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Sedation Dentist – Baytown, TX
Make Your Dental Experience a Breeze
Does your heart start racing with anxiety at the thought of visiting the dentist? Do you need extensive dental work done in a single sitting? In either case, sedation dentistry can make your experience a breeze from start to finish. Dr. Seif, our experienced sedation dentist in Baytown, TX, offers two different forms of dental sedation here at Baytown Gentle Dental, both of which safely calm your nerves and enhance your comfort. Learn more about sedation dentistry by calling our dental office today!
Why Choose Baytown Gentle Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Homey, Relaxing Dental Office
- Caring Dentist with Over a Decade of Experience
- Flexible Dental Financing Available
Oral Conscious Sedation
Many people in Baytown live with dental anxiety that makes it difficult for them to sit calmly and comfortably through an appointment, and others have conditions that make it difficult to sit still for long periods. In either of these cases, oral conscious sedation can be a great way to make a dental appointment more relaxing and comfortable. Before prescribing this treatment, Dr. Sief will consult with you and review your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for it. You’ll be prescribed a pill to take before your appointment, and it will leave you in a relaxed state while still able to respond to questions and instructions.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Unlike other forms of dental sedation, oral conscious sedation requires no needles or face masks to be administered. This treatment is typically recommended for adults who deal with anxiety, fear, nervousness, a strong gag reflex, or anything else that makes them uncomfortable in the dentist’s chair, but we also offer this treatment for children. Dr. Seif will prescribe one or more pills such as Valium, Ativan, or Halcion to be taken before your appointment. The effects will kick in after about fifteen minutes and will last throughout your entire appointment, setting you up for a pleasant visit that allows our dentist to give you the care you need without the stress.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
The effects of oral conscious sedation will last throughout your entire appointment, so you will need a trusted individual to give you a ride to and from our office. As the pill starts to take effect, you will experience a sense of relaxation and calm. In many cases, patients do not remember the appointment afterward, which can be beneficial. While you are feeling the effects of this treatment, our team will monitor you to ensure that you are safe, and you will still be able to respond to questions and instructions.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation can be excellent for patients who:
- Experience dental anxiety, fear, or nervousness
- Frequently cancel or reschedule dental visits out of fear of hearing bad news
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have anxiety about needles or wearing face masks
- Are scheduled for an especially long appointment
- Have trouble holding their mouth open or sitting for extended periods
- Do not respond adequately to local anesthetic treatments
- Have previously had bad experiences in dental offices
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
For a person who struggles with dental anxiety, even a simple checkup might have them sweating bullets. It’s almost as if it’s irrelevant what the treatment is, and their worries come from the fact they are simply in a dental chair. Fortunately, there is an avenue to get the essential care you need while mitigating the stress – nitrous oxide sedation. The mildest form of dental sedation, nitrous oxide enables patients to relax so our caring dental team can get to work. To learn more about this sedation solution, read on or contact our office today.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation?
Patients of all ages can receive nitrous oxide sedation if it helps them calmly undergo treatment. It’s understandable to need nitrous oxide, as potential reasons might include a fear of needles, difficulty with numbing agents, difficulty sitting comfortably in the treatment chair, overstimulation of the senses at the dentist’s office, sensitive teeth, or a strong gag reflex.
Some patients may not be viable candidates for nitrous oxide, such as someone who has sinus congestion or a respiratory disease, someone taking medications that could interfere with the sedation, as well as pregnant mothers.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation Work?
If you do opt for some help to remain calm in the dental chair, one of our team members will place a comfortable mask over your nose. At first, you will only breathe in oxygen. Then, we’ll add nitrous oxide to the airflow. In just 1-2 minutes, the odorless gas will take effect, and you’ll feel a sensation of relaxation. When our sedation dentist has completed your treatment, we’ll switch back to pure oxygen, and you will notice the sedation effects subside.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
A benefit of choosing nitrous oxide is that you won’t need help when you leave the office, so you don’t have to coordinate help from a family member or friend. While the effects of nitrous oxide won’t linger, you will need to stay at our office for a few minutes after treatment until you feel totally normal to drive. At that point, you’re all set to go on about your business for the rest of the day.
Depending on the details of your treatment, our dentist may have provided you with specific recovery instructions. While you will be totally past the effects of nitrous oxide, be sure to follow any other recommendations you may have received.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
What Does Dental Sedation Feel Like?
Your sedation dentist in Baytown will explain exactly what you can expect, depending on the type of medication used. Nitrous oxide is well-known for causing the giggles, but that's not all you can expect. As you inhale the sedative, you will become very relaxed. Your body may feel warm or heavy and your extremities may tingle or feel numb. You may drift off to sleep, but you won't be rendered unconscious. After the mask is removed, you'll feel normal again within a couple of minutes. Oral conscious sedation offers deeper effects than nitrous oxide. The prescribed medication will make you relaxed and groggy. You'll probably fall asleep, but you can be awakened easily. It can take several hours for the medication to wear off, so you'll need someone to drive you home. You must take it easy for the rest of the day.
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
Dental sedation is safe for most patients with good health. Your dentist will review your medical history and learn more about any medications you're taking, including those available over-the-counter. They will determine the best type of sedation for your needs and safety. Generally, nitrous oxide is the safest, even for children. No matter the sedative, you will be monitored closely throughout your appointment.
Will I Feel Any Pain with Dental Sedation?
Your sedation dentist can also use numbing medication to block any pain. At most, you might feel some pressure or vibrations, but you won't have any outright discomfort. After the effects of any medications dissipate, your mouth may be tender for a couple of days, depending on your procedure. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft foods. Your dentist will review any aftercare instructions before you go home.
Does Dental Sedation Affect Your Memory?
Dental sedation can cause fragmented memory loss for some patients. It is more likely to occur with oral conscious sedation than nitrous oxide. This can be a great option for patients who have had a negative dental experience in the past or have a fear of pain. Don't worry, you won't lose any vital memories, only your time in the dentist's chair.
