Sedation Dentistry Frisco
Overcome Anxiety & Get the Oral Healthcare You Need
It’s no secret that some people are not that comfortable when it comes to visiting the dentist's office. In some cases, this fear often hinders them from getting oral healthcare of any kind. To make it worse, other patients often choose not to go unless their case is already very serious. This overwhelming fear usually causes people to neglect their appointments, which may further increase the risk of developing various problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
Fortunately, for these patients, there is still hope. It’s called sedation dentistry, and you can inquire about your eligibility by calling to schedule an appointment today.
Why Choose Highland Oak Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Three Methods of Dental Sedation Available
- Fast, Timely Emergency Dental Care for Patients in Need
- Dentist & Dental Team Who Prioritize Patient Comfort
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry comes in the form of nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Sedatives are used to keep the patient relaxed and comfortable while undergoing any dental procedure. Using this method, the dentist can work freely without worrying whether the individual feels uncomfortable or anxious.
Conscious sedation enables the patient to feel at ease almost immediately, without them losing consciousness. This means they can still answer questions from the dentist, although the patient may not remember some of these instances clearly.
On the other hand, sleep dentistry involves putting the patient in a ‘sleep-like’ state. This requires constant heart rate and assisted breathing monitoring by an anesthesiologist.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is highly beneficial for patients who have:
- Dental anxiety issues
- Phobias like needles, pain, blood, or seeing dental tools
- Dental issues that require prolonged treatment or surgery
- Serious (bad) gag reflex
- Physical disability or those with special health needs
- TMJ pain or low pain tolerance
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Anxiety issues or discomfort regarding closed spaces
Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas
This kind of sedative is guaranteed safe and effective. It works quickly and is easily tolerated by the body. Plus, it can be easily adjusted or even reversed.
Using laughing gas, the patient remains fully conscious — able to respond to questions. Sometimes, this can be used with other sedatives.
IV Conscious Sedation
Also used to help calm the patient, relieve anxiety, and reduce discomfort, this method utilizes different medications that will be administered through the patient’s bloodstream (IV). Once given, the patient will experience a state of deep relaxation and may even feel sleepy. However, they will not become completely unconscious, and their airway reflexes will remain responsive. While sedated, the patient will lose their nervousness and may not recall much about what’s happening during treatment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation helps reduce anxiety. It is usually prescribed by the dentist and comes in a pill or liquid form that patients will take before treatment. Similar to IV sedation, this method also causes drowsiness, so it's unlikely the patient will feel anxious or nervous during treatment. It is necessary, however, for the individual to have someone escort them to and from their appointment, as the effects can take time to wear off, similar to IV sedation.
