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Sedation dentistry has expanded its role past typical oral surgery procedures. For those with special needs or dental anxiety, oral sedation is the key to being able to receive oral health care and attend dental appointments. Sedation dentistry offers a safe, comfortable way to receive dental care without the stress or discomfort. At Arizona Dental Specialists, Dr. Lilien our oral surgeon is also a board-certified through the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. This means we can provide patients with multiple levels of sedation so patients can be at ease whether they’re there for dental implants surgery or a routine dental cleaning.
If you are considering oral sedation for your next dental appointment, read about the top 6 FAQ we get about sedation dentistry.
How effective is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is extremely safe and effective. It’s been reported that sedation dentistry, when properly administered, has a 99.6% success rate.
At Arizona Dental Specialists, we take sedation dentistry very seriously, as should any provider. Your sedation is tailored to your health, procedure, and also your needs of how deep you need to be sedated. Whether you’re undergoing a wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant, or a deep cleaning, sedation helps make your experience smooth and pain-free.
If you’re someone who struggles with dental fear or has a sensitive gag reflex, or care for someone with special needs, sedation dentistry could be a life-changing option for improving your oral health.
Can you still feel pain with oral sedation?
Yes, and no. With oral sedation, you do still technically feel the procedure; however, you are so relaxed that you do not remember it. The sedation dulls the body’s response to pain, so it may not completely eliminate the pain, but it does significantly reduce it and make you more comfortable.
Depending on the dental treatment, your dentist will most likely still use a local anesthetic to numb the area completely so that you’re more comfortable.
Will I be asleep with oral sedation?
Not quite. You’ll feel like you are. Oral sedation puts you in a minimally conscious state. You can still breathe, use reflexes and even slightly respond to the doctor; however, you are so relaxed you’ll have virtually no memory of the appointment. Think of it as a type of twilight state, you aren’t truly aware of your surroundings, but you are not asleep either.
For patients who prefer a deeper level of sedation, IV sedation is also available at our Phoenix and Gilbert locations. This option is ideal for more complex treatments like dental implants or oral surgery and allows for continuous monitoring of your comfort and vital signs.
Is oral sedation safe for kids?
Yes ! When administered by a trained provider, oral sedation is safe for children. It’s commonly used for kids who experience high anxiety, have difficulty sitting still, or need multiple treatments in one visit. Just as a provider would do for an adult, each child’s medical history, medications, and weight are carefully reviewed before determining the proper dosage and sedation method.
Recovery is very similar to that of an adult as well. The child may feel a bit drowsy after, but recovery should be fast.
Is oral sedation the same as anesthesia?
Not exactly. There’s different types of sedation, which is listed below.
- Oral Sedation: Taken by mouth (a pill), it relaxes you and dulls your perception of pain. You’ll remain conscious and able to respond.
- Local Anesthesia: Numbs a specific area of the mouth so you won’t feel any pain.
- General Anesthesia: Used in hospital settings, it renders you fully unconscious.
Most dental treatments and procedures only require a mix of oral sedation and local anesthetic. It gets the job done without the same recovery. As a bonus it’s usually cheaper or even covered by insurance.
If you’re scheduled for a procedure like a tooth extraction, crown, or implant, your provider will help you decide the safest and most effective option for your situation.
Is sedation dentistry expensive?
Sedation dentistry can get expensive, however it isn’t a reason to neglect dental health. Many patients find the cost worthwhile for the comfort and anxiety relief it provides There are a lot of factors that are taken into effect when figuring out the price of sedation dentistry. The type of sedation and length of the procedure are all taken into account. Generally, nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) is the most affordable, while oral or IV sedation costs slightly more due to medication and monitoring requirements.
This all applies when it comes to insurance coverage as well. The only other factor is whether or not it’s deemed necessary. Some insurances cover sedation for dental anxiety. Generally, though, most do not. Sedation for a tooth extraction though, is usually at least partially covered. We recommend talking with your insurance beforehand.
Dental anxiety shouldn’t keep you from a healthy, confident smile. Whether you’re nervous about your first visit or preparing for a more complex procedure, sedation dentistry can make the experience calm and stress-free.
Our compassionate team at Arizona Dental Specialists proudly serves Phoenix and Gilbert, offering customized sedation options for every comfort level.
If you’re curious whether sedation is right for you, schedule a consultation today , and discover how effortless modern dentistry can be.
