Sedation Dentistry – Allen, TX
Nervous about Treatment? We Can Help!
When your dental appointment is coming up, we understand if it takes time for you to get mentally or emotionally prepared for your care. Even simple treatments like a routine exam can be difficult if you have anxiety or fear to deal with, which is why we offer sedation dentistry in-house. Dr. Lewis is trained to offer sedation if you’re feeling anxious, so feel free to give us a call if you need sedation dentistry at your Allen, TX dental appointment!
Why Choose Allen Smile Design for Sedation Dentistry?
- Fast-Acting Sedation Ideal for Workday Treatment
- Caring and Accommodating Dentist and Team
- Complete Basic Treatments Without Anxiety
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
The most common form of sedation, nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) is typically used for those with mild to moderate levels of dental anxiety, fear or phobia. It’s excellent for patients who have errands to run after their visit, as it doesn’t have lingering effects, and it’s able to help patients feel a deep sense of restfulness and relaxation while they’re in the treatment chair.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Dental anxiety can impact patients from all backgrounds and ages, which is why your sedation dentist in Allen offers a variety of techniques to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable while getting the dental treatments they need. With nitrous oxide, patients are able to immediately feel a wave of relaxing relief wash over them as soon as we administer the sedation. This allows patients who suffer from the following to experience a more enjoyable appointment:
- Fear of needles
- Scared of the dentist
- Difficulty controlling their body movement
- Suffer from a strong gag reflex
- Have difficulty getting numb
- Suffer from tooth sensitivity
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Administering nitrous oxide sedation is fast and easy. When you sit down in the treatment chair, one of our experienced dental professionals will place a small nose mask on you. This will allow you to breathe in a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide. Within a minute or two, you will begin to feel calm, tingly, and some patients even report some light-headedness.
As soon as the effects have fully kicked in, we will begin your treatment. Once we’ve finished, we’ll remove the mask. Within a few minutes, the effects of the sedation will wear off, allowing you to go about the rest of your day like normal.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
One of the greatest benefits of nitrous oxide sedation in Allen is that the effects wear off very quickly. After your treatment, our team will have you breathe in oxygen to help flush the nitrous oxide from your system. It’s rarely if ever the case that our patients experience side-effects, but if they do, they likely will only feel temporarily nauseous. In most cases, patients are able to carry on with their day as they normally would.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes! Our dental office in Allen uses nitrous oxide sedation, also known as laughing gas, which is one of the safest sedation methods available. It has been used in dentistry for decades and very rarely causes a negative reaction in the vast majority of patients.
At Allen Smile Design, we carefully control the dosage of your sedation during your treatment to ensure your comfort and safety. Afterwards, the effects wear off quickly, so you can get back to your regular schedule shortly after your appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, let us know. Our team will assess your medical history to confirm if nitrous oxide is right for you.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?
With nitrous oxide, you’ll feel calm, relaxed, and possibly a little lightheaded or tingly. Some patients describe a warm, floating sensation, while others feel a gentle euphoria or happiness. The gas works by blocking certain sensory inputs to your brain, dulling “touch” sensations and perception of time. Despite this, you’ll be fully aware and able to communicate with our team.
Once the gas has been turned off, the effects wear off within minutes, so you can return to your day without any lingering drowsiness. At our Allen dental practice, we ensure your experience is stress-free from start to finish.
Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Coverage for dental sedation varies by insurance provider and plan. Some will cover it for specific procedures, while others consider it a “luxury” the same way that cosmetic dentistry is viewed.
At Allen Smile Design, our team is happy to check your benefits and provide cost estimates before your appointment. If your insurance doesn’t cover sedation, we can discuss affordable payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club to ensure you receive the care you need without unnecessary stress.
Does Dental Sedation Make You Tell Secrets?
Not at all! Nitrous oxide sedation will create a sense of relaxation but won’t make you spill your deepest secrets! While it helps you stay calm, you’ll stay aware and in control the entire time. Some patients feel giddy or chatty, which is why nitrous oxide is often called "laughing gas," but you won’t say anything you wouldn’t normally share.
No matter what treatment you’re going through, our goal is to make your visit comfortable, not embarrassing. Even if you do share a little too much, we’ll be sure to keep every word confidential. It never leaves the room!
Is sedation dentistry safe while pregnant?
Because the drugs used in some types of dental sedation can pass on to the fetus through the placenta, sedation is considered safest during the second trimester of pregnancy. However, it should only be used if absolutely necessary. Most dentists recommend delaying invasive dental procedures until after pregnancy if possible.
Nitrous oxide is considered the safest method of sedation for both the pregnant patient and their unborn baby if sedation is required.
Is sedation dentistry safe while breastfeeding?
Nitrous oxide is an extremely safe method of sedation for breastfeeding patients, as it completely leaves your system within several minutes after you stop inhaling it.
Will I remember anything with dental sedation?
Even though you’re technically awake during nitrous oxide sedation, you may not remember much of your procedure. Most patients find that this makes getting dental care much easier, especially if they have extreme anxiety or have had negative dental experiences in the past.
Will I feel any pain with dental sedation?
Although you will remain awake with nitrous oxide, this treatment can actually help suppress your body’s ability to register pain. Even if you do experience discomfort, you’ll most likely recognize it as pressure rather than outright pain.
Depending on the procedure, your dentist will also most likely numb your mouth with a local anesthetic prior to beginning if it is painful.