Sedation Dentistry
Fear of the dentist or of dental procedures is not uncommon. In fact, about half of Americans are said to have some level of dental anxiety. The problem is, many people do not undergo necessary dental treatment because of these fears. The good news is, there are a variety of sedation dentistry techniques that can help you enjoy an incredibly relaxed, pain-free visit to the dentist. Our team of dentists offer advanced sedation dentistry techniques to help you forget about the treatment process and attain the dental care you need.
Please contact True Dentistry for more information on our sedation (sleep) dentistry techniques.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry utilizes techniques designed to help patients experience a more calm, comfortable, and relaxing treatment at the dentist’s office. “Dental phobia” and feelings of nervousness and stress at the prospect of any kind of dental treatment are very common, and it is important to offer individuals a way to alleviate their anxieties in order to ensure they receive the care they need. At True Dentistry, we offer a sedation dentistry option called oral conscious sedation, which can help patients attain a very relaxed state while still remaining conscious during their dental procedure.
“Been going here for years now and love this place and the staff. My wife is afraid of dentists and this place has provided the comfort needed. They let me come in and be by her side to comfort and the staff is well trained to help out. ”
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
The main goal of any sedation dentistry technique is to place the patient in a comfortable, relaxed state for the duration of the visit. When you feel completely at ease, the dentist can complete necessary dental work more quickly and efficiently, which can minimize the amount of time you spend in the dentist’s chair and may even reduce the total number of office visits you need to complete your treatment plan.
Sedation dentistry can be used to manage a number of common anxieties people experience at the dentist’s office, including:
- Fear of needles
- Tooth or gum sensitivity
- An overactive gag reflex
- Aversion to the sounds, smells, and tastes of a dentist’s office
- Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
- Memories of being uncomfortable during previous dental visits
When dental anxiety is so severe that patients choose to delay or avoid treatment, they often start to experience daily discomfort or pain caused by their untreated dental conditions. Sedation dentistry allows those who suffer from dental phobia to overcome their fear of the dentist and receive the treatment they need.
When mild dental problems are permitted to advance, more complex and costly dental procedures may be required in the future in order to fully restore oral health. By pursuing prompt treatment of mild or moderate dental problems with the help of sedation dentistry, you can greatly improve your dental health and overall quality of life, while preventing future dental concerns.
What Are the Side Effects of Sedation Dentistry?
With oral conscious sedation, patients typically find that they do not remember the details of their procedure. It is also common to feel drowsy for several hours after oral conscious sedation is administered, and many patients are inclined to rest or take a nap once they return home. Due to these lingering effects, patients must have a friend or family member drive them home after treatment. Some patients who opt for oral conscious sedation may experience additional side effects that can include lightheadedness, dry-mouth, or mild headaches. Should these side effects occur, they typically dissipate very quickly.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
The national average for the cost of oral conscious sedation often ranges between $175 and $500. The total price can vary from patient to patient depending on their specific needs, the length of the treatment, and other factors, and it can be built into the overall cost of the patient’s treatment plan. Our team will be able to provide you with a more precise estimate during your initial consultation. In addition to accepting many convenient forms of payment, True Dentistry accepts third-party dental financing plans available to qualified applicants through companies such as CareCredit® and LendingClub®. We will be happy to talk with you about your options and answer any questions you may have.
Additional Sedation Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Although some insurance companies may provide coverage for sedation dentistry, it varies greatly for each provider and specific insurance plan. The team at True Dentistry can help review your dental insurance policy and discuss any coverage available for your oral conscious sedation treatment.
What is “dental phobia”?
It is very common to experience some degree of nerves or anxiety before going to the dentist; however, the feelings are usually mild enough that dental visits are still completed on a regular basis. For individuals in which the distress is so severe they refuse to go to the dentist at all, it can be classified as “dental phobia” and lead to very poor dental health. Symptoms of dental phobia may include insomnia leading up to a dental exam, intense physical reactions such as crying or feeling ill just by thinking about the dentist visit or being in the waiting room, panic or difficulty breathing when dental instruments are used, ignoring oral pain due to avoidance behavior, and more. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers a solution to ease dental phobia so patients can get the care they need to protect against serious oral health concerns and conditions.
How successful is sedation dentistry?
For many individuals, sedation dentistry is considered a successful option for easing the fear and anxiety of going to the dentist and for patients who may have had a previous unpleasant experience with a dental treatment. Patients who suffer from distress or phobias, or have other conditions that may prevent them from having a standard level of comfort during dental work, are typically satisfied with the results and relief that oral conscious sedation can provide.
Can I drive home after sedation dentistry?
The effects of oral conscious sedation will take time to wear off, so you will need a trusted loved one or friend to accompany you to the appointment and drive you home.
Contact True Dentistry
To find out more about our sedation dentistry options, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists, please contact True Dentistry.
