A Brief Guide to Sedation Dentistry

Many people avoid going to the dentist, whether it’s for routine work or an extensive procedure, because of their anxiety and fear. South Tulsa Dental wants to help you get the oral care you need in a non-threatening environment. With sedation dentistry, you’ll be able to relax while the South Tulsa Dental staff does what’s needed to keep your smile healthy.

What’s Involved in Dental Sedation?

Most sedation dentists use sedation techniques to keep patients feeling at ease while giving them the oral care they need. Whether you’re dealing with minor anxiety or a debilitating phobia, there’s a sedation dentistry option to help. At South Tulsa Dental, our dental health experts are trained in various sedation dentistry options, and we’ll work to assess your needs and form a plan that works for you. The following sedation levels are available:

• Minimal sedation: Here, you’ll feel totally relaxed, but you’ll stay aware and awake.
• Moderate or conscious sedation: In this deeper sedation level, you may have a delayed reaction time, slur your speech, or not remember the procedure very well.
• Deep sedation: You’ll be very sleepy, or you may even fall asleep. However, the dentist will still be able to wake you easily.
• General anesthesia: As the name implies, you’ll sleep through the entire procedure.
  Different Sedation Types

South Tulsa Dental may use various sedation dentistry options to keep you at ease throughout your procedure. Before treatment begins, the dentist will review those options and make recommendations. Sedation dentistry choices may include:

• Nitrous oxide: Sometimes referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a face mask. It’s ideal for those with slight anxiety, as it allows them to relax during treatment. Laughing gas wears off rather quickly, which means you can drive home after the appointment.
• Conscious sedation (oral): Before the appointment, you’ll take a prescription medication to relax, and by the time you get into the chair, you’ll feel fully at ease. If your anxiety is moderate or severe, oral sedation is a big benefit. You won’t have much memory of the procedure, and you might even doze off during it. However, you’ll need to ask someone to take you home afterward.
• IV sedation: If you’re dealing with an extreme dental phobia, this sedative allows you to reach the deepest possible level of calmness and relaxation. Staff members will carefully monitor the IV and the medication to ensure that you receive just what you need. This sedative starts to work right away, and you likely won’t remember anything at all. Afterward, you’ll have to have someone drive you home.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Who can do it?

All dentists offering this option have gone through additional training in sedation dentistry. When you choose this treatment method, you’ll be in capable hands.

Who can undergo it?

Sedation dentistry is ideal for those with dental fear or those who are undergoing invasive, extensive procedures.

Most ages can benefit from the relaxation sedation dentistry provides.

For children 12 years of age and under, the American Dental Association supports the use of the American Academy of Pediatrics/American Academy of Pediatric Dentists Guidelines for Monitoring and Management of Pediatric Patients During and After Sedation for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the sedative depends on the method used. When you visit the office for a consultation, we’ll review the various sedation dentistry choices and help you make the right choice. Speak to a South Tulsa Dental team member today to learn about the out-of-pocket cost of sedation dentistry if it’s not covered by your dental plan.

How safe is it to undergo sedation dentistry?

There’s a slight risk, but when the sedative is administered by an experienced, certified dentist, it’s extremely safe. Consult your dentist or a staff member if you have concerns or questions.

Call South Tulsa Dental Today for a Sedation Dentist in Tulsa!

Can you take advantage of the benefits sedation dentistry provides? For a relaxing, pain-free treatment, schedule a meeting with the best dentist in Tulsa who can tell you how sedation may help you.

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