Dental anxiety affects patients of all ages. Many adults reschedule, postpone, and cancel dental appointments because they fear dental visits. At Vista Ridge Family Dentistry, we completely understand how debilitating dental anxiety can be. We offer sedation dentistry as one of our general dental care services in Cedar Park, TX, to help patients get comfortable dental care.
Whether you always experience dental anxiety or you have a particularly nerve-wracking appointment coming up, we can help. Please don’t hesitate to ask our team about our dental sedation options. Our compassionate team always practices patience and empathy, and we will never do anything that a patient is uncomfortable with.
The Benefits of Dental Sedation
In addition to general dental anxiety, sedation is useful in many ways. Sedation can help patients with these problems:
- Fear of pain
- Poor gag reflex
- Difficulty staying still
- Anxiety around loud noises
Dental sedation also provides patients with:
- Little to no memory of the dental procedure
- Painless dental care
- Anxiety reduction
Under sedation, you will feel relaxed. Based on sedation type, you may not remember your treatment. This is a great option for patients with dental fear or anxiety.
We want to ensure dental treatment is as stress and pain-free as possible. Our office understands patients can feel nervous about treatments like root canals or extractions. In some cases, we may recommend sedation for anxious patients.
In addition to sedation, we aim to create a comforting and relaxing space for our patients. We welcome you to ask us questions about your treatment or voice your concerns. Our team will explain each part of the treatment so you can understand what will happen.
If you find it hard to go to the dentist for cleanings because of dental anxiety or fear, we can accommodate you. We can provide an office tour before your visit to familiarize you with our team and office. For many patients, knowing what to expect can relieve anxiety of the unknown.
Is Sedation Right For Me?
Many patients ask if dental sedation is safe. Yes, sedation is safe when done by an experienced professional. Before every treatment, we consider your medical conditions and current medicines. In part, this is because some health issues can increase your risk of dental problems.
We also want to ensure the sedation we use can safely interact with your medication or condition. In some cases, health problems can interfere with sedation. For instance, we will not recommend nitrous oxide if you have breathing problems.
We will not recommend anti-anxiety medication if you have liver or kidney problems. These problems can impact your metabolism, so we will not know when your medication will take effect.
Sedation Dentistry in Cedar Park, TX
We offer multiple types of sedation for patients in our dental office:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is the clinical term for laughing gas. We place a comfortable mask over the nose before administering nitrous oxide and oxygen. The effects of laughing gas begin quickly, and the patient may feel light-headed, relaxed, or like laughing.
Laughing gas is excellent for relieving mild dental anxiety. We often use laughing gas for minor procedures. After treatment, the patient breathes normal oxygen for a few minutes. The effects will subside, and it is usually safe for the patient to drive home.
Oral Conscious Sedation
We provide patients with oral medication in the office before the start of the appointment. The medication puts the patient into a sleepy, dream-like state, making them less aware of what is happening around them. As a result, time may feel slower, and the patient’s reflexes are often slower.
The patient may fall asleep during treatment but will not be unconscious. We provide oral conscious sedation for more complex treatments. Patients will need a friend or family member to wait in our office and drive them home after their appointment.
IV Sedation
During IV sedation, we administer the sedative through the bloodstream. We can use IV sedation for any dental visit, as a dental professional can control the amount of sedative.
IV sedation is also called “twilight” or “sleep” dentistry. The patient is conscious during treatment but may feel like they are asleep. Patients can answer questions from our team, but they may not remember much of their appointment. IV sedation requires a trusted adult to stay and drive the patient home afterward.
How Long Does Sedation Last?
The length of time sedation lasts is based on the type. For example, laughing gas wears off within a few minutes after you stop inhaling it. The effects quickly fade once the mask is removed and you start breathing regular air. Most patients feel back to normal in about 5 to 10 minutes. This means you can often drive yourself home after your visit.
Under oral sedation, you take a pill that makes you feel drowsy but still awake. The effects can last a few hours after your appointment, so you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Oral sedation typically lasts between 2 to 6 hours. This depends on the dosage and the specific medication. The effects can make you feel drowsy, relaxed, and sometimes groggy.
While the sedation may wear off within a few hours after your procedure, you’ll likely need someone to drive you home. It can take a full day for the effects to disappear completely. Rest after your appointment and avoid any activities that need your full concentration, like driving or operating machinery.
IV sedation is stronger than other options. You might feel sleepy or even fall asleep during the procedure. The effects can last several hours, and you’ll need a ride home. After this sedation, you may even nap at home because the effects will last longer than other options.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Dental sedation helps many patients get the care they need. Read on to learn more.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when administered by a trained dental professional. Dentists who offer sedation dentistry are specially trained to monitor and adjust the levels of sedation to ensure patient safety throughout the procedure. Before administering sedation, the dentist will review your medical history to identify potential risks and choose the most appropriate form. While side effects are rare, they are mild and temporary, such as drowsiness or a dry mouth.
Will I be asleep during sedation dentistry?
Whether you are asleep during sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation used. With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you will remain awake but deeply relaxed. However, with IV sedation, you may be semi-conscious or even asleep, though you can still be awakened if necessary. Your dentist will choose the best sedation method based on your level of anxiety and the procedure being performed.
How long does the sedation last?
The duration of sedation depends on the type of sedation and the procedure. Nitrous oxide typically wears off within minutes after the gas is stopped, allowing you to leave the office immediately. Oral sedation may last a few hours, and you may feel drowsy for longer, so it’s best to arrange for someone to drive you home. IV sedation can last for several hours, depending on the treatment, and you may need extra time to fully recover from its effects.
Are there any side effects from sedation dentistry?
While sedation dentistry is generally safe, there may be mild side effects. You may experience dizziness, nausea, or a dry mouth with nitrous oxide, though these side effects typically disappear shortly after the gas is turned off. After the procedure, oral sedation may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or a slight headache. For IV sedation, some patients report feeling groggy or disoriented when waking up, but these effects usually wear off within a few hours.
Can children benefit from sedation dentistry?
Yes, children can benefit from sedation dentistry, especially if they are anxious, fearful, or have trouble sitting still for dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is often used for younger patients because it is a mild sedative that can calm their nerves while keeping them awake. For more complex procedures, oral or IV sedation may be used, depending on the child’s needs and the treatment being performed. Pediatric dentists are trained to use sedation techniques safely for children.
How do I know if sedation dentistry is right for me?
If you experience dental anxiety, have had previous negative dental experiences, or need extensive dental work, sedation dentistry may be a good option for you. Your dentist will evaluate your medical history, discuss your concerns, and recommend the most appropriate form of sedation based on the type of procedure, your comfort level, and any health factors. It’s important to discuss openly with your dentist to determine whether sedation is necessary for your treatment.
Contact Our Dental Office
We always consider our patients’ medical history and current health status before we recommend or prescribe dental sedation. If you have any questions or concerns for our team, please contact our front office at 512-866-9654. You can also schedule a dental consultation with us on our website today.