For some people, going to the dentist is a breeze. For others, it’s an anxiety-ridden event that requires courage to work up to and is never looked forward to. But visiting the dentist is an essential part of life, so no matter which category you fall into, getting yourself to schedule regular appointments is important. Thankfully, there are options that make any trip to the dentist more relaxing. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about sedation dentistry so you can see if making use of it can help make your next visit to the dentist more relaxing.
Types of sedation dentistry
There are three different levels of sedation available. This means your sedation is 100% catered to you and your sedation level is in your hands. Here’s a brief breakdown of the three different options.
Laughing Gas
This is typically the most commonly known dental sedative. It’s also the mildest. It’s inhaled and helps soothe and ease nervousness. This is usually best for someone who just needs a little extra help relaxing in the chair.
Enteral Sedation
This is the most popular sedation. If you ever find yourself asking “what is conscious sedation in dentistry?” this is it! It allows even the most anxious patients to relax throughout their dental treatment. It’s an oral prescription medication that reduces anxiety and can be used along with laughing gas if needed. An already relaxed person will usually fall asleep. An anxious person will be able to relax. This can be used for any procedure, even a dental cleaning.
IV Sedation
This is the strongest level of sedation. It induces a semi-conscious, anxiety-free state. Few dental practices meet the strict licensure requirements needed to administer this type of sedation. The sedative is delivered intravenously and you will likely have absolutely no memory of the procedure being performed! It is a deeper level of sedation but is still more mild than undergoing general anesthesia, so you’re able to breathe and swallow naturally. This sedation method is typically reserved for more involved surgeries and is highly effective even for those with severe dental fears.
Can you eat before sedation dentistry?
If you’re just getting laughing gas, generally you have no restrictions on what you can eat or drink before your treatment. For Enteral sedation (or conscious sedation) and IV sedation it’s generally recommended that you don’t eat for up to six hours before your appointment.
If you opt to have either of these sedation methods for your treatment, your dentist will inform you well beforehand about when they would like you to stop eating/drinking so they can safely perform the procedure.
When does dental sedation wear off?
Laughing gas only takes a few minutes to wear off after you stop inhaling it. You’ll be able to go back to your normal daily activities immediately afterwards.
Enteral and IV sedation can take a few hours-24 hours to fully wear off. Although you should feel normal, you may be drowsy afterward. It’s advised not to drive after receiving Enteral or IV sedation, so someone should drive you to and from your appointment.
Again, if you opt to have either of these sedation methods for your treatment, your dentist will inform you well beforehand about the aftereffects of each method so you can plan accordingly.
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
Insurance rarely covers sedation dentistry regardless of your insurance plan because it’s typically considered a “luxury.” However, it’s still worth it to try calling your insurance company beforehand and inquire about your coverage details just in case.
We know that for some people, sedation isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. So we have several different offers to help alleviate the additional cost.
You can use one of our coupons to try laughing gas for free during one of your treatments. Seeing the difference it makes for you might make you never want to go without it again! Alternatively, you could also use the $299 off an IV sedation consultation coupon to learn more about the strongest sedation method and go through a necessary procedure knowing you’ll be in a state of complete relaxation.
These offers are designed to allow you to try out sedation dentistry at a discount and see firsthand how well it can work for you!
Does sedation dentistry really work?/Is sedation dentistry worth it?
Yes! All three sedative methods mentioned above have been around for a long time and are tried and tested. Whether you need a bit of help to keep calm or need to be put under and be unaware of what’s going on around you to get the care you need, you can be sure one of the sedative methods above will help you stay comfortable.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
There’s always a risk when getting anesthesia but it’s usually safe when given by experienced dentists. Certain people, such as those who are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea are at higher risk of complications.
With that being said, throughout your procedure, you’re being monitored by trained dental professionals who ensure you’re being kept safe. Not only that, but dentists observe strict medical guidelines for the correct amounts of sedatives to give and the correct techniques to disburse them. Your safety and comfort are always the top priority.
Can you get sedation for a root canal?
Root canals are often one of the most anxiety-ridden dental procedures for people. They can be quite lengthy and people tend to have many preconceived notions about them beforehand.
You can definitely get sedation for a root canal. Wisdom teeth extraction, fillings, cleanings, and other routine dental care appointments are all treatments you can receive sedation for.
Can you get sedation for cosmetic dentistry?
Even if going to the dentist is nerve wracking for you, you still might want or need cosmetic treatments like crowns, facings, or teeth whitenings. You’re still able to get sedation for these treatments.
Can you get sedation for dental implants?
Yes! And at the Smile Center, we perform every step of the implants from start to finish. At other dental practices, it’s common to find they can only accommodate one phase of the process.
Since we can take care of everything, you can rest easy knowing you can enjoy a stress-free experience the entire way through and have the convenience of getting your new smile created under one roof.
Do dentists offer sedation at all practices?
No. Not every dentist you go to will offer sedation options to their patients. In fact, as was brought out earlier, most offices don’t qualify to offer IV sedation. We go above and beyond to offer all three methods of sedation to you because we value keeping our patients as comfortable as possible.
The best sedation dentistry for adults
Whether you’ve been putting off scheduling your next dentist appointment because you’ve been too nervous or you want to switch to a dentist where you can feel more relaxed when you go in, Smile Center is ready to take you in and provide you with superior care and plentiful sedation options. Click here to book an appointment with us now!