Sedation Dentistry Options in Grand Prairie
Many people feel anxious or uncomfortable just before or during a dental procedure. If you are prone to dental anxiety or face other issues that make receiving dental treatment difficult, sedation dentistry can help you stay calm and relaxed throughout the treatment. At Great Southwest Family Dental, we offer safe and effective sedation options to help you receive the dental care you need to enjoy a healthy smile. Our sedation options can provide relaxation and comfort for patients of all ages, from children to adults.
Our dentists, Dr. Mary Tran and Dr. Chris Truong strive to provide a positive experience for you with every visit. Combining sedation with a friendly, patient, and compassionate chairside manner helps to make our practice a place you can feel safe and well cared for. If you've struggled to receive dental care due to anxiety, poor past experiences, or other issues, our team is here for you. Schedule your visit today to learn how our sedation dentists can make a difference for your smiles and dental well-being.
CALL US: (972) 660-8457 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a technique used to provide a calm and comfortable dental experience, especially for patients undergoing a significant procedure or those with dental phobia. It's different from anesthesia, as you stay awake and responsive throughout the entire procedure. Sedation simply allows you to feel relaxed and at rest, and combined with a localized anesthetic, makes treatment more comfortable for you as well.
Based on your unique needs, our sedation dentist will determine what sedation level works bests for you. The sedation level to be administered will depend on the level of anxiety, age, health history, and the type and length of the procedure.
Our Dental Sedation Options
To make the most of your clinic visit, we have options to help you have a less stressful and smooth procedure. We provide two levels of dental sedation, and we'll discuss the details of both with you to determine which type of sedation you need. Our sedation options are:
Nitrous Oxide Sedation: This sedation method is ideal for both kids and adults. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a light sedation that takes effect quickly and leaves the system within minutes when treatment is done. With nitrous oxide sedation, laughing gas is mixed with oxygen and administered through a special mask placed over your nose. Once you start inhaling the gas, you will feel calm in about three minutes. Our sedation dentist will control the dosage as the procedure continues to keep you feeling calm. Since this is a light sedation option, you will be awake and can communicate while the mask is on. Once the procedure is over, our dentists will replace the gas with pure oxygen, which flashes the nitrous oxide out of your body in about two minutes. With this sedation method, you can drive yourself home afterward and usually resume your normal routine, depending on your aftercare needs.
Oral Sedation: Oral conscious sedation is available in pill forms and is reserved for adults. Its sedation level can be minimal or moderate, depending on your dosage. The first pill is usually taken the night before the procedure to help you sleep well, so you'll be well-rested and relaxed for the treatment. The second pill is usually taken an hour before the dental procedure since it takes some time for the pill to start taking effect. Our dental assistant will monitor you during the procedure as the dentist performs the treatment. Most patients will feel groggy, and some may lightly sleep. Since the oral sedation temporarily affects your motor skills and memory for some hours, you will need someone to drive you back home.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
There are many people who are reluctant about going to the dentist for a variety of reasons. For some, this could be due to bad past experiences. Others may have learned this anxiety from a parent or relative. Some may have a fear of needles, low pain tolerance, or strong gag reflex that makes dental care unpleasant. Fortunately, dental sedation can be beneficial in all of these situations. Some of the advantages you can expect from sedation dentistry include:
- It Helps with Pain Relief: No one likes experiencing tooth or gum pain during a dental procedure. Under the influence of sedatives, you will feel relaxed as it maximizes your comfort. This can be helpful during extensive procedures such as tooth extraction and implant placement.
- It Helps with Anxiety: Comfort during any dental procedure is essential. One of the main advantages of sedation dentistry is anxiety relief for nervous patients. Since you will be sedated to a level just enough to feel comfortable, you may or may not have the memory of what's happening. For highly nervous people, having no memory of the experience helps eliminate anxiety during future dental visits.
- It Makes the Dentist's Work Easier: If you are under a sedative, you will likely cooperate and give your dental team an easier time. With dental sedation, you won't be turning around in the chair, and the procedure can be completed smoothly and on time.
- It Reduces Gag Reflex: A gag reflex is your body's natural response to foreign things. In a dentist's office, however, that can bring a lot of hindrances, especially when your dentist needs to work on your molars toward the back of the throat. Sedatives suppress the gag reflex, allowing the process to proceed smoothly and comfortably for you.
An Experienced Sedation Dentist You Can Trust
At Great Southwest Family Dental, we offer dental sedation options customized to provide comfort and safety for you during any dental procedure. Our caring and compassionate team will listen to your unique needs before tailoring a sedation option optimized for a calming and comfortable experience. With sedation dentistry, you and your family can receive the quality care you need to enjoy healthy smiles for years to come. Book an appointment today or call our office to speak directly with our dentist.
CALL US: (972) 660-8457 REQUEST APPOINTMENT