Sedation Dentistry in Salinas: Patient Comfort
It is not uncommon to be terrified of the dentist. In fact, dental phobia prevents thousands of patients from visiting the dentist whatever the cost. However, neglecting your oral health automatically puts you at high risk for serious decay, gum disease, and, consequently, poor overall health. For patients who avoid the dentist out of fear or anxiety, consider learning more about sedation dentistry.
Rest assured you’re in good hands.
Oral Conscious Sedation (Children and Adults)
Oral sedation involves taking medication by mouth just before your appointment. This enables you to feel relaxed but remain conscious during your treatment so can answer any questions the doctor may have. The effects of oral sedation takes time to wear off, therefore you will need to make arrangements to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide for Dental Patients
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas administered through a nasal mask, and is commonly referred to as laughing gas. Dr. Hajdari controls the amount of nitrous you receive, and within minutes you will feel relaxed. This allows us to ensure you stay safe and comfortable as we perform your dental work. Then, the moment we remove your mask, the effects subside and you can go about your day with no residual drowsiness.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Can dental sedation make you sick?
At our dental office, we offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. It’s unlikely that you will start to feel sick after receiving dental sedation. However, there is a slight chance that you may feel nauseous after receiving either of these. Nitrous oxide is less likely to cause you to experience side effects, so your chances are greater with oral conscious sedation, but you do not need to worry about it being long-lasting. It’s best if you do not eat in the hours before your appointment, as this can make nausea more likely.
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
If you’re worried that you’ll be divulging all of your secrets to your dentist during your appointment, don’t worry. Dental sedation is not a truth serum. It is used to help you relax and avoid the stress and concern many patients have with oral healthcare. If during your appointment you do say something that you would otherwise not divulge, don’t fret, as our team keeps everything within confidence. What is said in the treatment room stays there.
How much does sedation dentistry cost?
When it comes to nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, they may only cost a few hundred dollars, which is significantly less expensive than IV sedation or general anesthesia. Because oral conscious sedation does require more training to administer, there is the chance for a greater risk, which means that the cost for this type of sedation is likely to be more than nitrous oxide. However, the cost of sedation is usually determined by how long you are under the effects, specifically with nitrous oxide.
To pay for sedation dentistry, you can apply for one of the available financing plans through CareCredit, which is a third-party company that does not have any surprise fees. They offer low- and no-interest financing to make paying the full amount out-of-pocket a non-issue. Instead, you can choose a plan that matches your budget and pay over time.
Is sedation dentistry safe while pregnant?
It is possible for the medicine that is administered to pass onto your baby if you are pregnant. You will want to make sure that you avoid dental sedation during your first trimester, as this is the most pivotal time for your baby’s development, which means that it could pose a problem if provided during this time. Also, you will want to delay treatment until after your baby is born if you are considering oral healthcare during your third trimester, as it can cause premature labor.
The safest time to receive dental sedation is during the second trimester; however, any invasive procedures that you may need will need to be postponed until after you’ve had your baby. The best option for sedation while pregnant is nitrous oxide because it poses virtually no ill side effects.