Sedation dentistry in nassau Bay

How Does Dental Sedation Work?

Sedation dentistry is the use of medications to put patients at ease, relieve dental anxiety, make it easier to sit for long procedures, and offer relief for sensitive gag reflexes and low pain tolerance. There are different types of sedation, ranging from mild, moderate, and unconscious. 

Sedation is considered safe for both children and adults, though we will need to review your medical history and any medications you are taking to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Dental sedation relaxes the patient, making them feel sleepy.
 
You may or may not fall asleep in the dental chair but it will be easy to wake you up with mild to moderate sedation. Patients often do not remember the treatment after the sedative has worn off. If you’re interested in sedation for your next dental treatment, contact us at DentAllon Dentistry today. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Liel Allon to find out if sedation is right for you.

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Did you know…

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Dental sedation is considered safe for children. Children are prime candidates for sedation because they are more likely to be uncooperative and experience anxiety.

Ready to schedule a consult?

Call (832) 975-0780

HOW IT WORKS: THE DENTAL SEDATION PROCESS

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Consultation

You will come in for a consultation with Dr. Liel Allon, who will ask you about any medical conditions you have or medications you take. Certain medical conditions, pregnancy, allergies, and medications may not make you a good candidate for sedation. Dr. Allon will discuss what you can expect, the risks associated with sedation, and how you should prepare.

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PREPARATION

If you are receiving nitrous oxide, preparation is very minimal. You will only need to fast for 2 hours before receiving the sedative. However, oral conscious sedation is a more intense sedative that can cause lingering grogginess. Because of this, you will not be able to drive and will need someone to accompany you to the appointment.

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ADMINISTRATION OF SEDATIVE

Oral conscious sedation is administered by taking an anti-anxiety pill an hour before the appointment. It takes some time to kick in. Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask that flows nitrous oxide and oxygen through it. These gases are inhaled by the patient and the sedative has a quick onset.

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AFTERCARE

Dr. Allon will inform you of how you should care for yourself for the rest of the day. Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that wears off almost instantly. Patients may be able to drive after receiving this sedative but should be prepared that they can feel a little nauseous. Those who receive oral conscious sedation need to be driven home and should rest for the rest of the day. Someone should monitor you, as the effects can last for 24 hours. You should not drive within that time.

SEDATION OPTIONS

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NITROUS OXIDE

Nitrous oxide is the mildest and safest sedative in sedation dentistry. This makes it appropriate for use in both adults and children. The patient inhales nitrous oxide and oxygen through a gas mask and the effects are felt within minutes. 

Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas because it tends to cause giddiness and laughter in patients. Laughing gas induces the patient into a state of relaxation, calmness, and euphoria. 

The patient may feel a little sleepy but is fully conscious and can respond to questions. Once the treatment is completed, the gas mask will be flooded with oxygen to remove remnants of nitrous oxide in the body. Within a few minutes, the patient will return to a normal state.

ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION

This sedative is a little more intense than laughing gas and is taken orally. The dentist in Nassau Bay, TX will prescribe you an anti-anxiety pill such as a benzodiazepine, which you will take an hour before the start of your appointment. The intensity of the sedation depends on the dosage of the pill and your level of anxiety.

A higher dosage of this medication may be used for more complex procedures such as oral surgery or if the patient has severe dental anxiety. Patients are conscious during the procedure but may fall asleep. 

The dentist will be able to wake you up with little effort. This sedative relaxes you by reducing your awareness of the procedure. You are unlikely to remember anything when it is over. For the next 24 hours, you may experience lingering grogginess, which is why you will need someone to accompany you to the appointment and refrain from driving.

Did you know…

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Dental sedation has been around for centuries.

Interested in scheduling an appointment?

Call (832) 975-0780

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SEDATION DENTISTRY?

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What Are The Risks Of Sedation Dentistry?

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Are There Any Side Effects?

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How Do I Prepare? What Do I Need To Do While Recovering?

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Do You Feel Pain With Sedation?

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I Have Dental Anxiety, Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation?

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Benefits of Dental Sedation

Did you know…

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That you should NEVER use teeth to cut or open things.

Ready for your next dental appointment?

Call (832) 975-0780