If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, you are not the only one. Many patients avoid vital dental care because of anxiety. However, we provide sedation dentistry, sometimes called sleep dentistry. Flower Mound Family Dentistry is a local dentist office that offers sedation dentistry in Flower Mound, TX.
Our goal is to reduce patients’ anxiety and fear so they can get the dental care they need. We also use gentle techniques and a caring approach to help you feel at ease. Comfortable care is possible at the dentist.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The benefits of sedation dentistry extend to both the patient and the dentist. It creates a more favorable and less stressful dental environment. These benefits include:
- Reduced Anxiety: Many people avoid dental care because of fear or anxiety. Sedation dentistry helps patients feel more relaxed and get the care they need. Patients who are nervous about visiting the dentist can finally get treatment without stress.
- Stress-Free Dental Visits: Anxiety during dental visits can be difficult for both the patient and the dentist. Sedation helps create a calm and comfortable environment where patients can relax. Our dental team can also focus on providing the best care without distractions.
- Efficient Care: Dentists can work more quickly and effectively when patients are calm and still. This helps us if you need longer or more complex procedures. Sedation allows the dental team to work with greater precision. It reduces the need for breaks or interruptions.
- Better Pain Management: Sedation helps patients manage pain and discomfort during treatment. This is particularly useful for people with low pain tolerance or those needing more invasive dental procedures, like extractions or surgeries.
- Encourages Routine Dental Care: Patients are more likely to return for regular check-ups when dental visits are comfortable and stress-free. Positive experiences help build trust and confidence, making it easier to maintain good oral health over time.
Reasons Why Patients Use Sedation Dentistry
Our sedation options benefit patients with these problems:
- Dental Anxiety and Fear
- Low Pain Threshold
- Complex Dental Problems
- Difficulty Staying Still
- Strong Gag Reflex
Types of Dental Sedation Methods
Flower Mound Family Dentistry offers nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Both methods will help you feel calm and relaxed. In most cases, you will not remember much from your dentist appointment.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill about an hour before your dentist appointment. Depending on the dose, it can range from mild to moderate sedation. The medication allows you to remain awake but feel significantly more relaxed, and you may have little to no memories of the procedure. We often suggest this type of dental sedation for patients with mild to moderate anxiety and for procedures that do not require a deep level of sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
More commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask that we place over your nose. When you inhale it, the gas will induce a euphoric feeling that helps you relax. One of the key advantages of nitrous oxide is that the effects wear off quickly after we remove the mask at the end of treatment. You will be able to drive yourself to and from your appointment. It’s suitable for mild sedation, and we can adjust it in real-time to ensure your comfort.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to these common questions to learn more about sedation dentistry in our Flower Mound, TX office:
Is dental sedation safe?
Yes, before each treatment that requires sedation, we will review your medications, allergies, and medical conditions. When we provide sedation, we can easily reverse its effects if needed. When we provide nitrous oxide, we dose patients based on age, weight, and size. Our dental office takes precautions to ensure your safety under sedation.
Can children get dental sedation?
Yes, some types of dental sedation are safe for children. Children may sometimes need lengthy or complex dental treatments that require sedation. We often recommend laughing gas for younger patients because it offers a milder form of sedation. Our team will provide the correct amount of sedation for each child.
Can anyone get sedation?
Not everyone can get dental sedation, but most people can. Our dentist will check your health and medical history to make sure it’s safe for you. Some health conditions, like heart or lung problems, might make sedation risky. Also, pregnant women and people with allergies to certain medications may not be able to use dental sedation. We will discuss your options and help you choose the safest way to stay comfortable at your dental visit.
Are you asleep under sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation. With mild sedation, like laughing gas or oral sedation, you stay awake but feel very relaxed. With deeper sedation, like IV sedation, you may be so relaxed that you might not remember much of the procedure, but you’re not fully asleep. General anesthesia is the only type that puts you completely to sleep, but it’s usually used for major surgeries, not routine dental work.
Does dental sedation have side effects?
Yes, after treatment with sedation, you may feel tired, lightheaded, or dizzy. Some patients may feel nauseous. However, if you take medication as prescribed and rest after treatment, it will help treat these side effects. For your safety, we also recommend getting a ride to and from our office when you get sedation.
How long does it take to recover from sedation?
The recovery time from sedation depends on the type. If you have nitrous oxide (laughing gas), you’ll feel back to normal just a few minutes after the dentist stops giving it to you. With oral sedation, it can take a few hours for the effects to wear off. You might feel groggy or sleepy, so you’ll need someone to drive you home. Most people feel fully recovered by the next day.
Will dental sedation impact my ability to drive after my procedure?
If you take oral sedation, you will need someone to drive you to and from the dental office. This is because you need to take the sedative as a pill before your visit. It will also take time for the sedation to wear off after your procedure. Driving can be safe after you get nitrous oxide because it wears off quickly, so you can safely drive from the office.
Will my insurance cover sedation?
Whether your insurance covers dental sedation depends on your plan and why you need it. If you need a complicated surgery, your insurance may cover the cost. However, if it’s just to help you feel more comfortable during a routine procedure, your insurance might not offer coverage. Check with your dentist and insurance provider to see what they will cover before your appointment.
Contact Us Today to Learn More about Sedation Dentistry in Flower Mound, TX
Get your oral health back on track. Call us today to discuss your options. We offer several forms of sedation dentistry in Flower Mound, TX. You can reach us at 972-848-8745, or you can request an appointment online.
If you have questions about treatment, please let us know. We are happy to help.