Sedation Dentistry – Fort Worth, TX
We Can Help You Conquer Your Dental Anxiety
Your dentist’s office called you with a reminder that it’s almost time for your biannual checkup and cleaning. As you scheduled the appointment, your hands started shaking and you broke out in a cold sweat. You’re having more and more trouble sleeping at night as the day approaches, and you consider cancelling the visit altogether.
Does this sound like you? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from a paralyzing fear of the dentist that prevents them from getting the care they need to have a healthy smile. Fortunately, Dr. Renee Corbitt, a sedation dentist in Fort Worth, and the rest of her team can help with that. Using nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, we can help you conquer your dental anxiety. Contact us today to learn more.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
If this is the first time you’ve heard of nitrous oxide, then there’s a good chance you’ve heard it referred to as something else: laughing gas. This calming solution has been used for decades to help patients who struggle with dental-related anxiety, who have a fear of needles, or who simply need help staying calm and comfortable in the treatment chair. So, if you haven’t visited the dentist in years or you need extensive care, don’t hesitate to ask us about adding nitrous oxide to your treatment plan! You can also read on to learn more about it in the meantime.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Whether you’re overdue for your six-month checkup or you need emergency dental care because of a painful toothache, you might be wondering if you’re a candidate for nitrous oxide. The easiest way to find out is to schedule a consultation with us so we can review your medical and dental history. The good news is that many patients who struggle to feel at ease in the treatment chair are candidates since nitrous oxide is so mild. That’s why we encourage patients to explore this calming solution if they’ve had a bad experience in the past, they need multiple restorative treatments, or the sights and sounds of the dental office cause them to stress!
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask placed over your nose. Once in place, the colorless, odorless gas will begin to flow, and we will ask you to breathe it in through your nose. After a few minutes, you’ll begin to feel the effects set in. Patients often describe feeling euphoric and light – almost like you’re floating. Any feelings of anxiety, stress, and worry will melt away in the process, ensuring you can relax comfortably while we provide the care you need.
Important note: Nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep! You’ll be awake the entire time, which makes it easy to respond to the cues we give you or ask any questions you have during your time in the treatment chair.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Once the mask is removed, the sedative’s effects begin to quickly wear off. In fact, they’ll wear off as quickly as they came on! For that reason, you don’t need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Instead, you can resume your day as normal.
If you have any lingering questions for us about nitrous oxide – whether it’s regarding if you’re a candidate or how much it costs – don’t hesitate to call our Fort Worth dental team! Remember, we want you to have the positive, stress-free, and comfortable experience you deserve.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Patients with more severe dental anxiety might be candidates for oral conscious sedation. Dr. Corbitt will prescribe a potent anti-anxiety pill for you to take about an hour before your appointment starts. Many patients say that they feel as if they’re wrapped in a warm blanket, and time passes much more quickly. You’ll still be awake and able to respond to our requests, but you likely will have no memory of the procedure. Since the pill’s effects will last for several hours, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from our office and keep an eye on you for the rest of the day.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?
While we most often recommend sedation for fearful or anxious patients, we might also suggest it for other reasons, including:
If you think you could benefit from nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, don’t hesitate to contact your sedation dentist on Hulen. It could be just the thing you need to help you maintain a healthy smile!
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe while breastfeeding?
Good news: the medications used in oral conscious sedation have an extremely low chance of affecting breast milk. Plus, nitrous oxide completely leaves your system within minutes. So, if you need preventive, restorative, or emergency dental care with the help of sedation dentistry, you don’t have to worry. Simply give us a call, let us know any questions or concerns you have, and we’ll take it from there!
Will I remember anything with dental sedation?
Even mild forms of dental sedation, like nitrous oxide, have a slight memory loss effect. That’s actually one of the many reasons patients who usually struggle with anxiety, stress, and nerves in the treatment chair love it! So, if you need extensive dental care, you’ve had a negative experience in the past, or the sights and sounds of the dental office put you on edge, let us know. We’ll learn a little more about your dental history, the medications you’re taking, and your allergies to determine if you’re a good candidate for nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation.
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
Usually, sedation dentistry is not covered by dental insurance. If you have Parkinson’s or another disability that makes it virtually impossible to get the care you need without it, then it’s definitely worth taking a look at the fine print to see if it’s part of your benefits.
Note: If you think that sedation dentistry would help you, but your provider doesn’t cover the cost, ask us about CareCredit! They offer payment plans so even the most extensive treatment plans can fit comfortably into just about every budget.
Is sedation dentistry worth it?
This is a question patients often ask themselves once they find out they need to pay for it out-of-pocket. Although the answer is ultimately up to you, we can tell you that it’s been life-changing for many patients who struggle with dental-related anxiety, sensitive gag reflexes, and head/neck/jaw pain from sitting in the treatment chair for extended periods of time. So, if you struggle with any of those or you had a negative experience in the past, it’s definitely worth considering!
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
For comical effect, movies and TV shows often depict people acting completely out of character after being sedated. Don’t worry – that’s not the case, and it definitely won’t make you reveal any deep, dark secrets. Plus, even if you did say something you normally wouldn’t, you can have peace of mind that it will never leave the treatment room.
Can dental sedation make you sick?
Nausea with nitrous oxide is very rare. Since oral conscious sedation is stronger, there’s an increased risk of feeling queasy, which is why patients are often asked not to eat prior to their appointment. If you’re already prone to feeling nauseous, then we may have you take an anti-nausea drug as well.
