Do you feel anxious about dental care? Are you avoiding the dentist because of fear or a previous bad experience? At our Lexington dental office, we value each patient individually. We encourage patients with dental fear to visit our comfortable Lexington, KY, dental office for sedation dentistry.
Dental sedation can make dental care relaxing and pain-free. It helps you get the care you need without stress and anxiety. We can incorporate dental sedation into your treatment to complete more than one procedure during your visit.
If you experience dental anxiety or need an invasive procedure, discuss your concerns with Dr. Chambers. Learn more about dental sedation options and benefits at Complete Dentistry for All Ages.
Who Benefits from Sedation?
Our office will recommend this option for patients with:
- Dental anxiety or fear
- Strong gag reflex
- Trouble sitting still
- Lengthy dental care
- Sensitive teeth
- Special needs
Our office understands that patients may have had a previous negative experience at the dentist or painful dental care. We’re here to help patients visit the dentist with confidence. We recommend sedation to help patients feel more comfortable during dental visits.
Many patients ask if sedation is safe. Sedation should only be administered by a trained professional. Dr. Morgan Chambers took education courses from DOCS Education, which provides advanced dental courses in sedation dentistry. Her continued education allows her to provide patients with relaxing care.
Dr. Chambers and her team also ensure you feel comfortable and safe during treatment. She takes note of age, weight, and size to administer sedation safely. Dr. Chambers will also monitor you during treatment and can control the amount of sedation you receive.
Before treatment, Dr. Chambers will also review your allergies, medications, and medical conditions to see which type of sedation suits your needs. Some types of sedation may not benefit patients with breathing issues, young children, or pregnant women. Certain medications may negatively interact with sedation.
Types of Dental Sedation at Complete Dentistry for All Ages
Dr. Chambers offers conscious sedation options. It keeps you in control of natural bodily functions while you are unaware of treatment. The type of sedation you get depends on your medical condition, the complexity of the procedure, and your preferences. Before your treatment, we will discuss the options with you, so you know what to expect before coming to the office.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, you inhale this sedative through a tiny cannula that our dentist will place beneath your nostrils.
We mix nitrous oxide with oxygen. Under this sedation, you may feel sleepy yet giggly. It takes effect quickly and wears off almost immediately after removing the cannula. For your safety, please have a reliable ride home after your treatment.
Oral Sedation
Our dentist may prescribe an oral sedative, a pill that you take at home to begin the relaxation process. Taking oral sedatives will require an escort to and from our dental office. It takes time for the sedative to take effect and wear off.
Also known as oral conscious sedation, you will feel calm and relaxed after you take the pill. You will still be awake and able to respond to our dentist. At the same time, you may not remember parts of your treatment afterward.
IV Sedation
Dr. Chambers is one of a few area dentists who has the training and certification to provide IV sedation safely. This type of sedation has the deepest effect and will require up to 24 hours to fully wear off. Under IV sedation, you will feel deeply relaxed and feel less anxiety than before treatment.
You should refrain from driving for the remainder of the day. Please have a reliable ride home after your treatment. Because IV sedation offers a deeper sedation, you may still feel tired several hours after treatment.
More Ways To Help Manage Your Dental Fear
Dealing with dental fears can be tricky for most patients. We understand that some patients with dental fear rarely get the dental services they need. That’s why we work closely with them to help them feel comfortable while they are receiving their treatments. It’s easy to tell patients they shouldn’t let dental fear get in the way of visiting a dentist, but it’s not that simple.
Here are a few tips that you can follow to keep you relaxed and comfortable for your visit to our Lexington dental office:
- Practice breathing and relaxation techniques. Breathing techniques to relax your body can reduce some of your dental fear. Meditation is also useful to help you relax and breathe more deeply.
- Find ways to distract yourself. We welcome you to bring earphones to listen to music or watch your favorite show on your phone while you get dental treatment. If you distract yourself while you get your treatment, you can keep your mind off your dental anxiety.
- Discuss your dental fear and anxiety with Dr. Chambers. Let us know about your dental fear so we can better assess your condition. Then, we can develop the most relevant and personalized treatment plan for you. In some cases, we can recommend an office tour before your first visit. During this tour, we will introduce you to our front office staff and dentists.
- Ask Dr. Chambers about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is a great way to help patients with dental fears relax during their treatment. Dr. Chambers will ask about your medical history to find the right treatment to meet your needs.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about sedation dentistry in our Lexington, KY, dental office with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Can I eat or drink before dental sedation?
Whether you can eat or drink before dental sedation depends on the type of sedation you’ll get. If you’re getting laughing gas, you can usually eat a light meal a few hours before your appointment. For oral sedation, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 6 to 8 hours before your appointment. Like oral sedation, you should avoid eating or drinking for about 6 to 8 hours before IV sedation.
How will I feel after dental sedation?
How you feel after dental sedation can depend on the type of sedation used. You might feel a bit sleepy or groggy, especially if you had oral or IV sedation. This feeling can last for a few hours.
Some people feel lightheaded or dizzy after sedation, but this usually goes away quickly. In addition, You might feel a bit confused or forgetful for a short time after waking up. You will need some time to recover fully, so having someone drive you home is a good idea.
Will I be completely unconscious under sedation?
No, you won’t be completely unconscious under sedation. If you get laughing gas, you’ll stay awake but feel relaxed and lightheaded. You can talk to your dentist during the procedure. Under oral sedation, you will be awake but may feel very relaxed or sleepy. Afterward, you might not remember much of the procedure.
If you’re under IV sedation, you will also be awake, but you may feel very relaxed and might not remember the procedure afterward. You’ll be able to respond to your dentist if needed.
Is sedation safe if I have sleep apnea?
Sedation can be safe if you have sleep apnea. However, talk to our dentist and doctor first. Inform our dentist if you have sleep apnea. They need to know this to make safe choices for your treatment.
Some sedation methods may be safer than others for people with sleep apnea. Our dentist will choose the best option for you. During sedation, our dentist will keep an eye on you to make sure you’re breathing well and safe. Certain sedatives can relax your throat muscles, which may affect your breathing. Our dentist will take steps to minimize any risks.
Can I get sedation if I’m pregnant?
Sedation is safest during the second trimester of pregnancy. Suring this time, the baby’s organs are mostly developed, which reduces the risk of potential complications.
Having dental procedures that require sedation during the first trimester can be risky. This is the critical period when the baby’s organs are forming. Exposure to certain sedatives could lead to developmental problems or other issues for the baby.
On the other hand, waiting until the third trimester to have sedation may also pose risks. At this stage, there is a higher chance of experiencing complications like preterm labor. The body is getting ready for delivery, and stress from a dental procedure, combined with sedation, could trigger labor earlier than expected.
How much is dental sedation?
The cost of dental sedation can vary based on a few factors, like the type of sedation you choose and where you live. Deeper levels of sedation can cost more. Remember that some dental insurance plans may cover part of the sedation costs, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider. Always ask your dentist for a clear estimate before your appointment.
Will I feel anything under sedation?
Under dental sedation, most people feel relaxed and don’t feel pain. Depending on the type of sedation, you might feel drowsy or fall asleep, but you won’t be fully aware of what’s happening. Some sedation methods make you feel like the procedure only lasted a few minutes, even if it took longer.
You may feel pressure or movement, but you likely won’t feel any discomfort. Afterward, you might not remember much of the procedure.
Who is a bad candidate for dental sedation?
Someone with certain health conditions or risks is a bad candidate for dental sedation. People with serious heart, lung, or breathing problems may not be good candidates because sedation can affect how the body functions.
Pregnant women, patients with allergies to sedative medications, or people with a history of substance abuse might also need to avoid sedation. In addition, if someone takes certain medications that don’t mix well with sedation, they might not be a good fit. Talk to our dentist and share your medical history to determine if sedation is safe.
Dental Sedation is The Solution for Anxious Patients
Do you have dental anxiety? Feel comfortable in the dental chair with sedation. Visit our Lexington dental office to explore your sedation dentistry options with Dr. Chambers in Lexington, KY. Call Complete Dentistry for All Ages 859-251-3809 or schedule an appointment online.
We welcome new patients with dental anxiety or fears of the dental office setting. Our team works with you to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile in a stress-free, compassionate environment. Feel free to ask us questions or voice your concerns before your next visit. We want to help you.