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Sedation Dentistry – Westchase, FL

Keep Calm in the Dental Chair

Man relaxing after sedation dentistry

Do you have a child that’s afraid of seeing the dentist? Or do you start to feel a little anxious yourself when the time comes for a checkup? Dental anxiety is nothing to be embarrassed about; Dr. Ponnaganti is more than happy to make accommodations for you and your loved ones so that your visits can be completed as quickly as possible without any undue stress. The next time you call for an appointment, don’t forget to ask about the available options for sedation dentistry in Westchase, FL.

Why Choose Happy Smiles for Sedation Dentistry?

Oral Conscious Sedation

Hand holding oral conscious dental sedation pills

For those with deep-seated anxieties toward dental care or need extra help sitting still for a lengthy procedure, we generally recommend oral conscious sedation. If you’re interested in this dental sedation option, then we encourage you to talk to our team directly so we can determine if you’re a candidate and answer any questions you have about the treatment process. Until then, you can learn more about oral conscious sedation right here!

What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Smiling dentist taking notes while talking to patient

Oral conscious sedation is a more powerful sedative, which is why it’s usually recommended for patients who haven’t had success with nitrous oxide. With this calming solution, we will give you a special medication, which you will take before you arrive for your treatment. Not only will it result in a deep state of relaxation, but you may also feel like time is passing very quickly and have little-to-no memory of your visit after the effects wear off. As a result, oral conscious sedation can help you have the positive dental experience you deserve while also creating a more positive association with getting the care you need moving forward.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work? 

Woman relaxing in dental treatment chair

Simply put, you’ll take medication before the procedure begins so that you feel rested and relaxed by the time you get to our dental office. We will escort you to the treatment room, ensure you’re settled in comfortably, and begin working. Although you won’t be asleep, you most likely won’t remember what happened during your treatment either. Keep in mind that the sedative won’t fully wear off by the time the treatment ends; you’ll need another adult to drive you home, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

Man in denim shirt smiling while sitting in dental chair

Patients who are candidates for oral conscious sedation often:

  • Struggle with dental-related anxiety or nervousness
  • Have a sensitive gag reflex
  • Had a bad dental experience in the past
  • Need help staying calm and comfortable in the treatment chair
  • Have trouble getting numb

Of course, this isn’t a complete list. We’d be happy to learn all about your dental history, concerns, and more during your appointment. That way, we can discuss this sedation option more in-depth and determine if you’re a good candidate!

Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation

Man relaxed with nitrous oxide dental sedation mask

There’s no reason to feel ashamed if you have mild dental anxiety. It’s actually a pretty common condition, as 36% of the US population has dentist-related fears! Still, you shouldn’t let it keep you from crucial dental care. As such, you may want to consider nitrous oxide sedation at your next visit. This treatment option helps you feel nice and calm during a dental procedure. If you’d like to learn more, read about the service below or call us for details.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation?

A little boy receiving nitrous oxide dental sedation

Whether you’re a child or an adult, almost anyone can qualify for nitrous oxide sedation. The requirements for candidacy aren’t that strict. That being said, some benefit more from this sedation than others. In particular, nitrous oxide is especially helpful if you have:

  • Phobias regarding needles or dentists
  • Overstimulation at the dentist’s office
  • A hard time sitting still or comfortably
  • Severe tooth sensitivity
  • A strong gag reflex
  • Difficulties with numbing agents

Of course, not everyone is suited for nitrous oxide sedation. For example, you may want to consider an alternative if you’re pregnant. Similarly, nitrous oxide doesn’t work well for patients with sinus congestion or respiratory disease. Their conditions often keep them from inhaling the gas deeply.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation Work?

A panel for nitrous oxide

When administering nitrous oxide, things are pretty simple. In fact, setting up the process only takes a few minutes. The dentist is then free to treat a relaxed and compliant patient.

For this sedation, you inhale nitrous oxide – “laughing gas” – through a nose mask. This inhalation occurs both before and during the actual treatment. At the same time, staff will monitor your vitals to ensure safety while the gas is applied.

Once you’ve inhaled it for a minute or two, you’ll start to feel nitrous oxide’s effects. Namely, you’ll begin to experience light-headedness and mild euphoria. Your limbs may also seem tingly or heavier than usual. Regardless of the details, you can expect to be calm and comfortable. The gas, however, won’t cause you to fall asleep; you’ll be alert enough to answer the dentist’s questions or instructions.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation

A woman receiving aftercare for nitrous oxide

In reality, nitrous oxide sedation involves little aftercare. Its effects fade quickly when you stop inhaling the “laughing gas.” Even so, you should still keep a few things in mind.

For starters, nitrous requires a few minutes to exit your body. That means you should wait at our office until you feel like your usual self. If you try driving before that happens, you could suffer an accident.

Furthermore, the sedative doesn’t have long-term side effects. After the initial waiting period, you’ll be well enough to go about your routine. You should be fine whether you need to return home or head back to work.

Sometimes, though, a practice offers treatment-specific recovery tips after nitrous oxide sedation. In these cases, you must follow the dentist’s instructions.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Woman relaxed in the dental chair

If you have dental anxiety, you aren’t alone! Approximately 36% of people in the USA have fears associated with dental treatment with 12% having extreme fear. Fortunately, we offer sedation options to help patients get the care they need without all of the added stress. But you may still have some unanswered questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about sedation dentistry in Westchase. If you don’t see the information that you’ve been looking for below, don’t fret. Give us a call and one of our friendly team members would be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

For the majority of patients, sedation is a perfectly safe option. Before deciding whether to administer sedation, Dr. Ponnaganti will go over your medical history and current medications to ensure that there won’t be any negative interactions. While you are sedated, we will closely monitor your vitals at all times to make sure that you are safe.

What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?

This depends on the type of sedation that you receive. Nitrous oxide makes you feel relaxed, light, and euphoric. Some patients experience a slight tingling sensation in their arms and legs. You may even get the giggles, which is where nitrous oxide gets its nickname “laughing gas.” Oral conscious sedation gives you an even deeper sense of sedation. You might have difficulty speaking or staying awake. Some patients even doze off during their procedure.

Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?

The majority of dental insurance plans do not cover the cost of sedation dentistry. However, there are sometimes exceptions – like if the patient has a disability that makes it very difficult for them to receive dental care. Another situation where sedation may be covered is if the procedure is very complex, like multiple tooth extractions. Of course, every dental insurance plan is different, so it is best to confirm this with your provider ahead of time. If you need assistance with this, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Can dental sedation make you sick?

It is very rare to experience nausea with nitrous oxide sedation. Because oral conscious sedation is stronger than nitrous oxide, there is a slightly higher risk of nausea. Just to be safe, it will likely be recommended that you don’t eat for a few hours before your procedure. If you have trouble skipping meals, you may want to schedule your appointment first thing in the morning.

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