Sedation Dentistry in Oklahoma City
Our philosophy at Reflections Dental Care is to always do what’s best for our patients. This means that providing phenomenal care is always important, but along with that, we prioritize patient comfort. This keeps the experience positive and contributive to the patient’s health while establishing a healthy relationship with dentistry. Despite our guaranteed gentle touch, warm smiles, patient team members, and relaxing atmosphere, we understand that anxiety may be inevitable for some patients; that’s why we offer dental sedation.
If you’re feeling nervous about visiting our Oklahoma City, OK office, please take a moment to look through our options below. If you believe sedation may help you, please give us a call and we can discuss the most appropriate choice for your coming visit.
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Sedation Dentistry Options in Oklahoma City
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide may be a great choice for you if you’re undergoing a short, simple procedure or are even getting your teeth cleaned! This option does not involve needles and allows you the ability to safely drive to and from our office at the end of your appointment.
This sedative is administered as a breathable gas that can be inhaled by a mask fit over your nose. Effects begin taking place quite quickly and you may begin feeling more at ease, euphoric, or tingly; overall, patients report feeling enlightened but never experience disorientation or drowsiness. That way, it’s still possible to respond to the dentist’s instructions or any questions asked during an exam.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a heavier form of sedative administered as a pill prescribed by the dentist. The sedative will likely be prescribed at least a day before the procedure and may be taken an hour before the appointment; this gives it time to take full effect before any procedure begins.
Due to the extreme drowsy effect this sedative causes, it will be necessary to arrange for someone to take you to and from the office. You may feel tired and relaxed during the appointment, but may still be responsive to the dentist.
General Sedation
General sedation is a more advanced form of sedation that presents an entire body effect. Administered through an IV needle, this anesthesia option causes you to fall asleep and only wake up once the appointment is over. Due to its more intense effects, this form of sedation is reserved for patients receiving a more advanced surgery, such as any procedure that makes the patient too anxious to receive care, including wisdom tooth extractions, extractions, full arch or mouth rehabilitation, implants, root canals, periodontal therapy (deep cleaning or scale and root planing), etc. It is necessary for someone to bring you to and from this appointment due to the lingering effects of the sedative.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is a sedative administered intravenously, producing a quick sedative effect that will put most patients to sleep within minutes. While the patient is asleep, vitals will be closely monitored and we will ensure that the whole process is conducted with safety as the first priority.
If this option is selected for your visit and found to be appropriate for your procedure, you will need to make arrangements to be brought to and from the office by a trusted friend or family member.
Supporting Our Patients with Sedation Dentistry in Oklahoma City
Through sedation dentistry, we are able to deliver quality dental care and treatment to any patients that may feel nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable about receiving the care they need. Our focus is to bring more people better health through dental care and if a patient needs sedation to get through their appointment, we are more than happy to provide it.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us today. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Dental Sedation FAQS
Sedation in dentistry is the use of sedative medications to help patients relax during dental procedures. Sedatives come in different forms, including pills, injections, and inhaled gases. Depending on the type of medication used and the level of sedation desired, the dentist may administer mild to moderate sedation or even deep sedation.
If you're nervous about a procedure or sedation, don't be afraid to talk to our brilliant team at Reflections Dental Care.
The length of time sedation lasts depends on the type of medication used and the dosage administered. Generally, it will take a few hours to wear off completely. Additionally, you may experience residual effects such as drowsiness for up to 24 hours after the procedure. The dentist or anesthesiologist will provide more accurate information based on your situation.
Yes, you are usually awake during dental sedation. Different types of sedatives can be used in different ways, ranging from minimal to moderate levels of sedation. The type and quantity of medication prescribed are determined by your individual needs and the procedure being performed.
In some cases, a patient may experience conscious sedation or deep sedation where the patient may not be completely conscious, but is still able to respond to verbal commands.
Absolutely! Sedation dentistry can help ease your fears and anxieties around visiting the dentist. Oral sedatives can make you feel relaxed while still allowing you to remain conscious enough to respond to instructions during the procedure.
It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions before dental sedation. To ensure the safety of the patient, certain precautions must be taken. Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 8 hours before the procedure, and avoid taking any medications (except for those recommended by your dentist!).
Dental sedation has a calming effect on patients. According to the American Dental Association, sedation can reduce anxiety and fear associated with dental treatment, as well as reduce the amount of pain experienced during a procedure.
Yes, when administered correctly by an experienced and qualified dentist, sedation dentistry is very safe. Patients are monitored throughout the entire procedure by a trained professional and emergency medications are on hand in case of an adverse reaction. If you're worried about dental sedation, speak to our team at Reflections Dental Care.
The type of sedation you receive will depend on your individual needs and the complexity of the procedure being performed. With minimal sedation, a light sedative will be given, making you relaxed but still fully awake. With moderate sedation, a deeper level of relaxation is achieved.
No, you must not drive or operate heavy machinery after being sedated at the dentist. After receiving dental sedation, you will need to be driven home by a responsible adult. It is important to take the necessary precautions and not drive or operate any machinery until you are fully alert.
Immediately after receiving dental sedation, you may feel dizzy, groggy, and sleepy. Depending on the type of sedation used, you may feel overly relaxed, as if your body is heavy and difficult to move. You may also be unable to remember much of what happened during the procedure after.
