Sedation Dentistry in Orange City

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Oral sedation dentistry is very popular because it enables patients to receive the dental treatments they need without the anxiety or fear often associated with the dentist's chair. Sedation dentistry, also inaccurately called sleep dentistry, uses medication to put patients in a deeply relaxed state so they're aware of their surroundings but are generally unaffected by them. It's used for minor procedures, such as teeth cleaning, as well as more invasive treatments.

Most people are candidates for sedation dentistry in our office as long as they're in good health. We'll need a list of all the medications you take, both prescription and over-the-counter, to ensure there are no medical contraindications. If you have any questions, we'll be happy to answer them.

What's the Sedation Dentistry Cost?

As with any dental procedure, your sedation dentistry cost will be unique to you and will depend on the medication chosen, the length and number of procedures you're having, and your insurance coverage. We recommend that you speak with your sedation dentistry insurance provider before your procedure so you know the extent and provisions of your coverage, as well as any exclusions and copays you may have. Bring that information with you, and we'll help you maximize your benefits. We offer various financing plans, so be sure to ask us about them.

Why Is Dental Sedation So Popular?

Dental phobia is very real for many people, so they avoid dental visits as much as possible. However, this practice isn't conducive to good oral health. Oral sedation dentistry relaxes patients so they aren't anxious or fearful about their procedures, which helps them maintain better oral hygiene without stress. A healthy mouth is a major component of good physical health, and research has correlated poor oral health with major diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and more. Good oral health is about more than just white teeth; it also involves preventing diseases and unhealthy conditions.

What Are the Types of Sedation Dentistry?

Our Orange City office provides several types of sedation dentistry, including:

• Oral Sedation: This is a commonly used form of sedation that involves taking a pill, such as Halcion, which makes the patient drowsy. You remain awake but drowsy.
• Inhaled Minimal Sedation: This type uses nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, to help you relax. You inhale it through a mask, and your dentist controls the dosage.
• IV Sedation Dentistry: In IV sedation dentistry, we'll insert an IV, and you'll receive a sedative through direct venous injection. Your dentist can control the dosage throughout the procedure, and this is the fastest method. The main drawback to IV sedation dentistry is that you must have an IV inserted, so if you're reluctant to have an IV, another method may be better for you.
• Deep Sedation Dentistry: This method administers medication that quickly puts you into a deep state of unconsciousness, and you won't wake up until the medication wears off.

What Are the Benefits of Sedation for Dental Treatment?

Sleep dentistry is very popular and provides many benefits to patients, even those who don't suffer from dental phobia or white coat syndrome. Primarily, the benefit is having a patient who stays relaxed throughout the procedure rather than feeling stressed or suffering from dental anxiety. Stress often triggers involuntary reactions that can make treatment more challenging. Another advantage of sedation for dental treatment is that it may help patients receive needed dental care with less anxiety and discomfort, supporting better oral health.

Does Insurance Cover Sleep Dentistry?

Each policy is unique to the individual. Some plans cover dental sedation; some don't. We recommend you speak to your provider before your appointment to determine the scope and limitations of your plan. Medically necessary sedation may be more likely to be covered.

How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?

As with all medications, this will depend on the dosage, the type of sedation, and the individual. Some people recover very quickly; others require more time. After inhaled sedation, some patients may be able to drive home, but if you've had IV sedation or general anesthesia, we recommend that you arrange for transportation home. The effects can last for hours, and you shouldn't drive until your dental team confirms it's safe to do so.

If you want more information about sedation dentistry in our Orange City office, or you want to schedule an appointment, call Advanced Dental Care of Orange City at (386) 951-1412, and we can help you.