Fearful dental patients can choose sedation dentistry at Ballas Dental Care.
Once you've experienced sedation dentistry in our office, you'll never be afraid to go to the dentist again.
You'll be sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were relaxing. You'll wake up refreshed, with little or no memory of what was accomplished.
Because you are completely comfortable, we can do years of dental treatments in one or two visits. We can replace crowns or dentures, restore sore gums to good health, whiten yellow or stained teeth, fix a chipped tooth, and more. People with very busy schedules can get the dental care they need, quickly and easily.
Imagine being able to smile with confidence and chew your food without pain. No wonder so many patients say: Sedation dentistry changed my life.
Oral Sedation Dentistry Information
You are given a small pill to take an hour prior to your dental appointment. Your companion will accompany you to the office. By the time you arrive you will be very drowsy.
When you arrive in our office, you will be escorted into the comfort room, covered with a thick, warm blanket and placed on a monitor to watch your vital signs. After you are comfortable the experienced clinical team at Ballas Dental Care will take care of your dental needs and treatment. When your treatment is completed your companion will return you home to finish your comfortable, relaxing day.
The Facts of Sedation Dentistry
It Really Works! You really can relax through your dental appointment-It Is Safe! You take a small pill prior to treatment, no intravenous tubes or needles.You will have little or no memory of the experience. You won't remember any sounds or smells.
You can relax for up to five to six hours after taking the pill. The time you are relaxing will vary depending on your needed treatment. Complex dental treatments that often require six to eight appointments, can be done in as little as one! All while you relax. People who have difficulty getting numb will find that sedation dentistry eliminates this problem.
Answers to Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Will I feel any pain?
Most patients feel no discomfort whatsoever during their treatment and feel surprisingly good afterwards.
Will I be unconscious?
No, you will be in a deeply relaxed state, and you will be responsive.
Will I be monitored?
Yes, one of our team is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.
How long will I be relaxing?
Depending on your needs, from two to six hours.
Will someone need to accompany me?
Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again.
Candidates for Sedation Dentistry
People who have...
- high fear
- traumatic dental experiences
- difficulty getting numb
- a bad gag reflex
- very sensitive teeth
- complex dental needs and problems
- limited time line to complete dental care
People who...
- hate needles and shots
- hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care
- are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth
Sedation Dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.
There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation, oral sedatives and general anesthetic.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation.
Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre-and post-sedation instructions.
Nitrous Oxide, know as Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre-and post-sedation instructions.