Sedation Dentistry - An Overview
The goal of sedation dentistry, also known as sleep or twilight dentistry, is to allow patients to reach a calm and relaxed state for comfortable and anxiety-free dental care. Depending on the level of sedation, patients may have minimal recollection of the procedure. Afterward, many report no fear, anxiety, pain, or discomfort. Sedation dentistry often allows more treatment to be completed in fewer appointments.
Who Benefits the Most from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is helpful for patients with extreme dental anxiety or dental phobia. It is also beneficial to patients with a strong gag reflex, extremely sensitive teeth, a low pain threshold, or those who have difficulty getting numb and staying numb. Sedation is often recommended for those who can't sit still for long, patients requiring lengthy or complex dental treatments, and patients with special medical, physical, or behavioral needs.
What Are the Different Forms of Sedation?
At KL Dental Studio, we offer three sedation options for our patients.
Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, helps to ease mild to moderate fear and anxiety. It is administered by breathing nitrous oxide combined with oxygen through a small mask placed over your nose. You stay fully awake and responsive but feel more comfortable and relaxed. The effects of the inhaled nitrous oxide sedation wear off quickly after removing the mask, allowing you to resume your daily routine.
Oral Sedation: Oral conscious sedation assists patients with moderate fear and anxiety. It is administered by taking an oral medication (pill) prior to your dental treatment. You will feel relaxed and sleepy but remain responsive. Most patients remember very little, if any, of their treatment. It may take some time for the effects of oral sedation to wear off, so you need to have a trusted adult drive you home.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation: IV Sedation is ideal for patients with a high level of anxiety. An experienced dental anesthesiologist will administer and monitor your sedation in our dental office. Most patients have no recollection of their dental procedure. The effects of IV sedation will linger after your procedure, so you’ll need to have a trusted friend or family member drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Dental sedation is considered safe and highly effective when administered by a trained and experienced dental professional. At KL Dental Studio, we follow all recommended safety protocols and closely monitor our patients' vitals throughout treatment. Your safety and well-being are always our top priorities!
Sedation Dentistry Near Me in Keller, TX
If you want to learn more about our sedation dentistry options, contact the team at KL Dental Studio. We are happy to answer your questions and address any concerns. We invite you to call our office to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online today!