What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a safe and completely effective way to help anxious patients feel relaxed. With sedation, you drift into a deeply relaxed state while Dr. Ruff completes your dental treatment. We insure your safety by utilizing a state of the art pulse oximeter and a blood pressure monitoring system and amplified pretracheal sedation stethoscope throughout the sedated appointment. After your appointment, you will have little memory of the treatment. Sedation may be necessary for people who are especially nervous, have a strong gag reflex, experience difficulty getting numb, or need to undergo extensive or complex dental procedures. When you request sedation, Dr. Ruff may recommend one of the following options:
Nitrous Oxide
You may already know nitrous oxide as laughing gas. With this option, you simply breathe a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a small inhaler. Many patients like to use nitrous oxide since it keeps them calm during their appointment and leaves their system a few minutes after they stop breathing it. One great advantage of this form of sedation is that it is not necessary to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
Oral Sedation
If a deeper level of sedation is needed, Dr. Ruff may recommend oral sedation. Before your appointment, Dr. Ruff will have you take a series of sedative pills. During your treatment, you will be awake and relaxed but consciously sedated while Dr. Ruff is treating you. Once your appointment is over, you will need someone you trust to escort you home since you will still be under the effects of the sedation.
When you elect to receive sedation for a particular treatment, a member of Dr. Ruff’s administrative team will schedule an initial consultation with you to inquire about your health and carefully listen to any of your concerns. If you want to know how sedation can help you, contact Ascot Aesthetic Implants & Dentistry at (910) 672-6814 for more information.
If you require upcoming dental work or have difficulty relaxing in the dentist’s chair, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry. Dr. Angela C. Ruff is qualified to provide the comfortable dental care you need. Don’t worry if you have a few concerns. Dr. Ruff will explain everything during your consultation. You can also contact our office to speak with a member of our team or take a look at the answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
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Will I Feel Any Pain with Dental Sedation?
Don’t stress about a painful day in the dentist’s chair. Dr. Ruff can use local numbing medication along with dental sedation to ensure a pain-free visit. At most, you may feel some unusual sensations or pressure, but you won’t experience any outright pain. After the effects of any numbing agents wear off, your mouth might be tender, depending on your treatment. You can manage it with an OTC pain reliever and eat soft foods. Dr. Ruff will review any additional aftercare instructions before you go home.
Will I Remember My Procedure?
Some dental sedations can cause fragmented memory. It’s more common with oral conscious sedation than nitrous oxide. The memory loss effects can benefit patients who fear pain or have had a bad experience in the past.
Will Sedation Make Me Tell My Secrets?
Dental sedation is not a truth serum. It’s unlikely you will say anything embarrassing, but if you do, it will remain in the room. We treat you with the utmost respect and integrity, so it’s okay if you spill the beans.
Is Dental Sedation Covered By Insurance?
Dental sedation is considered a luxury service by many insurance plans, but there are some exceptions. If Dr. Ruff determines sedation is necessary for your treatment, like when requiring an invasive procedure, your dental benefits may cover some of the costs. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any coverage. Dr. Ruff accepts many payment methods to keep sedation dentistry affordable, like financing. You can pay for sedation using monthly installments with little or no interest in financing.
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
Dental sedation is safe for most patients with good general health and when administered by a trained professional. Generally, nitrous oxide is the safest option for patients, including children. Dr. Ruff will learn more about your health history and any medications you’re taking to ensure there are minimal concerns for adverse reactions. She has completed advanced training in dental sedation to provide the safe, comfortable care you need to keep your mouth healthy.
