Do you feel anxious or on-edge at the thought of visiting the dentist? You may be surprised to know that this is actually a common response that many people feel whether they’re going in for a checkup and cleaning or a procedure. At Healthy Smiles Dental Care of Muskegon, we want you to feel at-ease and comfortable every time you come to our dental office, which is why we offer sedation dentistry for our anxious and fearful patients. To learn more about our methods for sedation dentistry in Muskegon, MI and whether they can benefit you, call us today!
Why Choose Healthy Smiles Dental Care of Muskegon for Sedation Dentistry?
Great for Patients with Strong Gag Reflexes
Understanding & Friendly Dental Professionals
Three Different Sedation Methods
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a longer-lasting method that we typically recommend for patients with moderate dental anxiety. Before your visit, we’ll prescribe you a pill to take about an hour prior to arriving at our dental office. That way, you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment you step foot through our doors until you leave. Because the effects of this sedation last awhile, you’ll need to have a trusted friend or family member drop you off and pick you up from your appointment. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is generally recommended for adults who suffer from anxiety, fear, or something else that makes them feel uneasy or uncomfortable in the dental chair. There aren’t any needles or facemasks involved. Instead, you are prescribed a small pill to take about an hour before your appointment. By the time you get to the dental office, you'll feel perfectly relaxed.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Once the effects of the medication kick in, you will feel deeply relaxed. Some patients don’t even remember their visit. However, you will remain conscious throughout the entire treatment, so you will still be able to answer questions and follow the instructions of your dentist. We will closely monitor your vital signs to ensure that you are perfectly safe. Unlike nitrous oxide sedation, the effects of oral conscious sedation linger, so you won’t be able to drive home yourself. That’s why it’s important that you arrange for a friend or family to drive you to and from your visit.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a popular option because it is effective and doesn’t involve mask or needle usage. You are likely a good candidate for oral conscious sedation if you:
Have dental anxiety/phobia
Regularly cancel appointments due to fear
Have a sensitive gag reflex
Are undergoing multiple procedures at once
Have a long dental treatment
Have difficulty sitting still
Struggle to become numb from anesthesia
Have negative past dental experiences
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation is a fast-acting method that is great for patients who have mild dental fear or anxiety. Once you’re comfortable in the treatment chair, we’ll place a small nose mask on you that will allow you to breathe in a colorless and odorless gas (nitrous oxide). Within only a couple of minutes, you’ll feel a wave of relaxation wash over you. As soon as your appointment is finished, we’ll remove the mask and you’ll begin to feel back to yourself in three to five minutes, once the effects wear off.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Will Dental Sedation Put Me to Sleep?
Where Does Dental Anxiety Come From?
Why Would Someone Not Be a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Does Dental Insurance Cover Sedation?
Will Dental Sedation Put Me to Sleep?
The dental sedation we offer here at Healthy Smiles Dental Care of Muskegon will not put you to sleep. You will remain awake throughout your entire visit; however, you will feel content, still, and calm. If you receive oral conscious sedation, you may not remember many details from your appointment or the drive home because of its amnesiac effect, but you should still be awake and able to respond to our team. With nitrous oxide, you will be more aware of what’s going on around you, but it will not bother you!
Where Does Dental Anxiety Come From?
Patients can develop a fear of the dentist because of a bad experience in the past, hearing stories from others, or simply not knowing what the procedure will be like. The media hasn’t helped dispel anxiety either! Unfortunately, dentists are often portrayed as either sadistic villains or bumbling fools. Whatever the source of your anxiety, you can rest assured that our caring team prioritizes your comfort and can help you overcome your fear to receive necessary dental care with less stress.
Why Would Someone Not Be a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
There are several scenarios in which we would need to carefully consider whether sedation is safe. For instance, if you are pregnant, are taking certain medications, or have certain medical conditions, dental sedation may not be a good idea. That’s why we will take time to learn about your medical history and current well-being beforehand to make the right decision for your unique case. We will do everything we can to give you a positive experience while keeping you perfectly safe.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Sedation?
Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans do not include benefits for sedation dentistry because it is typically considered an elective or extra service. However, some exceptions exist. For example, if you’ve been officially diagnosed with anxiety or have a disability or special need, your insurance may pay for part of the cost. Regardless, at Healthy Smiles Dental Care of Muskegon, we can help you apply for financing to cover the rest of the price for sedation. This option breaks up the total into monthly payments that are easier to manage within your budget.
