People put off dental care for a variety of reasons. Some find it difficult to make time in their schedule to see a dentist regularly, some avoid treatment due to financial reasons, some steer clear of the dentist because of a past traumatic experience, and some simply stay away because they are afraid. For patients who are battling severe dental phobias, sedation dentistry offers a solution.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of oral or intravenous medication to help dental patients relax during treatment. Sedation dentistry is useful to help patients overcome dental anxiety, and is also helpful in that it allows
dentists to perform multiple treatments in a single visit. Sedation dentistry may also be used for patients who are unable to remain still during dental treatment.
What types of sedation are available?
There are three basic types of sedation: oral sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, and intravenous sedation.
Oral sedation involves the use of a sedative in pill form. Types of oral sedatives include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan, all of these medications help put patients into a relaxed, but awake state.
Nitrous oxide sedation involves the use of nitrous oxide gas, or "laughing gas". Nitrous oxide sedation produces a feeling of euphoria during treatment. Nitrous oxide sedation is ideal for patients with a fear of needles.
Intravenous sedation involves the administration of drugs directly into the bloodstream. This is the deepest level of sedation, and is used during long procedures. Patients who have difficulty staying still or have severe dental phobias may also be candidates for I.V. sedation.
Are you asleep during treatment?
Sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry", but this term does not accurately describe the varying types of sedation available. Patients who receive oral sedation and nitrous oxide sedation can respond to questions from their dentist during treatment. Oral and nitrous oxide sedation do put them into a deeply relaxed state, but they are not actually unconscious. Some patients can be put into a state of twilight sleep where they think they are asleep but are not actually unconscious. Those patients will not remember being awake during treatment.
Is sedation dentistry expensive?
Sedation dentistry is generally not covered by insurance. The fees associated with sedation vary by the method used and the treatment time. The best course of action is to contact your insurance provider to find out what treatment is and isn't covered.
Keep in mind that if your insurance plan does not cover the cost of sedation, most dental offices have financing plans available and can help you figure out a payment that meets your budget.