Dental sedation is a tool we use to care for patients with lengthy or complex care. Sedation is also called sleep dentistry because some patients may fall asleep. At Hebron Family Dentistry, sedation dentistry in our Carrollton, TX office helps patients get necessary care. Patients can get general dental care like cleanings and extractions under sedation. It also ensures patients with dental anxiety get preventative care with comfortable treatment.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry in Carrollton, TX
Dental sedation offers many benefits. With this tool, you can get multiple treatments in just one appointment. You can also get treatment with little to no memory of the procedures. Sedation also helps us perform treatment so we can provide dental care without interruptions.
Dental sedation can benefit patients with:
- Dental fear or anxiety
- Long dental treatments
- Strong gag reflex
- Sensitivity to light and sounds
- Complex procedures
Sedation in our dentist office 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.
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. You can increase your chance of cavities and gum disease if you avoid the dentist. 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 in Carrollton, TX
Dentists use three main types of sedation to ensure patient comfort:
Nitrous Oxide
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 so 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. Because it takes time for oral conscious sedation to take effect and wear off, yu will need a ride to and from your appointment. During treatment, 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
We will work with a specialist to provide IV sedation. This is also known as “twilight sedation” because you will be sleepy yet conscious. You will feel deeply relaxed under IV sedation.
You may also forget your treatment. We will often 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 based 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 these problems before treatment. Oral conscious sedation is not the best treatment for you if you are allergic to anti-anxiety medications. We will also 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 you to feel comfortable and safe. 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.
Our office will also track your heart rate if you get deep sedation. Before treatment, we note any allergies, medications, or medical conditions. This way, we can find the safest type of sedation.
Can children get sedation?
Yes, we often recommend laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, for children who need dental care. This is the mildest form of sedation. We will administer sedation based on your child’s age and weight. Our office will also monitor your child’s safety during treatment.
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.
How will I feel after sedation?
You can feel tired and groggy and it may be hard to think clearly after treatment. This is another reason why you need a ride to and from our office.
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. You can also drink ginger ale to calm your stomach and lay on your left side when you rest.
What are the levels of sedation?
The four main levels of sedation are:
- 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 but you can still respond to our team. However, you may not remember treatment. IV and oral conscious sedation are mild.
- Deep: We use this sedation for oral surgery. You are not aware of your treatment under deep sedation. You will often not remember treatment.
- General Anesthesia: You are unconscious under anesthesia. This means you will not see, feel, or hear anything. This is the deepest level of sedation.
Can I eat or drink before a sedation dentistry appointment?
For most types of sedation, like IV sedation, we ask you not eat or drink for at least six hours before your appointment. This makes treatment safer and prevents any issues during the procedure. However, our dentist might give you different instructions for lighter sedation.
Can I get sedation if I am pregnant?
Sedation is not safe for pregnant patients. We also do not recommend anti-anxiety pills if you are pregnant. These pills can complicate births and can cause problems in the first and third trimesters.
Can you fall asleep under sedation?
Sedation isn’t meant to put you to sleep. But you can fall asleep under mild sedation. You may also forget treatment or feel sleepy.
Many people under mild sedation may also forget parts of the treatment or feel like time passed quickly. While you might not be fully asleep, you’ll feel more at ease and less anxious.
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 if you have more questions at your next visit. We’re here to help you find the most comfortable treatment.