Sedation has many benefits when used in a dental office. It can help restless patients stay still for procedures that could take a long time. However, in many cases, sedation is offered to those with strong dental phobias or anxieties. Thanks to these treatments, people who once avoided dental care at all costs can now get the expert attention they need and enjoy a relaxing experience. If you would like sedation dentistry in Little Rock, AR to be used at your next appointment, get in touch with Little Rock Family Dental Care today.
If we decide that oral conscious sedation is necessary, we’ll give you a pill along with instructions before the day of the procedure. You’ll take the pill at a set time before your appointment so that you’ll be completely comfortable once the treatment itself begins. As the name suggests, you’ll still be awake, but afterward, you may not remember much of what happened during the visit.
Many patients only need minimal sedation. At this level, you’ll feel calm, but you’ll remain conscious and aware. The nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask that you’ll wear throughout the procedure. We can increase or decrease the amount of nitrous oxide you receive depending on your comfort level. Once the mask has been removed at the end of your visit, the effects will wear off within a few minutes; you should be able to continue the rest of your day as normal.
This advanced form of sedation is delivered straight to your bloodstream through an injection, ensuring that it takes effect quickly. You will be deeply relaxed; you may even fall asleep, although we could still wake you up easily. Like with oral conscious sedation, the medication will likely have an amnesiac effect, so you won’t recall the procedure itself later. Be sure to make arrangements for a trusted person to drive you home afterward.
Do you want to know more about dental sedation? It’s completely normal to have some questions or concerns, especially if you’ve never been sedated for dental work before. Fortunately, our expert staff has collected some of the most common questions about sedation dentistry in Little Rock and answered them below. For more information about nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, do not hesitate to contact our office!
When administered by a professional with proper training, dental sedation is a safe and effective way to manage pain and dental anxiety. At Little Rock Family Dental Care, we have a certified anesthesiologist on staff, so you can rest assured you are in good hands! In addition, before deciding whether to administer sedation, your dentist will go over your medical history and current medications (prescribed and over the counter) to find out if there may be any negative interactions. While you’re sedated, the dentist and team will closely monitor your vitals at all times – blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, etc. – to ensure you’re safe. Finally, it’s worth noting that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) considers nitrous oxide to be a safe sedation technique for younger patients as well.
Even though you’re technically awake with most forms of dental sedation, chances are you won’t remember much of your procedure. However, this memory loss effect of sedation is part of what helps patients with extreme anxiety and/or negative past dental experiences get the care they need. In general, IV sedation is more likely to make you forget your procedure than oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. If you undergo an extensive procedure that requires general anesthesia, you will be fully unconscious and should not expect to remember anything.
The answer to this question depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide is the quickest to wear off. Within five minutes of removing the facemask and no longer inhaling the gas, you should feel normal and alert. You can even drive yourself back home or to work!
With oral conscious sedation, the pill’s effects might remain active for the rest of the day. You should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours after your procedure. Be sure to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home afterward.
With IV sedation and general anesthesia, much of the sedative’s effect will wear off soon after your procedure. However, you may still feel groggy for several hours afterward. Similar to oral conscious sedation, you should avoid driving until the next day.
The cost of sedation dentistry in Little Rock varies depending on different factors, including which method of sedation is used. How long a patient is under the sedative’s effects can also influence the final cost. IV sedation and general anesthesia typically cost more than nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, as there are more risks involved. In addition, more training is required to administer these sedatives. If you think you could benefit from sedation dentistry but are worried about the cost, ask our staff about CareCredit! Flexible financing through CareCredit allows qualified patients to break down the costs of dental sedation into manageable monthly payments.