Sedation Dentistry – Center, TX
Your Comfort Is Our #1 Priority
Many patients struggle with feelings of nervousness, anxiety, or even outright fear when faced with an upcoming visit to the dentist’s office. Thankfully, sedation dentistry can help take the edge off these negative emotions and make even the most extensive procedures pleasant and worry-free. At Family Dental Center of East Texas, we offer multiple forms of professional sedation, so patients and families can choose the options that fit their needs best. Please contact us today in Center, TX if you think you may want sedative services for yourself or your child.
Why Choose Family Dental Center of East Texas for Sedation Dentistry?
- We See Children & Adults
- Highly Trained & Compassionate Dentists
- Safe, Hospital-Based Sedation at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Most people know nitrous oxide by a funnier name – laughing gas! This mild sedative technique is completely safe for patients of all ages, and it can do wonders for patients who have been avoiding necessary dental care due to anxiety. If you’re interested in learning all about this calming solution, you can always give our team a call or schedule an appointment. Otherwise, you can continue your research on the topic right here.
Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry
If the patient needs a stronger form of sedation, oral medication may be the right choice. We’ll prescribe the sedative before your appointment begins and provide instructions on when to take it. While patients will technically remain conscious throughout the experience, it is very likely that they won’t remember much about what took place once they’ve fully recovered. When taking oral conscious sedation, patients need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to escort them to and from our Center location.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Dentists receive extensive training in the proper administration of dental sedation, which means that you can expect most treatments administered by a professional to be completely safe. When you receive sedation at our dental practice, you won’t have to be concerned about any risks.
This is because we’re well aware of the potential pitfalls that can come with approaching sedation recklessly. We’ll therefore complete a thorough dental history in order to ensure that you’re a good candidate for sedatives and will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure that you’re responding well to the treatment.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
Most dental sedatives are designed to keep you awake for the procedure, but depending on which drug you use, you still might not remember much of the procedure. This is much more common in the cases of stronger sedatives, meaning you’re likely to remember less under the influence of oral conscious sedation than in the case of nitrous oxide.
If you have extreme dental anxiety, forgetting most of the procedure can be a massive boon. However, if the idea of not remembering your treatment makes you uncomfortable, a milder sedative may be a better option for you.
What Does it Feel Like to be Sedated at the Dentist?
What you’ll feel under the influence of sedatives depends on the variety you’re using. Nitrous oxide tends to make patients feel light and bubbly, thus the moniker “laughing gas.” You’ll feel relaxed, giggly, and may experience some pleasant tingling in the extremities.
Oral conscious sedation is the opposite in many ways. You’ll still be very relaxed, but patients also tend feel a bit “heavy.” Given the strength of the sedative, you might even accidentally fall asleep during the procedure.
How Long does Dental Sedation Last?
Nitrous oxide sets in and fades fairly quickly. You should expect the nitrous oxide to kick in within moments of the flow of gas starting, then wear off soon after the gas stops. That said, everyone experiences sedation differently; it’s still a good idea to get a ride back home from the dental office, just to be safe.
In the case of oral conscious sedation, you’ll take the pill an hour or so before your appointment time and can expect to feel the effects for the rest of the day. That being the case, you’ll need a ride both to and from our practice.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Dentists receive extensive training in the proper administration of dental sedation, which means that you can expect most treatments administered by a professional to be completely safe. When you receive sedation at our dental practice, you won’t have to be concerned about any risks.
This is because we’re well aware of the potential pitfalls that can come with approaching sedation recklessly. We’ll therefore complete a thorough dental history in order to ensure that you’re a good candidate for sedatives and will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure that you’re responding well to the treatment.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
Most dental sedatives are designed to keep you awake for the procedure, but depending on which drug you use, you still might not remember much of the procedure. This is much more common in the cases of stronger sedatives, meaning you’re likely to remember less under the influence of oral conscious sedation than in the case of nitrous oxide.
If you have extreme dental anxiety, forgetting most of the procedure can be a massive boon. However, if the idea of not remembering your treatment makes you uncomfortable, a milder sedative may be a better option for you.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?
What you’ll feel under the influence of sedatives depends on the variety you’re using. Nitrous oxide tends to make patients feel light and bubbly, thus the moniker “laughing gas.” You’ll feel relaxed, giggly, and may experience some pleasant tingling in the extremities.
Oral conscious sedation is the opposite in many ways. You’ll still be very relaxed, but patients also tend feel a bit “heavy.” Given the strength of the sedative, you might even accidentally fall asleep during the procedure.
How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?
Nitrous oxide sets in and fades fairly quickly. You should expect the nitrous oxide to kick in within moments of the flow of gas starting, then wear off soon after the gas stops. That said, everyone experiences sedation differently; it’s still a good idea to get a ride back home from the dental office, just to be safe.
In the case of oral conscious sedation, you’ll take the pill an hour or so before your appointment time and can expect to feel the effects for the rest of the day. That being the case, you’ll need a ride both to and from our practice.
What Are the Risks of Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is safe for the majority of patients. However, there are still some minor risks involved. For instance, those who have obstructive sleep apnea or who are taking certain medications may be more likely to develop complications from sedation. Everyone has a different response to sedatives and different medications. The risk of side effects with nitrous oxide sedation is incredibly low. The most common side effects of oral conscious sedation include nausea, headache, and grogginess. If you are affected by any of these side effects, they should wear off after a few hours.
Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Most dental insurance plans consider sedation to be a luxury treatment, so it isn’t covered. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, if the patient has a disability that makes it difficult to receive dental care, sedation may be covered. Sometimes, patients receive coverage if they are receiving more complex procedures, like multiple tooth extraction. Keep in mind that every plan is different, so it is best to reach out to your provider to confirm your coverage.
Is Sedation Dentistry Worth It?
If you have severe dental anxiety or more extensive dental work to get done, sedation can make your procedure much more comfortable and tolerable. Even if you are concerned about the cost, keep in mind that putting off much needed dental care can result in the need for even more expensive and invasive treatment in the future. By getting sedation now, you can save lots of money in the long run.
Does Dental Sedation Make You Tell Secrets?
Contrary to popular belief, dental sedation isn’t actually a “truth serum.” It is very unlikely that you will reveal any deep, dark secrets while you are sedated. Even if you do say something that you normally wouldn’t, you can trust that it will be kept within the walls of the dental treatment room.