Sedation Dentistry – Lincoln, NE
Have a More Relaxing Experience with the Dentist
At Williamsburg Dental, we have many ways to make sure you are comfortable whenever you come to see us. We want to ensure that you always have a soothing experience at the dental office. Call us today and we can talk to you about how we can ease the nerves of going to the dentist with sedation dentistry in Lincoln, NE.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, known to many as “laughing gas,” is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry because it is extremely safe and effective. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed within a few minutes. All feelings of fear and anxiety will fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
This form of sedation is so gentle and simple that basically everyone can take advantage of it. It can even be used on children to keep them calm or help them sit still while we perform necessary procedures. The amount can be adjusted throughout treatment, so if the patient requires more or less, we can change it according to their needs.
If you struggle with severe dental anxiety or your procedure takes longer to complete, other forms of sedation may be more appropriate to keep you comfortable and relaxed.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
When you come in for your appointment and sit in the chair, we place a small mask over your nose. You then inhale the gas through your nostrils, and within minutes, you should feel lighter, more content, and at ease. Again, if you need more to feel comfortable, we can raise the concentration of the nitrous oxide for a stronger effect. Throughout your time with us, we will check with you to make sure you’re feeling good and relaxed. Once treatment is complete, our team removes the nasal mask.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
One of the most convenient aspects of nitrous oxide is that its effects wear off as quickly as they kick in. In other words, within minutes of the mask coming off, you should feel back to normal. In fact, you should be able to drive and go back to usual activities immediately after your appointment. In general, there are no lasting effects and no special care instructions after you leave.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Sometimes a patient is extremely nervous about a certain dental treatment, such as getting their wisdom teeth extracted or implant placement. For these more complicated, longer procedures, our doctors may offer you oral sedation for a deeper and more pleasant experience. If you are interested in using sedation at your next appointment, please contact our dental office to set up a consultation and determine whether this solution is best for your care.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
As the name suggests, oral conscious sedation is administered orally. This powerful medication helps you achieve more relaxation and can even have an amnesiac effect on you, which means you may not recall what happened during the appointment. You’ll still be awake and able to respond to questions and instructions, but you’ll be completely content and relatively unaware of the work we’re doing, which is perfect for those who suffer from more severe dental anxiety.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Unlike nitrous oxide, which is given to you in the practice, oral conscious sedation begins before you come to our office. We prescribe a pill for you that you get from the pharmacy, and you take it before your appointment as directed. By the time you arrive, the effects should have kicked in, and they can last for a few hours after your visit is over, so you need to have a ride to and from our office. It’s also a good idea to have a family member or friend keep an eye on you until the medication wears off.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
In addition to struggling with more severe dental anxiety, you may be a good candidate for oral conscious sedation if you are going to have a long or complicated procedure. With this option, time will pass by easily because your mind will not be focused on what’s happening around you.
This solution is also ideal for those who are going to have a complicated procedure that takes a considerable amount of time. If you need to stay still for a long time, oral conscious sedation can make sure you are in a better position, helping us perform the work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation in dentistry a new concept for you? Perhaps you have questions about sedation and how it can help you have a comfortable experience in the dental chair. We want you to feel confident that you will feel completely at ease during your time with us. Take a few minutes to read our responses to some of the most commonly asked questions about sedation below. Then, if you have others that we don’t answer here, you can give our team a call!
What are the benefits of nitrous oxide dental sedation?
Sedation with nitrous oxide is ideal for those who are undergoing simple, routine procedures, such as a checkup and cleaning or for those who experience mild dental anxiety. Also, its calming effects kick in within minutes and likewise wear off just as quickly after the appointment is finished, so you can return to your normal activities without any lasting side effects.
What are the benefits of oral conscious dental sedation?
Although you remain conscious with oral sedation, you enter a dream-like state. As a result, you will likely not remember details from the appointment, making this option particularly beneficial for those who struggle with more severe dental anxiety or fear. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have a family member or friend drive you to and from our dental office because the effects of oral sedation can last for several hours.
How is oral conscious dental sedation administered?
Before your appointment, we’ll prescribe a pill that you will ingest a few hours beforehand. By the time you arrive for your visit, you should feel perfectly content and relaxed, ready to get started. Because this form of sedation requires some preparation, it is important to talk to us about your dental anxiety well in advance.
Can nitrous oxide dental sedation be used for children?
Yes, it can! Nitrous oxide is gentle enough even for our youngest patients. If necessary, we can use nitrous oxide to help your child relax and have a positive dental experience. We are happy to do everything we can to set your child up for lifelong success in their dental health.
Is sedation dentistry right for me?
If the very thought of dental work has you feeling anxious or nervous, sedation may be a good choice for you. When you schedule your appointment, talk to our team about using sedation, and we’ll gladly discuss your needs and options with you in more detail.
Will Sedation Dentistry Put Me to Sleep?
No, the sedation options we offer here at Williamsburg Dental will not put to you sleep. However, you may feel relaxed enough to fall asleep on your own, especially with oral conscious sedation. During your appointment, you’ll likely remain awake and able to respond to our requests or questions, but because of the sedation, you shouldn’t feel anxious or concerned about the work we’re doing.
How Long Does Sedation Last?
The type of sedation you get will determine how long the effects will last. Nitrous oxide fades as quickly as it kicks in, meaning that within minutes of the nasal mask being removed, you should feel completely normal. In fact, you should be able to drive or return to normal activities directly afterward. On the other hand, oral conscious sedation stays in your system longer, making the effects last longer.
Do I Need to Have Someone Drive Me to and from the Office?
If you are getting nitrous oxide sedation and you drive yourself to the appointment, you should be able to drive afterward as well. Oral conscious sedation can impair your reaction time, which means it’s dangerous to drive while you’re still affected by it. In this case, someone will need to drop you off and take you home following your visit.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?
Our front desk staff will look at your policy to see if this service is included in your benefits. However, you should keep in mind that most plans do not cover sedation, meaning you’ll pay for sedation out-of-pocket. Even if this is the case, this added expense is well worthwhile if your dental anxiety is keeping you from getting the treatment you and your smile need. Going without care can only increase your expenses in the long run with decay, infection, or further damage. Needless to say, sedation can be worth the cost if it helps you in the chair!