817-236-8771
Sedation Dentistry in Fort Worth, TX
Relax Throughout Your Treatment
If you fear going to the dentist, dental sedation can help keep you comfortable during your procedures. When your worries are at ease, we can carry out your treatment with confidence and trust. Unlike general anesthesia, you’ll be conscious throughout your procedure with dental sedation. Dental sedation is typically used in combination with a local anesthetic or a painkiller to ensure you’re free of any discomfort during your procedure.
Dental Anxiety, Phobia & Low Pain Tolerance
Patients who feel stressed about an upcoming dental procedure are likely to delay or even avoid treatment altogether. Unfortunately, dental problems typically don’t go away on their own and are likely to worsen over time.
- Dental anxiety can be described as having feelings of stress or fear in a dental setting.
- Dental phobia is a more severe form of dental anxiety and can have a panic-like effect on the patient.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, phobia, or low pain tolerance, Dr. Snider can ease your concerns with dental sedation. With the help of sedation, you can get the dental care you need without feeling fearful or anxious.
Our Sedation Options
We offer three types of sedation to keep you relaxed during your treatment. Depending on the procedure, we’ll offer you a sedative that best suits your needs.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask that’s placed over your nose. It provides you with an immediate relaxed feeling that’ll help you remain calm throughout your treatment. Shortly after your procedure, the effects will wear off and you can resume your day as you normally would.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is taken in pill form one to two hours prior to your appointment. This will allow time for the medication to take effect prior to your procedure so you can enjoy the maximum benefits. Patients report feeling drowsy and sometimes fall asleep during their procedure.
IV Sedation
With IV sedation, we can cater the dosage to your needs throughout the procedure. The medication is delivered directly to your bloodstream intravenously, putting you in a deep state of relaxation, also known as “twilight sleep.” Some patients will even doze off and many won’t remember much of the treatment.
Don’t Forget Your Driver
Nitrous oxide is the only form of sedation that doesn’t require a driver. The effects of oral sedation and IV sedation can take 24 hours to wear-off, so we require a driver to help get you home safely. If you’ve taken an oral sedative, you’ll also need to have a driver drop you off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat before dental sedation?
In addition to following any pre-op recommendations by our dentists, it’s vital that you follow fasting guidelines and avoid eating or drinking for six hours prior to sedation. However, you may have water up to two hours prior to your appointment. When you’re sedated, your reflexes are suppressed and if you have food or beverages in your stomach and become nauseous, you’re more likely to vomit and aspirate. If you eat or drink prior to sedation, your procedure will be canceled.
Does insurance cover dental sedation?
If the treatment requires sedation, insurance may cover all or a portion of the expenses. We recommend checking with your provider prior to your appointment for more information on your specific coverage. If you have any questions that we can answer, don’t hesitate to contact our office by calling (817) 236-8771, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
What are some ways I can deal with dental anxiety?
In the days leading up to your appointment, and the day of, there are some things you can do to decrease the anxiety you experience about going to the dentist. These include:
- Take slow, regular breaths and avoid holding your breath
- Listen to music if the sound of drilling bothers you
- Avoid caffeine
- Use hand signals if you experience discomfort
- Choose a time that doesn’t require you to rush to your appointment
- Trust your dentist or ask around for recommendations
If you have dental anxiety, tell one of our dentists and they’ll educate you about the benefits of dental sedation.
Are there any aftercare guidelines following dental sedation?
The aftercare guidelines depend on the type of sedation you received. If you received nitrous oxide, you’ll be fine to carry on with your day as you normally would. For any other form of sedation, you’ll want to follow any recommendations by our Fort Worth dentists and these guidelines to be safe:
- Take it easy–Don’t participate in activities that put you at risk for injury. You’ll be less coordinated and you might be off-balance
- Continue to move around — This will help your body metabolize the medication
- Drink water–You may be dehydrated following the procedure and water will help flush out the medicine
- Avoid foods that might upset your stomach because sedation can cause nausea
- If you have any concerns, call our Fort Worth office at (817) 236-8771, and we’ll be here for you
There’s No Need to Stress With Dental Sedation
If you have an upcoming procedure that’s causing you stress, contact our office by calling (817) 236-8771, and we’ll be happy to explain the benefits of dental sedation. Remember, there’s no benefit to postponing your dental care and we’ll always do our best to ensure you’re comfortable during your treatments.
