Sedation Dentistry
According to the experts, approximately 10% to 30% of the population has anxiety or concerns over dental procedures. These anxieties and concerns can cause them to delay much-needed dental care, which means the issue escalates.
Anesthesia has been used for more than 175 years. In fact, the first recorded use of ether was in 1846. Since that time, many advancements have been made and anesthesia has become a common tool for easing dental anxieties and helping patients feel comfortable and relaxed during dental visits.
Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond, Texas understands and respects the reality of dental anxiety. That is why we offer sedation options. We strive to help our patients feel as relaxed as possible so that they can get the treatment they need in a timely manner before it becomes a major issue.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry helps patients feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures. There are several levels of sedation. The preferred method at Glow Up Dentistry is minimal because it allows patients to relax, but they are still conscious enough to respond to physical and verbal commands.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The primary benefit of sedation dentistry is helping the patient remain calm and comfortable during dental procedures. Plus, since the dentist can work faster when a patient is sedated, it can mean fewer appointments. Finally, since sedation helps patients feel relaxed and comfortable, it can help those with dental phobia get much needed dental treatments.
Side Effects of Sedation Dentistry
When administered by a licensed provider, sedation dentistry is typically safe, but there are a few side effects that you may want to be aware of:
- Dry mouth/sore throat
- Sweating/shivering
- Nausea/vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Dizziness
- Lingering drowsiness
- Headaches
Since everyone is different, it can be difficult to determine the effects of oral sedation medications. In some rare cases, patients may have an allergic reaction to the medication- but there are medications that can be used to counteract this issue. Finally, IV sedation causes bruising in some patients.
Typically, sedation is safe for kids, but parents are often concerned about how their child may react. Some of the most common side effects of sedation in children include:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Snoring
- Irritability
- Fever
Some children are slow to wake up following sedation. If this is the case, the dental team will monitor your child until they are ready to go home. The above side effects are typical and should resolve within a couple of days. If you do have any questions or concerns, we will be happy to address those with you.
Glow Up Dentistry Provides Minimal Sedation
Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond, TX offers minimal sedation, also known as oral conscious sedation. This type of sedation involves taking an oral medication to help you relax, but you are still able to remain conscious and communicate with the team as needed. This reduces anxiety, pain, and discomfort during dental procedures.
Who Should Use Sedation Dentistry?
Patients of all ages can benefit from sedation dentistry. Typically, it is recommended for patients who have:
Dental anxiety or are afraid of visiting the dentist
- A sensitive gag reflex
- Fear of needles
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Feelings of claustrophobia when in the dental chair
- Difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Special physical, behavioral, or cognitive needs
- Tolerance to local anesthesia
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
When administered by a licensed professional, sedation in dentistry is safe. However, there are some special considerations:
- Pregnancy
- Age (older adults may have difficulty with sedation)
- Children
- Special needs
- Neurological conditions
- Certain health conditions including heart, liver, kidney, or lung problems
If any of these apply to you, it’s important to include those in your discussion with the dentist about your treatment plan.
How is Sedation Dentistry Performed?
According to the American Dental Association, there are several different methods used in sedation dentistry. The dentist will determine the most appropriate type and level based on several factors:
- Dental procedure
- Duration of procedure
- Your dental anxiety
The different types of sedation are:
- Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas
- Oral sedation
- IV sedation
- General anesthesia
There are several different levels of sedation:
Minimal:
patients are conscious but relaxed
Moderate:
patients are conscious but have slight memory loss and slurring of speech
Deep:
patients are on the verge of unconsciousness, but can still be woken up
General anesthesia:
patients are completely unconscious
The preferred method of sedation at Glow Up Dentistry is minimal sedation. This helps you relax while also allowing us to treat your dental issue properly.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
The cost of sedation dentistry depends on the method used, the amount, and the location of the dental clinic:
- Inhalation sedation: $25 to $100+
- Light oral sedation: $150 to $500+
- IV sedation: $250 to $900+
- General anesthesia: $300 to $1,000+
The fees for sedation are typically not included in the cost of the procedure and dental insurance typically does not cover sedation unless it is deemed medically necessary.
Sedation Dentistry In Richmond, Texas
The team at Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond, TX understands and respects the reality of dental anxiety. There are several reasons that a patient may have dental anxiety. In some cases, it is due to fear of pain or fear of the unknown. Sometimes it is because they had a negative experience in the past. Regardless of the reason for your dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can help.
Glow Up Dentistry offers minimal sedation, which means you can be completely relaxed during your procedure, but still able to breathe on your own and respond to touch and verbal commands. You will not remember the details of the procedure.
If you are in or near Richmond, TX, and in need of dental care, but you have dental anxieties, schedule your consultation with the team at Glow Up Dentistry. We can help ease your fears with sedation dentistry options. Our minimal sedation allows you to remain conscious, able to breathe on your own, and respond to physical and verbal commands but relaxed enough to allow us to complete the procedures you need