Sedation dentistry, often called “sleep dentistry,” uses medication to help patients stay relaxed during dental treatments. The level of sedation can be light or deep, but the main goal is to keep you calm and comfortable. This can help you if you get anxious or nervous about dental visits. With sedation dentistry in Arlington, TX, we can work more easily. Patients often don’t remember much of the procedure to make future visits less stressful.
We always use local anesthesia to numb the area, especially for sensitive patients or for restorative and surgical procedures. We also offer nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” for children and adults to help you relax and ease any fears you may have.
At our dental office in Arlington, TX, sedation dentistry allows you to get the care you need without feeling anxious or uncomfortable. It’s a great option for those who are nervous about dental treatments or fear pain.
Sedation Dentistry in Arlington, TX
Dental sedation helps people who feel nervous about dental visits or have trouble staying comfortable during treatment. It helps patients relax so they can get the care they need without stress or discomfort. You might benefit from sedation dentistry if you:
- Have Dental Anxiety: Does going to the dentist make you feel scared or nervous? You’re not alone! Many people avoid dental visits because of fear. Sedation can help you feel calm and relaxed, making it easier to receive the care your smile needs.
- Have a Low Pain Tolerance: Some people feel pain more easily than others. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, sedation can help keep you comfortable during your procedure so you don’t have to worry about discomfort.
- Have a Strong Gag Reflex: A strong gag reflex can make even simple dental treatments feel uncomfortable. Sedation relaxes your muscles to reduce your gag reflex. Our dentist can work more smoothly without causing discomfort.
- Need Complex Dental Work: Long or complex dental procedures, like multiple fillings, crowns, or oral surgery, can be tiring. With sedation, you’ll feel more comfortable. We can complete multiple treatments in one visit to save you time.
- Have Trouble Sitting Still: If you find it hard to sit still for long periods, sedation can help. This is especially helpful for children and people with special needs. Sedation can help you feel relaxed for your procedure.
Types of Dental Sedation
Our Arlington, TX, office works with anesthesiologists and experts to provide these types of sedation:
- Oral Sedation: You take a pill before the appointment to help you relax. This is great for mild to moderate anxiety. The pill takes about an hour to kick in, and you’ll stay awake but feel calm.
- IV Sedation: This involves giving the sedative directly into your bloodstream. It works quickly, and our dentist can control the level of sedation throughout the procedure. You probably won’t remember much afterward.
- Inhaled Sedation (Laughing Gas): You breathe in nitrous oxide through a mask, which helps you relax. It wears off quickly, and you can even drive yourself home after the appointment. This option is ideal for patients with mild anxiety or those who just need a little help feeling more comfortable.
- General Anesthesia: This is the deepest level of sedation, where you’re completely unconscious. We only recommend anesthesia for more complex treatments or if you have severe anxiety.
How to Prepare
You can prepare for sedation by following several steps. You shouldn’t eat or drink for at least six hours before your appointment. Also, make sure to let our dentist know about any medications or supplements you take because some may not mix well with sedatives.
You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home. Wear loose and comfy clothes to help you stay relaxed, and plan to take it easy for the rest of the day after the procedure.
What Happens During Sedation?
When you arrive for your appointment, our dentist will explain your treatment and answer your questions. Once we administer the sedation, you’ll begin to feel calm and may get sleepy. We will monitor you closely by checking your heart rate and oxygen levels.
After the dental work, you’ll have some time to recover before you go home. Recovery time can vary based on the type of sedation we use. We will provide instructions for how to care for yourself afterward.
Aftercare and Recovery
After your dental procedure, follow our dentist’s instructions so you recover smoothly and avoid any problems. Here’s what you need to do:
- Do Not Drive or Use Heavy Machinery: Sedation can make you feel drowsy and affect your coordination. Don’t drive or use heavy machinery for at least 24 hours for your safety. If possible, have someone else drive you home and stay with you for a while.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Soft Foods: Drink plenty of water to help your body recover and stay hydrated. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks because they can dehydrate you. Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, or smoothies for the first day or two. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate your mouth or the treated area.
- Be Aware of Side Effects: You may feel dizzy or tired after treatment. However, this will fade within a few hours. Contact us if the symptoms get worse.
- Take It Easy: Rest for the rest of the day after your procedure. Avoid any physical activity. Don’t exercise, lift heavy objects, or bend over. It can slow your recovery or cause bleeding.
- Follow Medication Instructions: Dr. Nguyen may prescribe medications or pain relievers for you as you heal. Take them exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses or take more than recommended.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
We welcome you to read answers to common questions about sedation dentistry in Arlington, TX:
Is sedation safe?
Sedation dentistry is safe when done by trained professionals. Our experienced dentists are skilled in sedation techniques and closely monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety.
We review your medical history to identify any risks and monitor your vital signs during the entire process. Our office also provides clear instructions on what to do before and after the procedure.
Can I drive home after dental sedation?
If you had mild nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), you might be okay to drive because the gas wears off within minutes. But with stronger sedation like pills or IV sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home. You also need someone to stay with you until the effects fully wear off.
When can I eat after sedation?
After sedation, you should wait 1 to 2 hours to eat, or until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This is so you don’t accidentally bite your tongue or cheek. If you had light sedation like nitrous oxide, you can eat as soon as you feel alert. For stronger sedation (like IV or oral pills), wait until you’re fully awake and no longer dizzy, which could take a few hours.
After any type of sedation, you want to stick to bland and soft foods for the first meal/ Soft foods also reduce irritation to the treated areas.
Will I be completely asleep during my dental procedure?
Whether you’re completely asleep during a dental procedure depends on the type of sedation you receive. With general anesthesia, you’ll be fully unconscious and won’t remember the procedure. However, most routine dental work uses “laughing gas or oral sedatives, which relax you but keep you awake.
Local anesthesia numbs only the area being treated, so you’ll be wide awake but won’t feel pain. Our dentist will choose the best option based on the procedure and your comfort level.
Can kids or seniors get sedation?
Yes. We recommend laughing gas for kids to help them relax during fillings or other treatments. It wears off quickly and is very safe. For bigger procedures or very anxious kids, stronger sedation or general anesthesia might be an option, but we will check their medical history first.
We’re careful with older adults because they can take medications or have health conditions (like heart or lung issues) that affect how their body handles sedation. They might adjust the dose or choose gentler options to avoid complications. Whether it’s a child or an older adult, we will always explain the risks and safety steps before starting.
Can I return to work or school after my appointment with sedation?
This depends on the sedation type. If you get laughing gas, the effects wear off almost immediately, so you can usually return to normal activities right after your appointment.
For IV or oral sedation, you’ll feel drowsy for several hours and might have trouble focusing. In these cases, it’s best to take the rest of the day off to rest. You shouldn’t drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the next day.
Can I request sedation for a routine cleaning?
Yes you can get sedation for a routine cleaning, especially if you feel very nervous or have a strong gag reflex. Many dentists offer mild options like laughing gas to help you relax during the appointment. This option is safe and wears off quickly.
Stronger sedation is best for more complex procedures, not cleanings. We will consider your anxiety level and health history before treatment.
How long does the sedation last?
The length of time dental sedation lasts depends on the type. Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” wears off almost immediately. You’ll feel normal by the time you leave the office.
Oral sedation, like a pill you take before the appointment, can make you drowsy for a few hours. You’ll need someone to drive you home and you may feel sleepy most of the day. IV sedation is stronger and can leave you groggy for several hours. You may not remember the procedure afterward.
Get Comfortable Care
Do you need to visit the dentist but have dental anxiety? Get comfortable sedation dentistry services in Arlington, TX. Call Cooper Family Dental for care today at 817-261-4982. You may also request a dental consultation on our website.