At Burkburnett Family Dental, your comfort, safety, and health is a top priority. It’s why we have spent so much time and training to become certified in dental sedation.
Our office uses sedation dentistry for many of the general dental treatments we provide. We understand the difficulties and fears of going to the dentist.
- Anxiety or dental fears.
- Trouble sitting comfortably for extended periods of time.
- Difficulty getting numb with Novocaine shots alone.
- A strong gag reflex.
- Sore jaw muscles.
- Special needs or physical disabilities and pain.
- The need for extended dental work.
We offer conscious oral sedation and other forms of sedation to help our patients relax and rest through any procedure.
What is Conscious Oral Sedation?
Conscious oral sedation is a medication you take before arriving at our dental office. It’s a relaxing sedative that allows you to get the dental care you need without feeling anxious or afraid.
Your procedure will be over before you know it. You’ll feel drowsy and may even doze off. But don’t worry. You’ll be alert enough to answer questions or express any needs you may have.
You’ll need to come into the office for an initial consultation before we can prescribe oral conscious sedation. However, this appointment is nothing to worry about. We’ll have a conversation about your medical history and level of anxiety. Dr. Clark will determine the correct dosage, and you can pick it up on your way home.
The medication will decrease activity in the part of your brain that controls fear and anxiety. Because of the drowsiness the medicine provides, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about dental sedation, we have answers. We will answer some of the most commonly asked questions concerning sedation dentistry.
Does nitrous help with dental anxiety?
Nitrous oxide works great for mild to moderate dental anxiety. It helps you relax quickly and wears off fast after treatment. Most patients feel calm but awake during their procedure. We can easily adjust the level to keep you comfortable.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Insurance often covers sedation when it’s medically necessary, like for complex dental procedures or severe anxiety. Basic nitrous oxide usually has minimal coverage. However, elective sedation for comfort may not be covered. We’ll check your benefits and explain the costs beforehand.
Can you eat before sedation dentistry?
For deeper sedation, don’t eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your appointment. With nitrous oxide alone, light eating is usually okay. We’ll give you specific instructions based on your type of sedation.
Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
Sedation can be very safe for children when properly administered. We carefully calculate doses based on age and weight. Your child’s medical history and the procedure type help us determine the safest option.
Can I drive myself home after dental sedation?
No, you’ll need someone to drive you home after sedation. The effects can linger for several hours. Plan to have a responsible adult accompany you and stay with you for a while.
Will I remember anything after dental sedation?
With mild sedation, you’ll remember most of your visit. However, deeper sedation, such as oral or IV sedation, often causes partial or complete memory loss during the procedure, which helps reduce anxiety for many patients. You’ll be aware during treatment but may not recall details afterward.
Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from getting the treatment you deserve. Call (940) 569-4901 and talk to our team about conscious oral sedation.