Sedation Dentistry in Dallas, Texas
Many patients neglect their dental health due to an overwhelming fear of the dentist. Whether it is because of previous negative experiences in a dental office or a traumatic experience from a dental procedure, dental anxiety is an issue Dr. Huckin is prepared to work on with you.
For more extreme cases of dental anxiety, Dr. Huckin offers dental sedation to help patients relax during their dental visit so that they can receive any necessary procedures without extra stress. Our office strives to help patients feel comfortable and informed during every comprehensive dental service.
Dental sedation involves using an oral conscious sedative often taken at home before your procedure. While sedated, patients feel noticeably more relaxed, allowing our team to perform all necessary treatments and procedures.
If you, or someone you know, experience severe dental anxiety, know that Dr. Huckin is here to help. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to assist patients in being proactive about their dental healthcare.
Taking care of your teeth, gums, and jaw structure is important to your overall well-being. That’s why we ask that our patients visit us every six months. We are prepared to make these visits as pleasant as possible for even the most anxious patient!
Care With Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is more commonly known as laughing gas. It’s a tool that most dentist offices have. This is a light sedation that both takes effect and dissipates very quickly. Unlike other sedation methods, you can drive to and from your appointment independently and don’t have to take much downtime before you return to regular activities.
During your procedure, we provide a cannula for you to breathe the gas through your nose. It takes effect after your first couple of breaths. It provides a relaxed and euphoric effect the entire time you breathe it in. You remain calm throughout your procedure, but the effect dissipates after a few breaths without the cannula.
This technique is also safe enough to use on children. It can be hard to do more intensive procedures on children. They’re less likely to be able to sit still for long periods, which dental care requires. Nitrous oxide relaxes them so they can sit still throughout the procedure and get the necessary quality care.
How Does Oral Sedation Work?
Oral conscious sedation is a prescribed pill that typically includes an at-home dose to ensure you are completely relaxed when you arrive for your scheduled treatment. We ask that patients take extra precautions and have someone escort them to and from our office for their safety.
Additionally, Dr. Huckin uses a local anesthetic to numb any affected areas that require treatment to relieve pain and prevent further discomfort. It will take time for the sedative and numbing products to wear off, so patients should plan the days of their treatment accordingly.
Sedation dentistry is especially beneficial to patients who:
- Have a low pain tolerance
- Struggle to sit still
- Suffer from very sensitive teeth
- Have a bad gag reflex
- Need several dental procedures done at one time
It’s important to note that patients utilizing oral sedatives will typically remain awake and alert throughout the procedure. The prescribed medicine helps patients remain calm while also allowing them to keep their bodily autonomy.
Some patients may feel sleepy or fall asleep while sedated or have little to no memory afterward. The effects of the medication differ from patient to patient, and Dr. Huckin will go over all the necessary information with you beforehand to prepare you.
Oral sedation requires a full 24 hours for recovery. You’ll need that full time before returning to work or school. Some patients may need longer than others. We’ll discuss a good plan based on your medical history. A ride to and from your appointment is required whenever we use sedation.
Depending on your procedure, you’ll have eating guidelines. At the very least, we recommend waiting to eat until your local anesthetic wears off. We don’t want you to accidentally bite your soft tissue when you can’t feel it. Usually, you’ll be able to eat normally within a week. This information will be included in your aftercare paperwork.
Who Benefits From Sedation Dentistry?
The primary use of sedation dentistry is for patients that suffer from dental anxiety. There are all different levels of dental fear. Some patients are only triggered by certain sounds or tools, but others can’t even come into the dentist office. Sedation provides the relaxation they need to come into the practice and get care to keep their mouths healthy. You can’t have a healthy, functional smile without regular dental visits.
Sedation is also useful for more intensive dental procedures or when patients need multiple procedures in one visit. This can happen to nervous patients if they have debilitating dental fear and haven’t been able to visit the office for a long time. Dental issues can compound on one another until some severe oral health problems present themselves. Procedures like dental implants are more invasive, too, and more comfortable with sedation.
We may recommend sedation in other instances, too. It’s ideal for patients that have movement disorders. Involuntary movements make it harder for the dentist to work. Dentistry involves delicate tools in sensitive areas. It can cause pain if the doctor hits soft tissues on accident. We want to ensure that you’re in the safest environment possible when you get care.
Getting care can also be uncomfortable for patients with severe gag reflexes. In essence, the gag reflex is fighting the dentist as he tries to work. This can be uncomfortable for everyone involved. The sedation relaxes the gag reflex, making it easier for both patient and dentist.
Request an Appointment Today
If you are interested in sedation dentistry options, contact our office. We would happily see you for a consultation and discuss our available sedation options. Our team is happy to answer any questions on this process.