If you’re feeling nervous about your upcoming dental appointment, you aren’t alone! It’s estimated that thousands of Americans avoid getting the dental care they need because they dread going to the dentist’s office. But there’s nothing to be afraid of! With sedation dentistry, we can ensure that you’re physically and mentally at ease from the very first moment you’re seated in the chair. Read on to learn a little more about our available options or feel free to give us a call for additional information or to schedule a visit!
Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that’s effective and safe for children and adults alike. It’s also a popular form of dental sedation because it’s quick-acting, doesn’t involve needles, and won’t result in any grogginess afterward. In fact, you can even get it if you’re coming in for a checkup and cleaning on your lunch break! To learn more, read on or give our team a call!
Before adding nitrous oxide to your treatment plan, we will need to determine if you’re a good candidate. After all, some patients aren’t, including those who have trouble breathing through their nose or are currently pregnant. With that said, it’s considered safe for a large majority of patients. Plus, it can help patients with dental-related anxiety, a fear of needles, or considerable dental sensitivity have the positive, pain-free, and calm experience they deserve in the treatment chair!
If it’s determined that you are a candidate for nitrous oxide, then we will place a nasal mask over your nose once you settle into the treatment chair. You’ll breathe the nitrous oxide in through this mask, which is both colorless and odorless. Within minutes, you’ll feel lighter, calmer, and happier—though you won’t start cackling as the nickname suggests. You’ll also remain awake, which ensures the lines of communication are open throughout your appointment.
Perhaps one of the biggest perks of nitrous oxide is that the effects dissipate as quickly as they set in! As a result, it will only take a minute or two for you to feel like your usual self again, making it easy to return to your daily schedule with minimal disruption. Of course, there may be a few post-op instructions we give you depending on the reason for your visit. For example, if you got a dental crown, then we may recommend rinsing with warm saltwater periodically and taking OTC pain medication as directed for the rest of the day.
If you’re in need of a stronger sedative, our team can provide a prescription for medication. You’ll be instructed to take the sedative at a certain time before your appointment begins. Someone will need to escort you both to and from our office. Once the effects take hold, you should feel deeply relaxed and you might not remember much about the appointment, as if it were a dream.
Oral conscious sedation comes in the form of a single pill, which you will take either as soon as you arrive at our office, or about an hour before your visit. In any case, you will need to have someone be prepared to both drop you off and pick you up from your appointment. The medications that are commonly used for this sedation method include Valium, Ativan, and Halcion, which are all members of the diazepam family. For younger patients, or those who are averse to taking pills, we may even prescribe a liquid version of the medication.
Just like its name suggests, you will remain conscious during your treatment, allowing you to respond to our questions and remain aware, all while in a deep relaxed headspace. Some patients do fall asleep during their treatments because of how relaxed they are, but if this happens, we will be able to easily wake you back up.
Once your treatment is over, it will take several hours for the effects of the sedation to wear off. This is why it’s crucial that you have a trusted friend or family member planned to transport you to and from our office. It’s also a good idea to have them stay with you for the rest of the day until the effects fade.
Dr. Josh Branco has extensive training in oral surgery and sedation, allowing him to safely review your medical and oral history before determining whether you’re a good candidate for oral conscious sedation in Reno. We typically recommend this sedation method for patients who:
If you have any questions or believe you could be a good candidate for oral conscious sedation, please don’t hesitate to contact our office before your visit to speak with us about your options.
Even though sedation dentistry is considered safe for most patients, not everyone is a good fit. The best way to tell if it’s right for you is to come see us for a consultation, where we can discuss your concerns and review your medical history. You’re likely a good candidate for sedation dentistry if:
Do you typically get nervous when visiting your dentist? Does the sound and sights of the dental office often make you afraid? If so, then you might consider opting for sedation dentistry. With this option, you can be sure to undergo any necessary treatments completely relaxed throughout your appointment. That said, you may have certain concerns about the process before committing to anything. That’s why we’ve compiled and answered some of the most commonly asked questions our sedation dentist gets from our patients in Reno. Keep reading or reach out to us today if you don’t see the information you’re looking for!
Sedation dentistry in Reno is an entirely safe method to help most patients remain comfortable during their visit. One of the most secure options is nitrous oxide, which can typically be offered to all ages. During your appointment, your dentist will go over your medical history, especially your current medications to verify that there won’t be negative reactions from your treatment. This will also help them determine if you’re eligible for sedation and which kind to use. If you’re a good candidate for this treatment, our team will be sure to monitor your vitals (such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels) while you’re under sedation to ensure your safety.
The timeframe of the effects of sedation dentistry will depend on the type of treatment you receive. Nitrous oxide is one of the easiest methods to undergo since you simply have to inhale the gas. This also means the effects will dissipate shortly after your treatment is over, that way you can easily drive yourself home or continue your daily schedule. Oral conscious sedation usually lasts much longer than nitrous oxide, as its effects are more powerful. Our team will be sure to walk you through your entire treatment plan before starting any work, including how long you can expect to recover from sedation therapy.
Sedation dentistry technically keeps you awake while making you feel incredibly relaxed or even euphoric. Even so, most patients claim not to remember much of their appointment after undergoing certain methods. Nitrous oxide is the mildest form of sedation, so you’ll likely be aware of the entire visit while feeling as comfortable as possible. For more powerful methods, like oral conscious sedation, your appointment may feel more like a dream. Due to the amnesic effects of this therapy, you should experience a more stress-free and pleasant time receiving dental care!
Since sedation dentistry is usually considered a “luxury” treatment, most dental insurance companies won’t offer coverage for the cost. However, there are exceptions for specific kinds of patients. People with disabilities (like cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, and autism) that can make it difficult or impossible to undergo dental care without sedation therapy can make them qualify for coverage. Furthermore, these treatments can sometimes be covered if your dental procedure is more complex, such as multiple tooth extractions. That’s why you’ll want to double-check with your provider about the details of your insurance policy just in case you can make the most of your benefits on sedation dentistry.
