow of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas, which is clear and odorless. After a couple of minutes, you will feel a euphoric wave coming over you, allowing you to relax and feel more comfortable.
Once the full effects of the nitrous oxide kick in, we will begin your treatment. As soon as we’re done, we will remove the mask and turn off the gas. Just as quickly as you felt the effects of the gas, they will go away and you will feel like your normal self again.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
The effects of nitrous oxide don’t linger, so you only need to stay at the office for a few minutes until you feel back to normal. You can even drive yourself home afterward. Most patients are able to continue on with their day, including work, school, and other obligations. Be sure to closely follow any recovery instructions provided to you for the treatment that you received.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
If anxiety has made it difficult or impossible for you to complete dental work in the past, then sedation dentistry might be just what you need to get your smile taken care of. Even so, we understand if you have some apprehensions about what it’s like, especially if you’re a generally anxious person. Our team at Parkway Vista Dental regularly receives plenty of sedation questions, and we’ve answered some of the most frequent ones below for your benefit.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Dental sedation is quite safe for the majority of patients. Nitrous oxide is less likely to cause adverse effects than oral conscious sedation, making it a more suitable option for a higher number of people. To ensure your safety, your sedation dentist in Plano, TX will review your medical history and any medications you’re currently taking. That way, Dr. Kamali can determine whether sedation is ideal for you. Additionally, our team will carefully monitor your vitals the entire time to make sure you remain perfectly safe.
Will I Feel Pain with Dental Sedation?
Even though you’ll technically stay awake, the sedative will actually dull your brain’s pain receptors, so you’ll be much less likely to experience discomfort during your procedure. This makes sedation a great choice for patients who have trouble getting numb with local anesthesia alone. Of course, chances are it will also make your memory of the treatment hazy; even if you do feel discomfort, you may be unable to recall it later.
Does Dental Sedation Make You Tell Secrets?
Contrary to what is commonly shown in TV shows and movies, dental sedation doesn’t act as a “truth serum.” In fact, it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll reveal personal secrets while under its effects. Rest assured that anything you say when sedated will stay within the walls of our treatment room. You won’t need to worry!
Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Because sedation is often deemed a “luxury” service, many dental insurance companies unfortunately won’t cover the cost. However, each insurance plan is different, and there may be exceptions. For example, a plan might cover sedation if a patient has a disability that makes it difficult or nearly impossible to undergo dental treatments otherwise, such as Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy.
At Parkway Vista Dental, our team has several years of experience maximizing dental insurance benefits and we work with practically every major provider. We’ll be happy to file claims for most PPO providers and are in-network with many of the leading plans, so you can count on getting the most of your coverage at our practice. If you still need help paying for your sedation, we also partner with CareCredit so that you can split up your costs into a monthly plan with low interest rates in most cases.
Can I Get Dental Sedation If I’m Pregnant?
During pregnancy, we usually don’t recommend using sedation, especially oral conscious. Although the nitrous oxide gas is gentle and can be kept at a low dosage, there is a higher risk to your baby in the first and third trimesters. Our concern for you and your baby’s health takes top priority. As a result, if you require more advanced treatment where sedation would be helpful, such as dental implants, we will likely recommend waiting until after the baby arrives to receive it safely with sedation.
Can My Child Get Dental Sedation?
At Parkway Vista Dental, we do everything we can to help patients of all ages feel welcome, safe, and comfortable. That said, we know some kids have trouble relaxing at the dentist’s, which is why we can safely offer nitrous oxide sedation to calm their nerves and relax their gag reflex. Again, it can be adjusted throughout the procedure, ensuring that your child remains completely at ease. Teenagers who are able to take oral medication may be considered for oral conscious sedation, depending on their needs and medical history.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?
With nitrous oxide, many patients report feeling light—almost like you’re floating—and content. Although it may or may not make you giggle, this “laughing gas” can put you in a more positive mood. You may also experience slight tingling in your arms and legs. You will be fully aware of what’s going on around you, but you will not feel bothered by it. Oral conscious sedation puts you in a deeper, calmer state. Unlike nitrous oxide, it can make you feel heavy. It will not put you to sleep, but we have had patients fall asleep on their own during the procedure because they are so relaxed.
Is Dental Sedation Worth It?
Dental sedation can make your time in the chair much easier, especially if your procedure takes a long time to complete. It may be worthwhile simply to keep you comfortable! If you worry about the cost of sedation, think about this. Dental anxiety can cause you to postpone treatment, allowing the problem to get worse. In the long run, you may need to get a more extensive and expensive procedure, costing you well more than it would have if you addressed the issue sooner with sedation. Consider sedation a tool for preserving your smile and your wallet. If you have other questions or concerns, reach out to us!