Sedation Dentistry – Temple, TX
Helping Anxious Patients Stay Calm
Many children and adults suffer from dental anxiety, which means every dental office is sure to see multiple patients who need extra help staying calm during treatment. Temple Choice Dental is no exception, and we aim to provide a pleasant experience to everyone, from those who are simply averse to dental work to people who are afraid of a particular procedure. Call us today to learn more about how we can use sedation dentistry in Temple, TX to make your next appointment as comfortable as possible.
Why Choose Temple Choice Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Couple of Options to Choose From
- Dental Experts That Care About Comfort
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
If you’re only mildly to moderately anxious about your appointment, nitrous oxide is generally the preferable means of sedation. You’ll breathe in the gas through a small nasal mask, putting you in a euphoric state throughout your appointment. Not only does nitrous oxide take effect quickly, but it also wears off in a timely manner. Unlike with other forms of sedation, you’ll recover quickly enough after your procedure that you’ll be capable of driving home on your own.
IV Dental Sedation
IV sedation is often used in particularly severe cases of dental anxiety. The medication will be delivered directly into a vein in your hand or arm. Unlike the sedation you might have seen on TV, however, it won’t put you to sleep. You’ll still be able to interact with the dentist and follow simple directions. We can adjust the level of IV sedation as needed throughout the procedure. Plan on having someone else drive you home, as it will often take the rest of the day for the medication to fully wear off.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
By now, sedation dentistry may sound good to you. After all, it’d make your upcoming dental visit much more comfortable! At the same time, though, you likely have concerns about this service. Maybe you’d prefer more details before you commit. Well, we at Temple Choice Dental are here to help: below are the answers to some oft-asked questions on dental sedation. Reading them over will teach you what to expect from a sedation dentist in Temple. Of course, feel free to call us for additional details.
What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?
How dental sedation feels depends on the sedative you receive. Different kinds naturally produce varying results.
For instance, consider nitrous oxide sedation. Inhaling its gas will make you feel relaxed and euphoric. Per the nickname of “laughing gas,” inhalation can also cause fits of giggling. Fortunately, these symptoms are the extent of nitrous oxide’s effects; the sedative shouldn’t prompt lingering grogginess.
On the other hand, oral conscious and IV sedation produce deeper feelings of relaxation. Either one could make it hard to speak or even stay awake. They might even speed up your sense of time.
Will I remember anything with dental sedation?
Technically, most forms of dental sedation leave you awake. That said, the odds are high that they’ll give you short-term amnesia. You thus won’t remember much about your treatment.
This feature stems from how sedatives temporarily alter brain function. Namely, some kinds (especially benzodiazepines) diminish the organ’s ability to form new memories. As such, you’ll hardly be able to recall how a procedure went once it’s done.
Among the methods available, IV sedation is the one most likely to cause short-term forgetfulness. Still, this outcome is often beneficial for highly anxious patients. It makes the appointment seem less frightening and allows the dentist to work without interruption.
Is sedation dentistry safe for kids?
Sedation dentistry is safe for patients of all ages. Therefore, you can trust it to help your child’s dental anxiety and oral health.
Nitrous oxide sedation is the type most commonly used for kids. Its effects are mild and usually don’t persist long after treatment. Therefore, parents often choose this method due to its involving little aftercare.
Granted, oral conscious or IV sedation can also be used with children. These approaches, however, are best given to patients with severe anxiety or impairments. Plus, they often take several hours to “wear off,” requiring parents to watch over the affected child.
Before any sedation, talk to the dentist about your child’s medications and health conditions. Giving them such details will ensure successful care.
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Naturally, many of the best sedation candidates suffer from dental anxiety. Sedatives will reduce their fear and make treatment much smoother. Even so, anxiousness isn’t the only reason to opt for sedation. Other qualifying factors include:
- A low pain tolerance
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Difficulties with sitting still or holding your mouth open.
- Needing a prolonged procedure
Unfortunately, there are cases where someone isn’t a good sedation candidate. Patients who’re pregnant, taking certain medicines, or suffering from medical issues aren’t a good fit. For that reason, the dentist will review your health history and list of medications beforehand. That way, they can confirm if sedation is right for you.