Is Sedation Dentistry Common?

Sedation dentistry is a relatively new branch, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t widely used. Because there are more forms of sedation to make it more of a prominent service, compounds like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) have been used for well over a century. We’ll examine sedation dentistry, why it’s so common, and where you can find the right solutions.

Sedation Dentistry Today

Sedation dentistry refers to any type of sedative used for either relaxation or sleep. As pharmaceutical options have grown across the market, sedation dentistry in Gilbert, AZ is now one of the more common requests for patients today.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

The main benefit of sedation dentistry is that it helps people make and maintain dental appointments. Unfortunately, fear and anxiety at the dentist are both relatively common. With sedation dentistry, people can finally get work done that they’ve potentially been putting off for years. You can get the relief you’re looking for, whether in the form of a mild relaxant or anesthesia.

Fear of the dentist often starts from a young age. It doesn’t always take very much for people to associate traumatic memories with the dentist. If you keep or someone you love keeps finding reasons to avoid your appointments, there’s a lot to be said for sedation dentistry.

How to Find the Best Sedation Dentistry In Gilbert

Sedation dentistry is a bit of an art form. From your weight to your anxiety levels to your personal preferences, it’s not always obvious what the best dosage or combination is best for you. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, our dentists in Gilbert, AZ can help you find solutions that work for you so you can have a good experience from start to finish.

Do All Dentists Offer Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry has become a popular service for many dental practices because it offers patients a way to get through even the most involved procedures — no matter how anxious they are about being in the chair. If you’re wondering if all dentists in Gilbert, AZ, offer sedation dentistry, it’s worth learning more about how different offices work.

How Universal Is Sedation Dentistry?

Every dental practice has its own rhythms and priorities, and it’s not always easy to tell what those are unless you’ve been visiting the same place for several years. In the case of sedation dentistry, not every dentist will offer these services, so it’s important to figure out what you’re looking for before settling on one over the other.

It’s worth noting that minimal sedation is relatively common, meaning you likely won’t have to search very hard (if at all) to find a list of dentists who offer some degree of sedation. However, if you’re looking for moderate and deep sedation, the dentist will require more training (plus certification) to administer the proper dosage.

Sedation Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ

If you’re looking for sedation dentistry in Gilbert, AZ, it’s important to talk to someone who knows the ins and outs of the field. At Kathy Jaconsen Contemporary Dentistry, you’ll find local, oral, and IV sedation and standard minimal sedation like nitrous oxide (or laughing gas). If you’ve been putting off any dental work, either because you know the diagnosis or you’re nervous about hearing it, calling us is the first step toward getting it checked off your list. The best part is that, with the help of sedation dentistry, it may not be anything like you think.

Do I Have to Take a Day Off Work After Sedation Dentistry?

For those who are new to it, sedation dentistry almost sounds too good to be true. Is there actually a way to feel good about going to the dentist and overcoming dental anxiety? Yes, there is! Sedation dentistry in Gilbert, AZ, is available right now. All you have to do is request it and discuss it with your dentist during your visit. You don’t even need to arrange for it ahead of time. But for planning purposes, you probably want to know if you must take the rest of the day off after getting sedation dentistry. The answer depends on which kind of sedation you get.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide is the most common form of sedation. Its other name is “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is called laughing gas because of the good mood that it puts patients in. With this sedation, you inhale a very mild sedative that relaxes you in much the same way as a warm bubble bath or a glass of wine. You can remain awake the whole time, though sometimes people fall asleep. But when you awaken, and the nitrous oxide quickly wears off, you can resume the rest of your day’s normal activities.

IV Sedation

This form of sedation is only used when severe dental anxiety would hinder treatment. Injected as an IV, this form of sedation does need to be scheduled in advance. Also, it’s recommended to take the rest of the day off if you get IV sedation.

Localized Anesthetic

An oral or local anesthetic form of sedation may also be offered. This may be used with mild treatments just to help make you more comfortable. Depending on how you feel, you may or may not have to take the rest of the day off. But you should arrange for someone to drive you from the dentist’s office, just in case.

Don’t let dental anxiety or the fear of missing work keep you from getting the dental treatment you need. Contact your Gilbert, AZ, dentist to book an appointment today.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation density is one of the most welcome dental treatments that’s become available in recent years. Many dental patients have expressed anxiety about visiting the dentist, although much of that anxiety may come from unfamiliarity with treatments or not visiting the dentist often enough. Whatever the reason for the nervousness, dental sedation may help you feel more relaxed during your visit.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Of course, a natural question is to ask if sedation dentistry is safe. Since it’s an extra service, it’s important to discuss sedation dentistry in Gilbert, AZ, with your dentist to see if it’s right for you. The idea is to help you feel relaxed, not to make you feel more nervous about the sedation itself.

For persons in overall good health, sedation dentistry is considered to be very safe. Remember, the sedation is extremely mild. Most patients don’t feel very different at all. It simply takes the edge off, much in the same way as calming music, meditation or a relaxing massage.

If you have any underlying disorders, it’s important to disclose and discuss them with your dentist to see if sedation is a good idea for you. If there’s any doubt, you have other options, such as local, topical anesthetics that will numb the area and alleviate discomfort.

Another option, if you can’t have sedation dentistry for some reason, is to ask your dentist exactly what the treatment will consist of, down to the tools that will be used. This often makes patients feel more confident, even if they do have sedation dentistry.

For all your questions about sedation dentistry, talk to your friendly dentist in Gilbert, AZ. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions, including which sedatives are used and how they are applied. Contact us today to book your appointment.

Patient’s Guide to Sedation Dentistry

Most of us are nervous about visiting the dentist, but for some, this nervousness becomes anxiety, making it difficult to make or keep regular dental appointments. For these patients, sedation dentistry can be quite helpful. Your dentist in Gilbert, AZ, can talk to you more about sedation dentistry and whether it’s a good option for you.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sometimes, if a patient is too scared or agitated to sit through their dental procedure, their dentist may use a form of sedation to help them relax. Or, if a patient is undergoing a major dental procedure, such as surgery, sedation may be required. There are different forms of sedation used in dentistry. Your dentist will help you decide whether it’s needed and if so, which type may be most recommended.

What Types of Sedation Can I Get at the Dentist?
Your dentist typically has access to three levels of sedation:

Minimal — Usually dispersed in a gas form called nitrous oxide, or laughing gas
Moderate — Typically administered orally, in the form of a pill
Deep — Drugs are administered through an IV
A fourth type, general anesthesia, is rarer and requires the services of a trained, licensed anesthesiologist. There could be a number of reasons why your dentist may recommend sedation, but they’re all designed to achieve the same results — less anxiety and pain for the patient.

Sedation Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ
If you’re interested in learning more about sedation dentistry in Gilbert, AZ, Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry can help. Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry is a state-of-the-art facility with access to the latest equipment and techniques. From general dentistry to cosmetic and restorative procedures, we’ll make sure your comfort is our top concern. Call today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Are you considering sedation dentistry in Gilbert, AZ? If so, you may have a few questions as a patient. Take a look at a few things most patients want to know before their sedation dentistry appointment.

Who Should Consider Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is most often recommended for individuals who have severe anxiety about dental treatments or experiences. Children are the most typical candidates for sedation. However, even many adult patients can have dental anxiety that may interfere with obtaining treatment. In some cases, sedation dentistry may also be recommended for more invasive or time-consuming procedures. For example, sedation may be used during wisdom tooth removal or when a patient is having multiple teeth treated during one visit.

Do Sedation Dentistry Appointments Take Longer?
Sedation dentistry appointments can take a few more minutes to complete, but the difference is not usually substantial. Local and oral anesthetics only take a few extra minutes and nitrous oxide usually takes effect in about five minutes. IV sedation, which is only used in very specific situations, can take a little more time due to the preparation involved and a brief period of recovery after the treatment is over.

Will Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?
Insurance usually covers basic forms of local anesthetics, but it may not cover other options like nitrous oxide or IV sedation. However, each patient’s policy may have varying coverage options. Therefore, it is best to discuss coverage with your provider before your appointment.

Discuss Sedation Dentistry with a Qualified Gilbert Dentist
Without question, sedation dentistry is an exceptionally valuable service for some patients. However, it is important that you work with a qualified dentist in Gilbert, AZ for sedation services. Reach out to the team at Kathy Jacobson Contemporary Dentistry to schedule an appointment.