Sedation Dentistry – Mansfield, TX
No More Dental Anxiety
Does just the thought of going to the dentist cause the hair on the back of your neck to stand up? Is it always stressful to bring your child in for their routine checkups and cleanings because they are so scared? Dental anxiety affects people of all ages, and at Broad Park Family Dentistry, rather than just telling someone to “calm down,” we’re ready to offer a more tangible solution with sedation dentistry. With it, we can stop racing thoughts, prevent physical pain, and enable a patient to finally relax during their appointments and see that dental care is nothing to be afraid of. Interested in using sedation dentistry in Mansfield, TX at your next dental visit? If so, give us a call today.
Why Choose Broad Park Family Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?
- Sedation Available for Any Type of Procedure
- Able to Serve Patients of All Ages
- Friendly & Family-Oriented Dental Office
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Sedation?
Sedation dentistry is a great option for many patients, as it can help those who:
- Regularly miss appointments because of dental anxiety
- Don’t like the typical sights, sounds, and smells of a dental office
- Have children who are scared of the dentist
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Have physical issues that make sitting still for a long period of time painful
- Are afraid of the care they’ll need after not seeing a dentist for a long time
- Have special needs
- Have jaw issues that make opening the mouth painful
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
For minor dental nerves, nitrous oxide sedation offers a reliable and gentle way to soothe patients of all ages that has been trusted by dentists for over 100 years. The odorless gas is inhaled through a small nasal mask throughout an appointment, causing a patient to feel warm, happy, and slightly numb all over. When the visit is over and the mask is removed, the effects go away immediately, meaning a patient can get straight back to their day.
Am I a Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
There are several different reasons why nitrous oxide might be right for you. Obviously, dental-related fears or anxieties are the biggest reasons for many patients, but there are other applications as well. It might help suppress a strong gag reflex, or it could make it easier to hold your jaw open for an extended period of time. We may also suggest nitrous oxide if you have neck or back pain, tooth sensitivity, or jaw pain that could make sitting still for dental procedures harder.
We do not advise that pregnant women or patients with elevated blood pressure receive nitrous oxide. We’ll also have to go over your medical history to make sure you aren’t at risk for potential complications.
What Does Nitrous Oxide Feel Like?
Dental nitrous oxide feels quite pleasant, to say the least. Most patients report a tingling sensation that leads to a sense of euphoria. Above all, patients feel relaxed after nitrous oxide is applied.
Why Is Nitrous Oxide Effective at Preventing Pain?
Ask anyone who has used nitrous oxide for a dental procedure and he or she will testify it works to perfection. Nitrous oxide resolves fear as well as anxiety by depressing the patient's senses. Nitrous oxide also lowers one’s sense of touch, pain, and hearing.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Another name for nitrous oxide is “laughing gas”, as some people tend to get the giggles while under the effects of the sedative. Nitrous oxide is transmitted by way of a nasal hood. The administration of this gas is controlled with a knob and a switch to ensure the proper dosage is provided. A flow meter is used to regulate the device and help monitor the gas level in the patient's system to determine if it is safe.
The gas is first mixed with oxygen before you breathe it in with a special nasal mask. It doesn’t put you to sleep; it just relaxes you deeply and stops you from experiencing pain during the actual treatment. Sometimes you might occasionally drift off, but we won’t have any trouble waking you up so that you can follow our instructions or answer our questions. We have better control over nitrous oxide compared to oral conscious sedation since we can increase or decrease the dosage as needed throughout the appointment.
What is the Recovery Time After Nitrous Oxide?
Other forms of sedation can take the rest of the day to wear off, but with nitrous oxide, it will only be a few short minutes. Once the gas is turned off, the patient will merely have to take a couple of deep breaths to enjoy mental clarity. After that, you can drive home on your own without having to make arrangements with a family member or a friend. You’ll also be able to return to work or run errands instead of having to rest at home.
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
If you could take a pill and make all of your dental fears disappear, would you do it? Most people would say “YES,” and thankfully, that option is available with oral conscious sedation. You’ll be prescribed a pill to take at home on the day of your visit that will make you extremely relaxed even before you sit in the chair. This is recommended for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety or those who need a more extensive procedure. If you’d like to learn more about this option, continue reading or give us a call today!
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
During oral conscious sedation, a range of medications may be administered. Commonly prescribed options include Valium, Ativan, and Halcion. Regardless of the specific medication, you'll take a pill shortly before your scheduled procedure. In about 15 minutes, you should start to feel its effects.
Many patients prefer oral conscious sedation because it doesn't require a nasal mask like nitrous oxide. Additionally, it's entirely needle-free, providing a more comfortable experience compared to IV sedation for a lot of individuals.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
You may be surprised to learn that oral conscious sedation doesn't make you unconscious. Instead, it induces a profound state of relaxation. You might gently fall asleep, but a light shake should easily rouse you.
Since the effects of oral conscious sedation may persist for several hours, it's important to have a reliable friend or family member accompany you for transportation to and from your appointment. Additionally, it's advised to take it easy for the remainder of the day.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
You may benefit from oral conscious sedation in Mansfield if you:
- Experience dental fear, anxiety, or nervousness
- Frequently reschedule due to apprehension about potential news
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Require multiple or extended treatments in one session
- Struggle with keeping your mouth open or sitting comfortably
- Face challenges getting numb with local anesthesia
- Have had negative dental encounters previously
Dental Sedation for Children
Sedation dentistry cannot only help children who experience fear at the dentist’s office, but it can also be tremendously useful for those who have behavioral issues that make it extremely difficult for them to sit still. We often recommend it for children with special needs as well, as it allows them to remain calm in an unfamiliar environment. We usually try to help children feel relaxed without sedation as this simplifies their visits, but if necessary, you can trust we’ll use it in a way that is both safe and reliable.
How to Find the Right Sedation Dentistry Method for You
For nervous patients thinking about using sedation, we typically like to schedule a consultation visit so they can meet Dr. Rudd, our team, and have a chance to see our dental office. We find that this introduction alone can help curtail anxiety, but the main goal of this appointment is for us to figure out how we can help you feel completely comfortable while in the chair. Your input will allow us to recommend the appropriate sedation method that will ensure your appointment flies by as quickly as possible.
