Sedation Dentistry Tulsa | Types, Benefits & Safety

Going to the dentist isn’t anyone’s favorite activity, even though proper dental care is essential for good general health. However, millions of Americans avoid the dentist because of fear and anxiety — and that avoidance only makes dental problems worse. If this describes you or someone close to you, there’s a solution: sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry isn’t just for fearful patients. If you need extensive dental work completed, have trouble keeping still, have a strong gag reflex, or have a low threshold for pain, sedation dentistry is an excellent option. At South Tulsa Dental, we offer multiple levels of sedation so you can receive the care you need comfortably and safely.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is not an all-or-nothing proposition. Several levels of sedation are available so you and your dentist can determine which is best for your situation:

Minimal sedation (nitrous oxide): Also known as laughing gas, this is the lightest level of sedation. A gas mask placed over your nose delivers nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen, creating a relaxing feeling without putting you to sleep. It wears off quickly — you can typically drive yourself home afterward. This is ideal for routine procedures and mild dental anxiety.
Oral sedation: This comes in pill form, most often Halcion or Valium, and can range from mild to moderate effect depending on the dose. Your dentist may instruct you to take it an hour before or even the night before your procedure. Oral sedation is the most commonly offered type of sedation dentistry. You may feel drowsy enough to fall asleep in the chair, though you can still be awakened easily with a nudge. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
IV sedation: Administered intravenously, this type works quickly and allows your dentist to continuously monitor and adjust sedation levels throughout the procedure. IV sedation produces a moderate to deep level of sedation. You will likely have little or no memory of the procedure. A driver is required.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia: This is the highest level of sedation, typically reserved for complex procedures such as oral surgery or dental implants. You will be nearly or completely unconscious throughout the entire procedure. Unlike lighter sedation, general anesthesia doesn’t wear off quickly — additional medications may be needed to bring you back to consciousness. You’ll need to recover in the office before going home, and it may take a day to feel back to normal.

Regardless of the sedation level, you will receive local anesthetics to eliminate pain at the treatment site.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you schedule a sedation dentistry appointment, you may be instructed to have someone drive you to and from the office — even for minimal sedation. For IV or deep sedation, your driver might be asked to stay at the office for the duration of the procedure.

If you’ll be under IV or deep sedation, wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave off your watch and bracelets, as you will be connected to blood pressure and heart monitors. With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable — sometimes enough to fall asleep — and the effects should wear off relatively quickly.

After deep sedation, many patients are surprised that the procedure is already complete because they have no memory of falling asleep. As with any medical procedure, contact your dentist if you experience any unusual symptoms such as bleeding or headaches after your appointment.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

The benefits of sedation dentistry extend well beyond simply reducing anxiety:

Overcome dental fear: When you’re sedated, your fears and anxiety about dental procedures are minimized. Sedation gives you the calm state of mind you need to sit through treatment comfortably.
Better long-term dental health: When you know that you won’t experience pain or discomfort, you’re far more likely to keep regular appointments. In the long run, your teeth and gums stay healthier because you’re not avoiding the dentist.
More efficient treatment: Sedation allows your dentist to complete more work in a single visit because you’re relaxed and cooperative throughout the procedure.
No memory of treatment: With moderate to deep sedation, most patients remember little or nothing about the procedure — ideal for those with dental phobia.

Risks and Safety

All sedation involves central nervous system depressants that alter consciousness, so there is always a slight chance of complications. Respiratory and cardiovascular issues are the most serious potential risks, though they are extremely rare when monitoring devices are used by well-trained professionals.

Research from the University of Washington has shown that when a separate practitioner trained specifically in anesthesia administers sedation as part of a two-person team, risks decrease significantly — from 1 in 248,000 to 1 in 598,000. At South Tulsa Dental, patient safety is always our top priority.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Your dentist will review your medical history to determine which type of sedation is right for you. You may be an excellent candidate for sedation dentistry if you:

Experience significant anxiety or fear about dental visits
Have had a previous traumatic dental experience
Have sensitive teeth or a strong gag reflex
Need extensive or complex dental work
Have difficulty sitting still for long periods

Some patients with conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, or who take certain medications may need to discuss deeper sedation options carefully with their dentist. For children, weight and age are considered to ensure proper dosage.

Schedule Your Sedation Dentistry Consultation

With sedation dentistry, even the most fearful patients can receive the quality dental care they deserve. While costs may not always be fully covered by insurance, deep sedation and general anesthesia are often included as medically necessary procedures.

Ready to explore sedation dentistry? Contact South Tulsa Dental today at (918) 628-0834 to discuss which sedation option is right for you, or book an appointment online.