Sedation Dentistry – Midlothian, TX
Make Each Visit Serene & Positive
Here at Legacy Dentistry, we don’t want your dental anxiety to prevent you from getting important dental treatments. For severe cases or extensive procedures, we can also provide oral conscious sedation or IV sedation to maximize your comfort. If you’ve been putting off an important procedure due to dental phobia, call us today; we’ll help you find a way to stay at ease at every visit with sedation dentistry in Midlothian, TX.
Why Choose Legacy Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?
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Nitrous Oxide
Sedation -
Sedation Available for
Every Type of Procedure -
Faith-Based,
Holistic Dentistry
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
For this type of sedation, you’ll be given a special kind of medication, normally in the form of a pill. You’ll be told to take the pill at a set time before your procedure. Once it takes effect, you’ll feel very drowsy; you may even fall asleep, although you should be awakened rather easily. You will still be able to answer questions and follow directions. Plan on having someone else drive you to and from your appointment.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
This type of sedation is usually recommended for adults who have anxiety, fear, or another reason that makes them uncomfortable in the treatment chair. There aren’t any needles or face masks involved. Instead, your dentist prescribes a small pill that you need to take before your appointment. This way, when it is time for you to get started, you will already be perfectly relaxed. These effects are long-lasting, so they will take some time to wear off.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Once the effects kick in, you will feel deeply relaxed. Some patients don’t even remember their treatment. However, you will remain conscious throughout the duration of your treatment, so you will still be able to answer questions and respond to the instructions that we give you. We will monitor you throughout the entire treatment to make sure you are comfortable and safe. You will still feel some of the effects of oral conscious sedation for a while after your treatment, so it’s important that you arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the practice.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a popular sedation option. You may benefit from it if you:
- Have dental fear, anxiety, or nervousness
- Regularly cancel or reschedule appointments due to fear of bad news
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Are receiving multiple treatments
- Have a long dental treatment
- Have difficulty sitting still in the treatment chair
- Struggle to get numb with anesthesia
- Have had negative dental experiences in the past
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
You might have heard nitrous oxide referred to as “laughing gas”; this name comes from the euphoric feeling you experience when you breathe it in. During a visit, we can administer nitrous oxide through a special nasal mask so it can help you stay relaxed throughout the appointment. If necessary, we can adjust your level of sedation in the middle of the process. Unlike other forms of sedation, nitrous oxide wears off quickly and won’t prevent you from driving afterwards.
IV Sedation Dentistry
An anti-anxiety drug can be administered directly into your bloodstream via IV sedation (or intravenous sedation). Dentistry performed with this type of sedation is sometimes called “sleep dentistry,” but in truth, you’ll simply be extremely relaxed. You’ll still be able to interact with Dr. Nguyen, but you may not remember much about your treatment once it’s over. After a procedure with IV sedation, you may need to take the rest of the day off to fully recover, as you’ll still be somewhat groggy for a few hours.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation involves the use of a medication that is placed directly into your bloodstream via a small needle that is inserted into your hand or arm. Although you may drift off to sleep while under its influence, it will not cause unconsciousness. You should still be aware enough to respond to directions or questions from our team. You can also expect to be comfortable; IV sedation reduces the body’s pain response. It can even cause you to forget what happened during your appointment.
Usually, Midazolam or Diazepam is used for IV sedation dentistry. The dosage varies from case to case.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
IV sedation might be right for you if any of the following are true:
- You are not easily numbed by local anesthetic.
- You have an extremely sensitive gag reflex.
- You struggle with moderate to severe dental anxiety.
- You need more powerful sedation than what can be provided via nitrous oxide sedation.
- You must undergo a lengthy or complex procedure.
- You do not have any contraindications for IV sedation dentistry. For example, it might not be right for pregnant people or individuals with certain allergies.
Our team will screen you beforehand to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for IV sedation.
The Benefits of IV Sedation
Some noteworthy benefits of IV sedation include:
- It may enable you to undergo treatments that you would otherwise feel too nervous to commit to.
- By allowing you to receive needed care, it can prevent dental problems from worsening and support your overall wellness.
- IV sedation takes effect very quickly.
- Your dosage can be adjusted throughout your procedure so you always stay comfortable.
- IV sedation induces a deep state of relaxation that can prevent the formation of new traumatic memories associated with dental care.
- As long as it is properly administered, IV sedation is safe for the majority of patients.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
As you prepare to undergo sedation dentistry, we understand you likely have many questions about the process. Whether it is wanting to know more about the safety of a particular form of sedation, how to prepare, or what you can expect afterward, our team at Legacy Dentistry is here to answer your questions and address any concerns. Below is a list of questions on sedation dentistry. If you do not see your question listed below, please feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is completely safe and effective when administered by a professional. Depending on the type of sedation you will receive (i.e., nitrous oxide, oral conscious, or IV), you can expect a relaxing and positive experience. Naturally, before receiving any type of sedation, though, you will need to schedule a consultation with a member of our team to discuss your eligibility, as not all patients are considered qualified candidates for sedation.
Who should be considered for sedation?
Most people can expect to be eligible for sedation dentistry; however, there are criteria most dentists tend to follow when determining whether someone is a candidate, such as:
- Mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety
- Past traumatic experience with dental work
- Difficulty sitting still for prolonged periods of time
- Tooth sensitivity
- Strong gag reflex
- Multiple dental treatments to be performed during one appointment
- Individuals who have physical or cognitive limitations that can make dental work and procedures riskier
If you are pregnant, taking certain medications, or have various medical conditions, you’ll need to discuss this with our team. This will help us determine if you should receive sedation for your upcoming procedure or wait.
Can I expect to feel groggy after my procedure?
This is dependent upon the type of sedation you will receive. With nitrous oxide, the effects begin to dissipate immediately once the gas has been turned off. With oral conscious and IV sedation, it is necessary that you have someone escort you to and from your dental appointment, as it will take time for the effects to fully wear off. With IV sedation, you will likely feel groggy the remainder of the day and will need to go home and rest.
Should you feel nauseous or experience more serious symptoms, make sure to contact our office as soon as possible.
Will my dental insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Unfortunately, knowing whether your dental insurance company will agree to pay for sedation dentistry is not possible until you review your policy and/or call and speak to a representative. Each insurer is different, so if you are unsure of what to ask or how to go about getting the information you need, our team will be happy to work with your insurance company on your behalf. It is possible that they will cover at least a portion of the total cost, but you should determine if there will be any out-of-pocket expenses before agreeing to move forward with treatment.