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Sedation Dentistry – Keller, TX

Overcoming Dental Fears

Many people have stayed away from their dentist for years due to anxiety and fear. There can be many reasons for such apprehension – such as being bothered by the sounds of a dental drill or simply being afraid of potential pain – but no matter what the root of your anxieties is, it’s important that you overcome it so that you can keep your smile healthy and intact. If you need help facing your dental phobia, call our dental office today; Dr. Walia and the rest of our Ridgepoint Dental Team have a number of otpions for sedation dentistry in Keller, TX that make it easier to relax.

Why Choose Ridgepoint Dental for Sedation Dentistry?

  • Gentle,
    Down-to-Earth
    Team
  • We Take the Time
    to Connect
    with Patients
  • Different Types of Sedation for Each
    Unique Case

Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry

Patient holding an oral conscious sedation dentistry pill

Oral conscious sedation in Keller is a safe and effective way to minimize anxiety and ensure a more comfortable dental experience. Whether you suffer from moderate or severe dental fears or are simply preparing to undergo multiple treatments in one appointment, this pill medication can alleviate concerns and help you to feel more relaxed throughout your procedure.

What is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Person taking oral medication in Keller

Oral conscious sedation is a form of treatment that works to minimize dental anxiety in patients. Prescribed by our dental team, this pill medication is taken before a procedure to help a person feel more at ease.

Commonly used for individuals preparing for multiple dental treatments or those suffering from dental anxiety, it is a safe and highly effective method of sedation that doesn’t require needles or a face mask. It is important to note, however, that it can take 15 minutes or longer for the initial effects to kick in, and depending on the medication used, effects can last a while after the procedure is complete.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

Dental procedure in Keller

If you are undergoing a procedure where oral conscious sedation will be used, you’ll receive a pill along with some instructions. At a specific time before your appointment, you’ll simply swallow the pill.

By the time we’re ready to begin, you’ll have entered a state of relaxation. You won’t be unconscious (and can even respond to our requests), but you won’t be bothered by the things going on around you. It’s also unlikely that you’ll remember much of anything from your appointment.

Our team will monitor you throughout your procedure to ensure you remain safe and free of any pain.

Since the effects of the pill won’t have worn off completely by the time the procedure is complete, you’ll need to make arrangements to have a trusted adult drive you home.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

Woman smiling in Keller

Determining whether you are a candidate for oral conscious sedation is determined by your sedation dentist in Keller. Although it is a safe solution for anxious dental patients, it is essential that we discuss your overall health history before moving forward. As long as you don’t suffer from respiratory illness, take certain medications, or are not pregnant, there’s a good chance you’ll be eligible for oral conscious sedation if you have:

  • Mild or moderate dental anxiety
  • A sensitive/strong gag reflex
  • Are preparing to undergo multiple dental procedures
  • Trouble keeping your mouth open for prolonged periods
  • Difficulty sitting for extended periods
  • Past dental trauma

 

Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation

Man with nitrous oxide sedation dentistry mask in place

Not all cases of dental anxiety are particularly extreme. Patients with only mild worries normally receive nitrous oxide through a nasal mask. One advantage of this approach is that we can adjust the level of sedation in small increments throughout the treatment. Furthermore, there’s no need to rely on anyone else for transportation. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after the mask is removed, and you can fully recover from the effects within minutes, allowing you to simply continue on with your day. Read on to learn more about nitrous oxide dental sedation in Keller.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Candidate for nitrous oxide dental sedation in Keller giving thumbs up

Nitrous oxide sedation is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and the most widely used. It’s easy to use, administer, and adjust, all while being a great choice for the majority of patients! Nitrous oxide sedation is a good choice for patients who:

  • Need a bit of help feeling relaxed in the dental chair
  • Have very sensitive teeth or an overactive gag reflex
  • Typically don’t respond well to numbing medication alone
  • Have neck, jaw, back, or shoulder pain that makes sitting in the dental chair uncomfortable
  • Will be undergoing a lengthy or complex treatment

However, while most patients are great candidates for nitrous oxide sedation, it’s not a good choice for everyone. We do not recommend it for patients who are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, take certain medications, or are currently experiencing nasal congestion. We’ll see you for an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and goals, review your medical history, and determine if nitrous oxide is a good option for you.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?

Woman relaxing with nitrous oxide sedation in Keller

Nitrous oxide is more commonly known as laughing gas. This colorless, odorless gas is administered via a small mask placed over the nose. Within moments of inhaling it, you’ll begin to feel light, airy, and relaxed. Some patients even feel giggly or drift off to sleep after a short while! Throughout your appointment, you’ll remain conscious enough to respond to our basic instructions and questions, but you won’t be aware of any of the sensations that would typically make you uncomfortable.

Our experienced team will monitor your breathing and heart rate throughout your appointment. Your level of sedation can be adjusted at any time if needed to ensure your safety and comfort. Your treatment will seem to fly by while you relax with nitrous oxide sedation!

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Woman feeling relaxed after nitrous oxide dental sedation in Keller

One of the most popular benefits of nitrous oxide sedation is how little aftercare it requires. In fact, it practically requires none at all! The sedating effects will wear off almost as quickly as they came about once we remove the nose mask. A very small percentage of patients feel slightly dizzy or nauseous for a short while afterwards, but the vast majority of patients return to their normal level of consciousness with no side effects right away. You’ll even be able to drive yourself home and continue on about your day without interruption!

Nitrous Oxide Sedation FAQs

Man with nitrous oxide sedation dentistry mask in place

If you suffer from dental anxiety, sedation dentistry may be the answer you’re looking for! However, it pays to be well informed. Here are answers from your sedation dentist in Keller specifically about nitrous oxide. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry! Contact our team here at Ridgepoint Dental, and we will be happy to answer your questions and set you up for an appointment when you’re ready.

How is nitrous oxide provided to the patient?

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.

What does dental 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. It lowers one’s sense of touch, pain, and hearing.

Can I drive following a dental appointment in which nitrous oxide was used?

One of the primary benefits of using nitrous oxide for dental procedures is the dentist can control the timing and dose. Once the gas is turned off, the patient will merely have to take a couple of deep breaths to enjoy mental clarity. You can drive home from the appointment without worrying about an accident. However, if you feel lightheaded after the procedure and have even the slightest suspicion you are unable to drive safely, it is in the best interest of everyone on the road to coordinate a ride home.

Is dental nitrous oxide safe?

The use of nitrous oxide is completely safe. While nitrogen might not be safe on its own, it poses no threat at all in the form of nitrous oxide. The nitrous oxide treatment application has about 70 percent oxygen and 30 percent nitrogen. If the medical procedure is especially serious, there will be a balance of 50 percent nitrogen and 50 percent oxygen.