Many people avoid their dental health because of fear of dental treatment. Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen are sedation dentists in Plano, Texas, who understand how this can compromise your self-esteem, comfort, and systemic health. To help our patients overcome their fears, we have combined dental sedation and laser dentistry along with compassion and TLC to give our patients a comfortable experience they did not think was possible.
Oral sedation blocks the ability to experience fear and anxiety. Laser dentistry delivers quick, quiet treatment without discomfort during or after treatment. Our patients rarely need pain medication after treatments. They realize how much easier it is than they thought possible.
Overcoming Dental Phobia With Sedation Dentistry
For most people, the thought of having dental treatment is not on their top ten lists of things to do. Perceptions linger on, but technology and medications have revolutionized patients’ experiences.
First, we had a local anesthetic, then nitrous oxide came, and now we have oral sedation. Today, your dentist in Plano, TX, uses all three in combination to make your experience smooth and pleasant.
Some people have so much anxiety about getting dental care. Most of the anxiety comes from childhood experiences they remember deep in their subconscious. Because of this, they avoid dental care at all costs. They would rather put their hand over their mouth when they smile, not smile or grow a mustache or beard to hide their smile.
Often, they wait until their teeth are loose and they have lost all their bone support from periodontal disease (gum disease). Now, they are looking at dentures or implants to support teeth of some sort. Don’t wait until you have lost some teeth to finally visit a dental office.
Oral Conscious Sedation at our Dentist Office
Oral conscious sedation dentistry does not require an IV, only a couple of pills taken while you relax in a gentle massage chair. The anti-anxiety oral sedation pill is given in the office while the patient relaxes by listening and/or watching the program of their choice. Once the patient is totally comfortable and in a “relaxed state,” the local anesthetic is given.
Once this takes effect, the dental treatment is started. Nitrous oxide is used to supplement oral sedation if needed. A sophisticated medical instrument continuously monitors vital signs called a pulse-oximeter as directed by Dr. Sowell’s and Dr. Chen’s licenses for oral sedation as a sedation dentist from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
Most people tend to sleep lightly through the appointment. Because they are so comfortable, their smiles can be transformed without numerous dental visits. This saves busy people time and offers them immediate results, especially with cosmetic sedation dentistry.
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After Oral Sedation
One hour before the appointment is over, we call the patient’s trusted guardian to come to pick them up. When the visit is over, we give the patient a cup of juice or a protein shake, depending on their preferences, with a warm face cloth to help them wake up, much like a first-class flight overseas before you land.
Patients usually remember very little about their visit, and since they experience no anxiety during treatment, they are much more refreshed once the sedation wears off.
Typically, high blood pressure patients, for example, will run 0-20 points below their normal resting blood pressure throughout treatment, indicating their relaxed state during treatment. On top of that, when they go home, they have their smile and/or health rejuvenated without any stressful memories.
Sedation dentistry is an excellent way for older, medically compromised patients to receive treatment as well. It prevents them from experiencing stress and anxiety, thus keeping their blood pressure low and heart healthy. Eliminating stress is always a good thing. Finally, we can offer major dental transformation in a comfortable, stress-free environment.
IV Sedation Dentistry in our Office
IV sedation is another option. The benefit of IV sedation is that the same class of anti-anxiety drugs can be administered into the bloodstream, resulting in almost instantaneous effects. Not all people react the same to a standard dosage of a drug. For 80% of the population, we can expect predictable results and a comfortable procedure with oral sedation.
Twenty percent of the population will not be sedated as much as hoped. Particularly people who use alcohol or particular prescription drugs regularly. With IV sedation, a doctor can quickly see the effect of the drug on the patient and give more sedatives if needed.
Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen have been providing oral sedation for their patients for over 20 years. Oral sedation is a great way to have major dental treatment with minimal side effects. For those patients who require IV sedation, we have an excellent dental anesthesiologist come to our office.
How long does IV sedation take to work?
IV sedation takes immediate effect. As soon as the medication reaches your bloodstream, you start to feel relaxed and in a state of bliss.
How long does it take IV sedation to wear off?
IV sedation usually wears off almost immediately. Once the anesthesiologist has stopped administering the fluids, you will regain normal function. Although you may not remember what just happened.
Do you fall asleep with IV sedation?
No, IV sedation does not put you to sleep. IV sedation keeps you conscious during your dental procedure but prevents you from feeling pain and discomfort.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Does dental insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Not for most patients. Your insurance provider may cover it in part, but most of the time, it’s not. Contact your dental insurance provider for more up-to-date information regarding your insurance benefits.
Can you request to be sedated at the dentist?
Yes. If your dentist provides dental sedation options, you can request them. Never hesitate to ask your dentist if sedation options are right for you. We are here to help, not judge.
Does dental insurance cover IV sedation?
Not usually. Older patients and patients with disabilities can submit a request to their dental insurance. The best way to find out is to contact your provider directly for sedation dentistry coverage options.
Do you feel pain with sedation dentistry?
No. Sedation dentistry removes the effect of pain! Your dentist will do a quick test to see if you are pain-free before starting any treatments.
What can I expect after sedation dentistry?
We will give you some time to come out of sedation after your dental procedure. The drugs used to sedate you may linger for a few hours, but you should return to normal the same day.
Is sedation the same as local anesthesia?
No. Dental sedation relaxes your body and mind. Local anesthesia negates the effects of pain in a centralized area. We will never use dental sedation in place of local anesthesia.
What does it feel like to be under sedation?
When you are under sedation, you may feel groggy, happy, relaxed, giggly, and desensitized. Everyone experiences sedation differently, but the symptoms do not linger all day.
How long does conscious sedation stay in your system?
Conscious sedation usually lingers for about two hours. This is why we require that you have reliable transportation to and from your dental appointment.
Does sedation put you to sleep?
No. The types of sedation provided by the dentist should not put you to sleep. You relax completely and remain conscious throughout the entire process.