Sedation dentistry is the ideal solution for patients who have severe anxiety and fear over going to the dentist or having dental work completed. These types of patients typically avoid the dentist for many years, only worsening their dental problems. Sedation is also used to complete complex dental procedures such as the placement of dental implants. Dr. Robert Cain is a periodontist serving patients from Maryville, TN, who offers a few different sedation techniques.
During your pre-procedure consultation, we welcome you to share your anxiety or fears. Then, Dr. Cain can recommend a sedation option that best suits you and the kind of dental work you are having done. East Tennessee Periodontics, LLC offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. These sedation methods will help you feel calm, relaxed, and confident about completing your dental work.
Who Benefits from Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation is helpful for people who feel nervous or scared about going to the dentist. It’s also a good option for those who have a low pain tolerance, a strong gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still for long periods. Patients who need to undergo long or complex dental procedures can benefit from sedation because it helps them stay comfortable and relaxed during the treatment.
Even children or adults with special needs, who might struggle with the sights and sounds of a dental office, can find sedation helpful. Overall, dental sedation makes it easier for people to get the dental care they need without feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
Is Sedation Safe?
Yes, sedation is safe. We take several steps to ensure that dental sedation is safe for our patients:
- Medical History Check: Before giving any sedation, the dentist reviews your medical history. They ask about allergies, medications, and any health conditions you have. This helps them choose the safest sedation option for you.
- Proper Training: Dentists who use sedation have the proper training. They know how to give the right dose and monitor you during the procedure to keep you safe. Our office can work with specialists to provide different types of sedation. For example, we will work with a to provide IV sedation.
- Monitoring Vital Signs: While you’re sedated, the dentist or a trained assistant closely monitors your vital signs. These signs include your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. This ensures that everything is going smoothly.
- Personalized Sedation Plan: We tailor the sedation plan to your needs. Our dentist will consider your age, weight, and the type of procedure to determine the best sedation level for you. We will also take note of your allergies, current medications, and medical conditions to see which sedation is best for you. Our office will also often recommend mild sedation for younger patients..
- Recovery Monitoring: After the procedure, we will continue to monitor you as you wake up from the sedation. We make sure you’re feeling okay before you leave the office. Our office also ensures you have a ride to and from our office if needed.
- Clear Instructions: We’ll give you and your caregiver clear instructions on what to do before and after sedation, like not eating or drinking for a certain time before the appointment. This helps prevent complications.
Types of Sedation Dentistry in Maryville, TN
You have multiple options to help you feel relaxed during dental treatment. The three main types of dental sedation include:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Dentists use nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, to help lessen patients’ fear and anxiety during dental treatments. Nitrous oxide is an odorless gas mixed with oxygen and administered via a mask. You will wear this mask through the entire procedure. It has been proven to be safe and very effective.
The calm and relaxed state will take effect immediately. You will have full control of your body and can communicate with the dental staff. The effects of the laughing gas will diminish quickly once we remove the mask. Since the effects wear off quickly, most patients can drive themselves home after the procedure.
Oral Sedation (Conscious Sedation)
Also called conscious sedation, you will take it as a pill before your scheduled appointment. Dr. Cain will prescribe the medication and give instructions on when to take it; typically it takes effect after several hours.
This form of sedation will significantly relax you but they will remain awake. You will be able to breathe independently and remain in control of bodily functions.
Once the procedure is completed, most patients do not remember anything from the appointment despite being awake. This type of sedation may take several hours to wear off completely. We will ask you to arrange for transportation after treatment because it takes time for the sedation to wear off.
IV Sedation
During IV sedation, we administer medication directly into the bloodstream from an IV. You’ll feel the effects quickly and enter a sleep-like state. This won’t be a deep sleep, but you’ll feel relaxed for a long period and still be able to communicate.
Once we remove the IV, you need time to recover because the effects take some time to wear off completely. You will not be able to drive for the rest of the day and will need transportation home from our office.
How to Recover After Sedation
After dental sedation, rest and take it easy until the effects wear off completely. You might feel sleepy, so plan to relax for the rest of the day. Make sure you have someone with you to drive you home, as you shouldn’t drive or operate machinery until you’re fully alert.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine for the first few hours. If you feel any discomfort, follow our instructions on taking pain medication. Give yourself time to fully recover. Don’t hesitate to call our dentist if you have any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to these common patient questions about sedation in our Knoxville, TN, office:
Am I a good candidate for sedation?
You may be a good candidate for dental sedation if you have anxiety about going to the dentist, a strong gag reflex, low pain tolerance, or trouble sitting still during treatment. Sedation can also help if you need a longer or more complex dental procedure.
The best type of sedation for you will depend on your medications, medical conditions, and allergies. We need a list of your current medications and medical history before treatment.
Some medications or health problems can affect how your body responds or may increase the risk of side effects.
During your consultation, Dr. Cain will carefully review your health information and help you decide if sedation is the right choice for your dental care.
Are there risks associated with sedation dentistry?
While rare, risks may include allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or prolonged sedation effects. These are minimized when sedation is administered by a trained professional. Our office will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. We can also reverse sedation if needed for your safety.
Can I eat before sedation dentistry?
In most cases, you’ll need to avoid eating or drinking for a set number of hours before your appointment. Dr. Cain will give you specific instructions based on the type of sedation you get. Following these directions is important for your safety
Is oral sedation strong enough for major dental procedures?
Oral sedation is effective for many major dental procedures, as it induces deep relaxation and reduces awareness of the procedure. But IV sedation or general anesthesia may be a better option if you need complex surgery or a deeper level of relaxation.
Can nitrous oxide be combined with other sedation methods?
Yes, dentists can safely combine nitrous oxide with other forms of sedation, such as oral sedatives. We’ll carefully monitor the combination and adjust the levels based on your anxiety level and procedure needs. But not all sedation combinations are appropriate for every patient or procedure. Our dentist will review your medical history first.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Insurance coverage for sedation dentistry depends on your plan and the reason for sedation. It may be partially or fully covered if treatment is medically necessary. Insurance may cover extensive dental work, surgical procedures, or severe dental anxiety.
Elective sedation for routine cleanings or minor procedures, is often not covered. It’s best to check with your insurance provider and dentist to understand your specific benefits and out-of-pocket costs.
Does nitrous oxide affect my ability to drive home after the procedure?
No, nitrous oxide wears off within a few minutes after we remove the mask. Our dentist will give you pure oxygen for about five minutes after your procedure, which completely clears the nitrous from your system. You’ll be able to drive home safely and resume normal activities immediately.
Can I communicate with the dentist during IV sedation?
Yes, with IV sedation, you remain conscious and can respond to the dentist’s questions or instructions, though you may feel groggy or drowsy. Many patients don’t remember much of the procedure afterward.
Schedule An Appointment
Dr. Cain welcomes patients from Maryville, TN, interested in sedation dentistry. To schedule an appointment, contact us at (865) 276-7173. If you have questions or concerns, let us know before treatment.
