Easing Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry in Coppell
We want you to feel completely comfortable whenever you come to see us at Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry. For patients who struggle with fear and anxiety, sedation dentistry can make any visit a relaxing and pleasant experience. Read on to learn about some of the ways we can help you relax during your next dental appointment.
Nitrous Oxide
Sedation with nitrous oxide is
ideal for patients who are only a little nervous about visiting the dentist and are coming in just to have a
standard checkup and cleaning. Commonly called “laughing gas” or “sweet air”, nitrous
oxide is inhaled through a special mask that is placed on the nose, and it creates feelings of warmth,
relaxation, and comfort throughout the entire body. Many patients even describe a gentle floating sensation. It
wears off as quickly as it goes to work and allows you to resume your normal activities immediately after your
visit.
Oral Sedation
With oral sedation, you will take
a sedative prescribed by one of our doctors prior to your appointment. By the time you reach our office, you
will be completely mentally and physically relaxed. You will still be conscious and able to follow your
doctor’s commands while under oral sedation. Often, it allows us to complete more work in a single visit
and leave you with little to no memory of your time with us. Most patients are back to their normal routines
later that same day, though it is advised that someone close to you drive you to and from the office.
IV Sedation
With IV sedation, we can help
patients achieve a very deep level of relaxation. This form is recommended for patients with severe anxiety or
those who need a lengthy, complex procedure. The sedative is sent directly into the bloodstream via a painless
injection in the arm. It is extremely fast acting, and your doctor can easily adjust your sedation level
throughout your treatment so you are comfortable the entire time. Most patients have little to no memory of
their procedure after using IV sedation. Due to the strength of this method, expect to return to your normal
activities the day following your appointment.
Other Reasons for Choosing Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry isn’t just for anxious patients. Anyone who wants to feel a deeper sense of peace during appointments or complete more work in fewer visits may benefit from it as well.
To learn more about sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment, call our Coppell dental office. Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics serves Lewisville, Irving, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Arlington, Frisco, and the surrounding areas with quality, personalized dental care.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Do you want to know a bit more about sedation dentistry? We invite you to read the handy FAQ section below! Our expert team at Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics has compiled some of the most common questions and answers about the three types of sedation described above, for your convenience. If you still have additional questions or concerns about nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation or IV sedation after reading the information below, do not hesitate to contact us directly. We are always happy to answer any questions our patients may have!
Do I Have to Take Off Work?
The effects of nitrous oxide wear off very quickly, so most patients who are sedated in this manner do not have to worry about missing a significant chunk of work, class or other activities.
In contrast, patients that undergo more advanced sedative treatment such as oral conscious sedation or IV sedation are more likely to be able to resume their daily routines after several hours or even the following day.
So, if you are concerned about taking off significant time from work to complete dental treatment, talk to your dentist in Coppell about whether nitrous oxide is the right sedative option for you.
Can I Drive Home After I Have Been Sedated?
This is one of the most common questions we hear at Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics regarding sedation dentistry. The answer? It depends on what time of sedative you are administered:
- Nitrous oxide – Yes. You may need to wait just a few minutes to ensure you are fully alert before driving home or back to the office.
- Oral sedation – No. Since you may begin to feel the effects of oral sedation before your appointment begins, you should arrange for a friend or family member to drive you both to and from our office.
- IV sedation – No. You may feel somewhat groggy for an hour or so after IV sedation, so be sure to make transportation arrangement beforehand so you can arrive safely back home.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
When administered by a trained sedation dentist in Coppell, sedation dentistry is very safe for both mature and young patients. Sedation dentistry can be especially helpful for young children who are scared of the dentist’s office by putting them at ease throughout their dental treatment.
If your young child suffers from dental anxiety, we suggest bringing along a comfort item from home, such as a blanket or favorite stuffed animal. This can help distract and keep them calm in the dentist’s chair until the sedative takes effect.
Who Should NOT Take Oral Sedation?
While oral conscious sedation can be administered without risk to most adult patients, it is not right for everyone. Oral conscious sedation is typically not recommended for the following types of patients:
- People who may suffer from an allergic reaction to the sedative
- People with acute narrow-angle glaucoma
- People who are pregnant or nursing
- People diagnosed with clinical depression or bipolar disorders
- People with a high tolerance for certain drugs or a history of drug abuse
During an initial consultation, one of our experienced dentists will review your medical and dental history to determine the correct and safest form of sedation dentistry for you.