At Atrium Dental, we know that a dental visit can make you anxious or uneasy and stop you from getting the care you need. Comes sedation dentistry or sleep dentistry. It uses medications to relax you during your treatments. This approach makes your experience calm, comfortable, and stress-free. You can use this type of treatment both for quick procedures and extensive dental work. So stop Googling “sedation dentistry near me” and keep reading our guide to learn more.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
As mentioned, it involves using medications to help you relax during your treatment. It works well for those who feel nervous, have a strong gag reflex, have sensitive teeth, or have a fear of dental tools. Sedation dentistry in Phoenix is mild and allows you to relax and “sleep” through your treatment.
How Safe is Sedation Dentistry?
Yes, it is safe if you have it performed by our trained professionals. At Atrium Dental, our painless dentists follow strict safety protocols, assess your medical history, and closely monitor your vital signs to ensure that sedation is safe for you. Most patients do not experience major side effects, though it’s important to discuss any health conditions or medications with our dentist before your treatment.
What are the 3 Types of Sedation?
Generally, we have four levels of sedation: Minimal, Moderate, Deep, and General. Dentists use different sedation options based on how much relaxation a patient needs. Here are the three most common types:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is a minimal option, also known as conscious sedation dentistry. You breathe in the gas through a mask, which quickly calms you while keeping you awake. The effects fade fast, so you can often drive yourself home after the procedure.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation dentistry involves taking a pill. This pill provides moderate sedation, relaxes you deeply, and makes you feel tired or lightly nap during treatment. While you remain awake, your memory of the procedure might be fuzzy. Since the effects of this method last longer, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.
IV Sedation in Dentistry
This option provides deep sedation, a form of advanced sedation dentistry. You’ll get this sedative through a vein, which makes it quick. You may feel as if you’re sleeping, though you aren’t fully unconscious. IV sedation requires a driver to bring you home, as the effects last for hours.
What Drug Is Used for IV Sedation in Dentistry?
Let’s take a look at the common medication used for IV sedation dentistry:
This drug calms patients, reduces anxiety, and causes mild memory loss. It’s quick-acting and suitable for moderate sedation.
It creates a deep, sleep-like state and works quickly (deep sedation). This drug is ideal for longer or more involved procedures.
Suitable for moderate sedation, this opioid relieves pain and boosts other sedatives’ effects, You will be relaxed without deep sedation.
This sedative relaxes patients with little impact on breathing, suitable for minimal to moderate sedation.
It provides pain relief, relaxation, and memory loss, often used in complex procedures requiring deep sedation.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
The sedation dentistry cost differs based on the sedation type and the length of your procedure. Laughing gas is generally the most affordable option, while IV sedation costs more because it needs monitoring and special equipment. For a detailed estimate, contact Atrium Dental at (480) 906-3655 to schedule a consultation. Our team will help you choose the best fit for your budget.
Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Insurance coverage varies by plan and procedure. Let’s see:
- For Nitrous Oxide, many insurance plans do not cover this. If they do, coverage is usually 0% to 10%.
- For oral sedation, insurance sometimes covers a small portion (20% to 50%) if the procedure is medically necessary.
- For IV sedation, coverage is more common if it’s medically necessary (complex procedures or surgeries). Plans may cover 50% to 80% of costs.
Can You Eat Before Sedation Dentistry?
For IV and oral sedation, you should not eat anything at least six hours before your procedure. If you don’t, it will reduce the risk of nausea or discomfort during sedation. If you’re using nitrous oxide (laughing gas), you can usually eat a light meal beforehand, but you better follow our dentist’s instructions for your specific case.
Can You Drive After Sedation Dentistry?
If you receive oral or IV sedation, you will need someone to drive you home because their effects will last for hours. However, with nitrous oxide, the effects wear off quickly, and you can drive yourself home. You better ask our sedation dentists in Phoenix about any restrictions on driving or other activities after sedation.
What is Pediatric Sedation Dentistry?
Pediatric sedation dentistry uses safe, mild sedatives for kids with dental anxiety or strong gag reflexes to help them stay calm and relaxed during their dental visits. This method can help children who experience dental anxiety or have a strong gag reflex. Pediatric sedation options are different based on the child’s age, comfort level, and health needs.
Options include:
- Nitrous Oxide for a light relaxation that wears off quickly.
- Oral sedation to make kids calm and slightly tired.
- IV sedation for a deeper relaxation for longer or more complex treatments.
Affordable Sedation Dentistry Near Me in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Arizona
Stop Googling “sleep dentistry near me” if you’re in the Ahwatukee or Phoenix area. Atrium Dental offers professional, safe sedation options. Dr. Foroughi works with a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist to provide the best and most affordable IV sedation and general anesthesia for adult patients. To discuss your dentistry options with an expert team of dentists, schedule a consultation session at (480) 906-3655 and fill out our online appointment form.
FAQs
With IV sedation, you may enter a light “sleep” but are not fully unconscious. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation keep you awake but relaxed.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most affordable option for sedation.
Yes, you can request sedation if you feel anxious or need a longer procedure.
Latest Blogs
