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 Conscious Dental Sedation
![man holding pill in hand](assets/images/oral-1.jpg)
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.
Learn More
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
While nitrous oxide sedation involves breathing through a mask and IV sedation requires a small needle injection, oral conscious sedation is simply a medication you take by mouth. This medication, which can be in liquid or pill form, is usually taken before your appointment, sometimes even before you arrive at our office.
This method offers a reliable sedation option without the need for needles or masks, which can heighten anxiety for some individuals. It's particularly beneficial for patients who often feel so nervous before appointments that they consider canceling or rescheduling. Oral conscious sedation is commonly recommended for longer or more intricate treatments.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Oral conscious sedation is like a middle-ground sedative—it's stronger than laughing gas but not as heavy as IV sedation. You'll receive a prescription to take a pill before your appointment, either the night before or on the day. Although this pill will heavily relax you, you won't fall asleep and will still be conscious of what's happening around you. A side effect is that you might not remember much afterwards. It takes a few hours for the sedation to wear off, and you might not recall anything about your appointment later on.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Most patients are suitable candidates for oral conscious sedation, but we'll need to conduct a consultation to ensure it's the safest and most suitable option for you. Typically, we recommend oral conscious sedation for patients who:
-
Experience moderate fear or anxiety during dental appointments
-
Frequently cancel or delay appointments due to anxiety
-
Struggle with discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back while sitting in the examination chair
-
Find it challenging to remain still for prolonged periods
-
Are undergoing lengthy or intricate treatments
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.
Learn More
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.