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Visiting the dentist likely isn’t on anyone’s list of their favorite things to do, but some people genuinely feel so much anxiety about dental care that they stay away from the dental office completely. Whether you have full-blown dental phobia, or you simply want to calm your nerves, we offer options for sedation dentistry in Lancaster, TX that can make your experience easier and smoother. As a result, you can expect to have a comfortable, productive appointment every time you come to Sunny Dental without any stress. If you would like to use sedation for your next appointment, give us a call today.
Before your child's appointment, our board-certified pediatric dentist at Sunny Dental & Orthodontics will prescribe medication for them to take at home, and by the time we're ready to start our visit, they'll feel completely at ease and able to sit comfortably in the treatment chair. Although they'll stay awake throughout the procedure, they will be in a dream-like state and likely not remember details from the appointment afterward. What they (and you) will remember is a relaxing and hassle-free dental experience!
Oral conscious sedation involves no needles or face masks and is usually recommended for patients who deal with nervousness, anxiety, fear, a strong gag reflex, or anything else that makes them uncomfortable in our dental office. Typically, our dentist will prescribe your child a single small pill to be taken before or when they arrive for their appointment. A few common examples of medications prescribed include Valium, Ativan, and Halcion. The effects will last throughout the appointment and kick in about fifteen minutes after the pill is taken.
The effects of oral conscious sedation will remain throughout your child’s appointment, and result in them feeling calm and deeply relaxed. Some patients are not able to remember what happened during their appointment after the medication wears off, which can be beneficial if you are concerned about your child developing an aversion to the dentist’s office. Your child will still be conscious and able to respond to questions and instructions, and our team will monitor them throughout their appointment to ensure their safety. The effects of oral conscious sedation may linger for a few hours after your child’s appointment, so it may be best to schedule their visit after school is out for the day.
Oral conscious sedation can be a great option for a pediatric dental patient who deals with issues such as:
If you have any more questions, please contact our office for more information on how oral conscious sedation may be able to help your child.
Sometimes, patients just need to take the edge off their dental anxiety. Other times, patients have trouble relaxing because they have a strong gag reflex, they need more extensive dental care, or they struggle with head, neck, or jaw pain. The good news is that nitrous oxide sedation is ideal for adults and children alike! To learn more about this calming solution, you can get in touch with us or read on!
Patients choose nitrous oxide for all sorts of reasons, including that it’s effective at alleviating dental-related anxiety as well as nerves stemming from the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office. Ultimately, whether or not you’re a candidate depends on your dental and medical history, including if you have any conditions that make it difficult for you to breathe through your nose, like asthma. The best thing to do is schedule an appointment with us so we can determine the answer. If it’s “yes,” then we will schedule your next appointment, add it to your treatment plan, and give you an overview of what to expect.
Administering nitrous oxide is easy, and it doesn’t take long for it to kick in either! The first step is having you sit in the treatment chair and put a small nasal mask over your nose. Within a matter of minutes, you’ll feel content, warm, and slightly numb all over. Since you won’t be asleep, you’ll be able to respond to the verbal cues we give you and ask any questions that come up. Furthermore, we can adjust the flow of the nitrous oxide to ensure you remain perfectly comfortable every step of the way.
Once we’ve provided the necessary care, we will let you know and switch off the nitrous oxide. As you begin to breathe in oxygen again, the effects will wear off. In fact, they are usually completely gone within a matter of minutes! Before you leave, we will provide you with any necessary aftercare instructions. Outside of that, you’ll be able to drive yourself home and go about your day as usual.
Are you ready for no more dental anxiety or fear while taking care of your smile? Dental sedation is an excellent option for nearly anyone who needs help feeling more comfortable in the dentist’s chair. At Sunny Dental, we’re proud to offer both nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation. For your convenience, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about sedation dentistry below. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Sedation dentistry is routinely used to help patients of all ages overcome a variety of issues. We may recommend it if you or your child:
When administered by one of our highly trained and experienced dentists, sedation dentistry is a very safe and effective option. We’ll carefully review your medical history and list of medications to ensure that sedation is right for you. If you’re interested in sedation for your child, a board-certified pediatric dentist will meet with you and your little one to determine if they are a good candidate for sedation. All throughout your treatment, you (or your child) will be monitored closely so we can keep you safe and comfortable.
Both nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation can help a patient feel relaxed and at-ease during their treatment. However, they each last for different amounts of time:
There isn’t a set price for sedation dentistry because a variety of factors influence the final cost. How much and what type of sedation dentistry are two large variables that play a key role in how much these calming services will cost. Most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the price of sedation dentistry, and we also offer an in-house savings plan and financing through CareCredit. During your consultation, we’ll review your estimate, go over all your payment options, and help you discover just how affordable sedation dentistry can be.