Sedation Dentist Serving Dallas Residents
Enjoy Stress-Free Visits
Dental fear and anxiety are very real, and every year, they prevent millions of Americans from getting their essential dental care. At Universal Dental, we completely empathize with these patients, which is why we’re happy to offer a number of soothing sedation options that can help just about anyone have a good time at the dentist. With these techniques, we can calm a person’s nervous mind and protect them from discomfort at the same time. To learn how we can use sedation to improve you or your child’s next appointment, please contact us today.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for over 100 years to help slightly nervous patients “take the edge off.” All that a patient has to do is inhale this sedative through a small nasal mask, and within a minute or so, the invisible, odorless gas will make them feel warm, comfortable, and completely relaxed. Nitrous oxide in Dallas is even gentle enough that it can even be safely used with children. The mask will remain on for the entire procedure. Once the treatment is finished and the mask is removed, the effects of the nitrous wear off almost instantly, allowing a patient to go on with their day as normal. Read on to learn more about how nitrous oxide sedation works and whether it could be right for you!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Of all the forms of sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide is the most common. That’s because it’s by far the most versatile. It’s considered a safe and effective treatment for children and adults alike. In addition to helping calm down patients who may feel anxious or afraid in the dental chair, we may also recommend nitrous oxide sedation for patients who:
- Have sensitive teeth or a touchy gag reflex.
- Don’t become numb from topical anesthetic alone.
- Need multiple treatments performed in one sitting.
- Experience discomfort or restlessness from sitting in the dental chair for an extended period of time.
If you are currently suffering from nasal congestion, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions, you might not be a good candidate for nitrous oxide. That’s why your sedation dentist in Dallas will review your medical history at your initial consultation, ensuring that this treatment will be safe for you.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Also called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a clear, scent-less gas that is administered through a small hood or mask placed over the nose. Very quickly after you begin inhaling the sedative, your brain’s activity is slowed, and you’ll enter a deeply relaxed and almost dreamlike state. You’ll probably be barely aware of the sights and sounds around you, making it easy for anxious patients to complete their necessary procedures. If a member of our team asks you a question or makes a request, you’ll be able to respond, but your memory of the appointment will likely be fuzzy at best.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
In most cases, once we remove the mask and you stop breathing in the nitrous, its effects should begin to dissipate almost immediately. In fact, most patients are able to drive themselves away from our office and resume their regularly scheduled days after receiving nitrous oxide. Depending on the specific treatments you’re undergoing, you may receive post-op instructions from our dentists; be sure to follow those to ensure a successful recovery!
Oral Conscious Sedation
Do you get nervous or anxious when you think about having to visit your dentist in Dallas? You’re not alone. It’s an incredibly common experience, preventing many people from getting the care they need. Fortunately, our team at Universal Dental offers oral conscious sedation to help ease your nerves. It makes completing your dental treatments as easy as taking a pill before your appointment! To find out if this option is right for you, continue reading or give our office a call today.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
If you experience mild to moderate dental anxiety, oral conscious sedation might be a better option for you. It’s a popular form of sedation dentistry because of its effectiveness and ease of use. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history and inquire about any medications you’re taking to confirm this method is the best course of action for your needs.
Dr. Anya Preece will prescribe a pill for you to take about an hour before your appointment so that by the time you sit in the treatment chair, you’ll be completely physically and mentally relaxed. She may provide a stronger or weaker medication depending on the severity of your anxiety. Some types can make you feel drowsy, while others will likely cause you to fall into a light sleep.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Keep in mind that oral conscious sedation is not meant to put you to sleep entirely. You’ll still be awake the whole time, but the appointment will fly by very quickly and you’ll likely have little to no memory of it afterward. Because you’re conscious, you’ll be able to communicate with our dental team if needed for your comfort.
Following your treatment, you may not be able to remember your appointment after the medication wears off. This amnesic effect is a significant benefit for some patients! Make sure you arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from the practice because the effects of oral conscious sedation last for a few hours. It’s strongly advised that you wait a full 24 hours before resuming regular activities to ensure the sedative has worn off.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a great option for patients who struggle with dental fear or anxiety. However, you don’t need to have that to take advantage of this sedative. This option is also great for patients who:
- Have more invasive treatments to complete
- Have a sensitive gag reflex or low tolerance for dental discomfort
- Cannot keep their mouth open for a long period of time
- Have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia
IV Conscious Sedation
If you have extreme dental fear, a sensitive gag reflex, or a physical condition that makes sitting in a dental chair uncomfortable, IV sedation can be a huge help. A powerful sedative is administered via a small injection in the hand or arm, and within moments, a patient will feel warm, drowsy, and very calm. One of the biggest advantages of IV sedation is that it allows your dentist to adjust the sedative level in real time to make sure you’re completely comfortable at all times. Here at Universal Dental our very own Dr. Coray Preece is certified in IV Sedation and offers this as an option to our adult patients.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is recommend for patients with special needs or those who need an extensive amount of dental work completed in a single appointment. This form of general anesthesia is actually much lighter than what is used during surgery, but it will still make a patient sleep throughout the entire appointment. Dr. Anya Preece is certified to provide this option to our patients. While a patient is sedated, our team will be sure to monitor their vital signs to make sure they are safe at all times. After the appointment is over, the patient will be woken up with little memory of what just happened.