Sedation Dentistry – McKinney, TX
Calming Fears and Anxiety
If you or a loved one is nervous about getting dental work, you’re far from alone. Whether they’ve had a bad experience in the past or they dislike the sounds of the equipment, many people struggle with dental anxiety. Unfortunately, many avoid seeing a dentist altogether, which puts their smiles at risk for infection and decay. The good news is that Dr. Parmar and our team at Archway Dental can provide safe, proven methods of calming those fears through sedation dentistry in McKinney, TX. Do you have dental anxiety? Call our team, and we’ll provide sedation to help you feel comfortable throughout your entire appointment.
Why Choose Archway Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Patients of All Ages Welcome
- Fast-Acting, Gentle Nitrous Oxide Offered
- Caring, Skilled Dental Team
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
One of the most popular ways to sedate patients with dental anxiety is with nitrous oxide, which is also called laughing gas. Basically, you wear a nasal mask and inhale as usual, and you’ll feel its effects within minutes. Although you likely won’t be laughing when you inhale it, this odorless gas creates a feeling of contentment and relaxation. Our team will constantly check with you and make any necessary adjustments to the nitrous oxide to keep you comfortable. Once we’re finished with your dental treatment, the effects of the laughing gas go away just as quickly as they came, allowing you to return to your normal schedule without side effects.
IV Sedation Dentistry
For more advanced cases of dental anxiety or for more complex procedures, we can administer a strong sedative through an IV. Because the sedative is delivered directly into the bloodstream, it doesn’t take long to start working. Although IV sedation doesn’t put you to sleep, it can help you feel relaxed enough to fall asleep, and you’ll have little to no memory of details from the appointment afterward. You can rest assured that our skilled team will monitor you during the whole procedure, making sure that you stay safe and completely comfortable. You may feel groggy for a while after your visit, so you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
For patients who are nervous about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry can be a wonderful solution. But is it the best choice for you? To help you figure that out, our team is ready to answer any questions you might have regarding sedation dentistry. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in the FAQs listed below, feel free to give our office a call; we’re always happy to help!
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
Yes, sedation dentistry is a safe option for children who are scared of the dentist or have trouble sitting still for the duration of a dental visit. Nitrous oxide is the most commonly recommended form of sedation for children, but IV sedation may also be suggested depending on the circumstances.
Before your child receives any type of dental sedation, please let us know about any health conditions they have. We will also ask about any medications they’re currently taking to make sure there isn’t a negative interaction.
Nausea is a possible side effect of dental sedation. As such, we may suggest making sure that your child eats lightly before their appointment.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?
The answer depends on the kind of sedation utilized. Nitrous oxide helps you relax, and you’ll start to feel very euphoric. In some cases, you might feel a bit of tingling in your arms and legs. Meanwhile, IV sedation induces a much deeper state of relaxation. You may find it difficult to stay awake, although you can be awakened with relative ease. Time will seem like it passes quickly, and oftentimes you may find that you remember little, if any, of the procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
People with dental anxieties or phobias are often excellent candidates for sedation dentistry. It can also be a good choice if:
- You have a low pain threshold.
- You have a particularly sensitive gag reflex.
- You find it difficult to sit still or hold your mouth open for a long period of time.
- You are planning on having a lot of dental work done in a single sitting.
Certain patients, such as those who are pregnant or suffering from certain medical conditions, may not be able to have sedation dentistry performed. We’ll have to conduct a thorough review of your medical history before we can confirm your candidacy.
Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
It depends on your plan. In general, many insurance companies consider sedation dentistry to be a luxury treatment and thus won’t cover the cost. That being said, if you have a disability that makes it difficult or impossible to have dental care performed without sedation, your insurance company might make an exception. You may also be eligible for coverage if you’re having a complex procedure done. Our team works with a wide variety of insurance companies, and we can walk you through the particulars of your plan to help you figure out whether you can expect sedation dentistry to be covered.