About 36% of the population is affected by some kind of dental anxiety or fear, and many of them avoid dental care as much as possible because of it. Our team at Stone Street Dental will go out of their way to create a cheerful environment and make you feel comfortable during your visit, but we understand if you need a little extra help. Call today to talk about the different options for sedation dentistry in Greenville, TX, that might be used during your visit with Dr. Garrad.
Why Choose Stone Street Dental For Sedation Dentistry?
Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation options
Friendly dentist and cheerful team members
A dental insurance-friendly dental office accepts many plans
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
You might know nitrous oxide by another name: laughing gas. It earned this nickname because it causes feelings of warmth and euphoria that occasionally put people in a giggly mood. Perhaps the biggest benefit, however, is that it can effectively combat anxiety, helping patients who have had a previous bad experience get the essential dental care they need in a stress-free, comfortable way. If you want to learn more about this mild but effective sedation dentistry option, then keep reading!
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is recommended for patients who are particularly anxious or have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. You will be given a pill to take before your appointment. Once it takes effect, you will still be conscious, but you will be so relaxed that you may not remember the experience later. Plan on having someone else drive you home, and expect to spend the rest of the day recovering as the medication wears off.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is legitimate, common, and affects patients of all ages. Some patients fear pain or discomfort, others have had traumatic past experiences, and many feel a loss of control or vulnerability in the dental chair. For some patients, anxiety is so severe that it prevents them from seeking care even when experiencing pain or knowing treatment is urgently needed.
At Stone Street Dental, dental anxiety is met with understanding and genuine accommodation, never with judgment. Sedation dentistry is one of the most important tools available to help anxious patients receive the care they need without distress.
Choosing The Right Sedation Option
Dr. Garrad discusses sedation options during your consultation and recommends the level of sedation most appropriate for your anxiety level, the complexity of treatment planned, and your medical history.
Nitrous oxide is ideal for mild to moderate anxiety and wears off almost immediately, allowing patients to drive themselves home. Oral conscious sedation provides deeper relaxation for patients with significant anxiety or those undergoing lengthy procedures and requires a responsible adult to provide transportation.
Before your next dental appointment, would you like to take advantage of sedation? Let us know in advance! If you need oral conscious sedation, we’ll need time to submit your prescription to the pharmacy, but even with nitrous oxide, early notice can help us prepare for your visit!
At Stone Street Dental, sedation dentistry makes dental care accessible and comfortable for patients who deserve treatment without fear or stress.
Call our Greenville, TX office or book online to schedule your sedation dentistry consultation.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Who Isn't A Good Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?
Although sedation medications are typically safe for the vast majority of people, not everyone needs them. If you are able to sit still for a while, aren't afraid of the sights and sounds in a dental office, and are only going in for a simple cleaning, you likely can complete your appointment sans sedation. To consider it, you must tell us about any medications you're taking as well as your medical history. This information can determine whether the sedative will mix dangerously in your system, but again, it is rare that anyone has a negative reaction to these medications.
Will I Fall Asleep With Sedation Dentistry?
Not with nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. With these options, you will remain awake and able to respond to our team's instructions and questions. Perhaps you think you'd be better off simply going completely under, but most of the time this drastic measure isn't necessary! With oral conscious sedation, for example, you may or may not recall details from your time with us because it is stronger than the gentle nitrous oxide. Depending on how relaxed or tired you feel, you may end up falling asleep on your own, but it will result from the medication itself.
Where Does Dental Anxiety Come from?
Fear of the dentist or dental treatment can begin with any number of events, including an unpleasant or downright horrible past experience with a previous dentist. It can also come from being sensitive to the lights, sounds, and other sensations in the dental office, creating fear of the environment itself. Others may have heard stories about how dentistry used to feel "way back in the day"—before local anesthetics and Stone Street Dental came along. Movies and TV haven't helped to expunge dentists' reputations either, usually depicting dentists as pain-inflicting sadists or incompetent characters. Without help, these anxieties can prevent patients from seeking necessary dental care, increasing their risk of more severe issues.
Does Dental Insurance Pay For Sedation?
For general patients, dental insurance typically does not cover sedation; however, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you have officially been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by a psychiatric or psychological professional, your insurance may help pay part of the cost of nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. Those with special needs may also be approved for sedation coverage. When you give us your insurance information, we can double-check your coverage and see what benefits you have available.