Sedation Dentist – Greenville, TX
Just Sit Back and Relax
About 36% of the population is affected by some kind of dental anxiety or fear, and many of them avoid dental care as much as possible because of it. Our team at Stone Street Dental will go out of their way to create a cheerful environment and make you feel comfortable during your visit, but we understand if you need a little extra help. Call today to talk about the different options for sedation dentistry in Greenville, TX that might be used during your visit with Dr. Garrad.
Why Choose Stone Street Dental
for Sedation Dentistry?
- Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation Options
- Friendly Dentist and Cheerful Team Members
- Dental Insurance-Friendly Dental Office Accepts Many Plans
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
You might know nitrous oxide by another name: laughing gas. It earned this nickname because it causes feelings of warmth and euphoria that occasionally puts people in a giggly mood. Perhaps the biggest benefit, however, is that it can effectively combat anxiety, helping patients who have had a previous bad experience get the essential dental care they need in a stress-free, comfortable way. If you want to learn more about this mild, but effective, sedation dentistry option, then keep reading!
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
At your appointment at our Greenville dental office, we will learn a little bit more about your interest in nitrous oxide as well as your medical history. This is important because not all patients are candidates for this sedation dentistry solution, including expecting mothers and patients who have trouble breathing through their nose. With that said, nitrous oxide is mild enough that it is ideal for the large majority of patients, including those with a fear of needles, a strong gag reflex, and dental-related anxiety.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a small nasal piece, which will be placed over your nose once you’re comfortable in the treatment chair. Then, we will instruct you to breathe in through your nose. After a few minutes, you’ll begin to feel the effects set in, causing you to enter a state of deep relaxation. One of the biggest perks of this sedation dentistry option is that we can adjust the dosage you receive throughout your treatment to make sure you remain comfortable every step of the way too.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Since nitrous oxide can be administered with little preparation and wears off quickly afterwards, it’s a good option for people who only need a mild sedative to help them relax in the dentist’s chair. You won’t need to worry about taking time off of work, having someone drive you home from your appointment, etc. – you can go right back to your daily routine! Of course, if there’s anything you need to keep in mind regarding the treatment you received, like sticking to soft foods for the first 24 hours, we will let you know before you leave our office.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is recommended for patients who are particularly anxious or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. You will be given a pill to take before your appointment. Once it takes effect, you will still be conscious, but you will be so relaxed that you may not remember the experience later. Plan on having someone else drive you home, and expect to spend the rest of the day recovering as the medication wears off.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation does not involve the use of any masks or needles. Rather, all you have to do is swallow a prescription pill. The medications used for this type of sedation can vary, but Valium, Ativan, and Halcion are common options. Within about 15 minutes or so after you swallow the medication, you should start to feel very relaxed. Its effects will likely last throughout your procedure and for several hours afterward.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Here are a few important notes about the oral conscious sedation experience:
- You might drift off to sleep, but you should remain easy to awaken with gentle stimuli. You will remain able to respond to directions and questions.
- You may not remember your procedure after the sedative wears off.
- It will not be safe for you to drive while you are sedated, so you should have a trusted adult available to drive you home from your appointment.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
You might be a suitable candidate for oral conscious sedation if:
- You struggle with moderate to intense dental anxiety or fear.
- You have a very sensitive gag reflex.
- You have a physical condition that makes it difficult for you to sit still for long periods of time.
- You had a traumatic dental care experience in the past.
- You do not have any contraindications that would make sedation unsafe for you. For example, you should not be pregnant.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Although sedation medications are typically safe for the vast majority of people, not everyone needs them. If you are able to sit still for a while, aren’t afraid of the sights and sounds in a dental office, and are only going in for a simple cleaning, you likely can complete your appointment sans sedation. To consider it, you must tell us about any medications you’re taking as well as your medical history. This information can determine whether the sedative will mix dangerously in your system, but again, it is rare that anyone has a negative reaction to these medications.
Will I Fall Asleep with Sedation Dentistry?
Not with nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. With these options, you will remain awake and able to respond to our team’s instructions and questions. Perhaps you think you’d be better off simply going completely under, but most of the time this drastic measure isn’t necessary! With oral conscious sedation, for example, you may or may not recall details from your time with us because it is stronger than the gentle nitrous oxide. Depending on how relaxed or tired you feel, you may end up falling asleep on your own, but it will result from the medication itself.
Where Does Dental Anxiety Come from?
Fear of the dentist or dental treatment can begin with any number of events, including an unpleasant or downright horrible past experience with a previous dentist. It can also come from being sensitive to the lights, sounds, and other sensations in the dental office, creating fear of the environment itself. Others may have heard stories about how dentistry used to feel “way back in the day”—before local anesthetic and Stone Street Dental came along. Movies and TV haven’t helped to expunge dentists’ reputations either, usually depicting dentists as pain-inflicting sadists or incompetent characters. Without help, these anxieties can prevent patients from seeking necessary dental care, increasing their risk of more severe issues.
Does Dental Insurance Pay for Sedation?
For general patients, dental insurance typically does not cover sedation; however, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you have officially been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by a psychiatric or psychological professional, your insurance may help pay part of the cost of nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. Those with special needs may also be approved for sedation coverage. When you give us your insurance information, we can double-check your coverage and see what benefits you have available.
Before your next dental appointment, would you like to take advantage of sedation? Let us know in advance! If you need oral conscious sedation, we’ll need time to submit your prescription to the pharmacy, but even with nitrous oxide, early notice can us prepare for your visit!
