5 Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry, Answered!

Do you get nervous just at the thought of stepping through the doors of the dentist’s office? Avoiding the dentist can negatively impact your oral health. Fortunately, if you often experience dental anxiety, there is a solution: sedation dentistry! Dental sedation is a common tool used to help patients with everything from anxiety to sensitive gag reflexes. Want to know more? Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about this common dental service.

#1: What Are the Different Types of Dental Sedation?

There are three common forms of dental sedation:

• Nitrous oxide –  A colorless, odorless gas that puts patients at ease during basic dental procedures. The gas is mixed with oxygen and administered through a small mask that fits comfortably over the nose.
• Conscious Oral Sedation – A pill taken at a certain time before your appointment.
• IV Sedation – Sedation that is administered intravenously (through the veins).

#2: Who Is a Good Candidate?  

In general, most healthy adults who experience dental anxiety can benefit from dental sedation. You may be a good candidate if you:

• Feel extreme anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist
• Panic when a dentist places instruments in your mouth
• Have a strong gag reflex that could interfere with dental treatment
• Have difficulty sitting for long periods of time
• Need extensive dental treatment or oral surgery
• Have experienced a traumatic dental experience in the past

#3: Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation dentistry is extremely safe when administered by an experienced dentist or periodontist in Huntington Beach. Your dental team will continuously monitor you throughout any procedure involving dental sedation just in case you experience a negative reaction. For younger patients, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) considers nitrous oxide to be a safe and effective sedation technique.

#4: Can I Drive Home After I Have Been Sedated?

You can drive home after being sedated only if your dentist used nitrous oxide. One of the major benefits of nitrous oxide is that its effects wear off almost immediately after the mask is removed. Just a few minutes after treatment you should feel fully alert and able to drive.  

On the other hand, the effects of both oral conscious sedation and IV sedation can linger. If your dental treatment will involve either of these types of sedation, you should arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from the dentist’s office.

#5: Does My Dental Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?

Unfortunately, dental insurance typically does not cover sedation dentistry. However, every insurance plan is different. If you think you could benefit from dental sedation, contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.

Don’t let dental anxiety get in the way of a healthy smile. Talk to your dentist or periodontist today to learn if you can benefit from sedation dentistry.

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga has over 15 years of experience in the field of dentistry and is board-certified in both periodontics and dental implant surgery. He offers nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation at his private practice in Huntington Beach. For more answers to frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry, visit the Huntington Beach Periodontics website or call 714-587-9094.