Sedation Dentistry Goodyear
We Specialize in Managing Dental Anxiety
Sedation or “Twilight Dentistry” is a technique where individuals are given medication that puts them in a sleepy but conscious state. It is used to numb their senses so that they experience a pain-free dental procedure. Patients find themselves in a "twilight state" wherein they feel sleepy but are conscious, can follow simple instructions, and can respond to the dentist. Most don’t remember the procedure or have any memory of the events immediately afterward. So if sedation dentistry in Goodyear sounds like something you might be interested in, give us a call today.
Why Choose Goodman Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Fast-Acting Nitrous Oxide Available
- Convenient, Powerful Oral Conscious Sedation
- IV Sedation for the Most Severe Dental Phobia Cases
Oral Conscious Sedation
Through the use of prescribed medications, oral conscious sedation works to address moderate to severe levels of anxiety that may be felt during dental appointments. Ideally, these sedatives are taken at least one hour before an appointment to ensure you are properly sedated enough to undergo your upcoming treatment comfortably. Since the effects are generally more noticeable than other sedation options, you will need to have a friend or family member drive you home to and from our office for your safety.
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
There’s a good chance that you’ve heard nitrous oxide referred to as something else: laughing gas. This calming solution has been used for decades to help patients get the dental care they need without the anxiety, stress, and nerves. If you are interested in learning more about it, including how it works, read on or give us a call to talk to a friendly member of our team.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Dental nitrous oxide in Goodyear is typically recommended for patients who:
- Struggle with mild to moderate dental anxiety
- Experience head, neck, or jaw pain in the treatment chair
- Are scared of needles
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Need extensive dental care, like multiple tooth extractions
Of course, there are some exceptions. That’s why it’s so important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Caleb Goodman! He will review your medical and dental history to determine if you’re a good candidate. If you are pregnant, you’re allergic, or you have a breathing condition, like asthma, then we will need to discuss the other forms of sedation dentistry that are available.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide sedation requires you to inhale a gaseous sedative made from nitrous oxide and oxygen. This is done through a nasal mask, which is worn throughout the entire treatment process. As you gently inhale the sedative, you’ll feel a wave of relaxation wash over you, causing you to relax within a matter of minutes. Throughout your time in the treatment chair, Dr. Goodman will continuously monitor the sedative being administered to ensure you remain calm and comfortable.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Another benefit of nitrous oxide: the effect of the gas wears off quickly after the procedure. As a result, you don’t need to arrange for someone to drive you home from your appointment or take the rest of the day off work. Instead, you can get back to your usual routine. Just make sure that you abide by any aftercare instructions we give you pertaining to the care you received, like placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, rinsing with warm saltwater periodically, or taking OTC pain medication as directed.
IV Sedation
IV stands for “intravenous,” meaning the sedative is administered through the vein and directly into the bloodstream. As a result, the effect of the sedative can be observed almost immediately, allowing us to control the amount of medication being administered throughout the entire procedure. Once the treatment is complete, you can expect the sedative to take at least 12 hours to wear off completely. This means you’ll need a ride to and from our office to ensure you are safe after your appointment.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Will I remember anything with dental sedation?
Many patients who struggle with dental-related anxiety don’t want to remember anything about being in the treatment chair. The good news is that more powerful options, like IV sedation and oral conscious sedation, often have an anterograde amnesia effect. Even with nitrous oxide, you may feel like time is going faster than it actually is, resulting in you forgetting some of the details. Not only does this ensure that you have an anxiety-free visit, but it will also help you have a more positive association with dentistry moving forward!
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
There’s a common misconception that you’ll end up saying things that you normally wouldn’t in an incredibly relaxed state. However, sedation dentistry isn’t a “truth serum;” it’s very unlikely that you’ll reveal any deep secrets because of its effects. Plus, on the off-chance that you do say something unusual, you don’t have to worry – it won’t leave the walls of the treatment room.
Is sedation dentistry worth it?
Since dental insurance doesn’t always cover sedation dentistry, you might be wondering if it’s worth the investment. If you struggle with dental anxiety, dental sensitivity, a strong gag reflex, discomfort in the treatment chair, or something similar, then the answer is a resounding “yes!” After all, nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation can put you in a calm, relaxed state, effectively alleviating any stress you normally feel when having dental work completed.
What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?
The sensation of being sedated is a bit different depending on the type you choose. Since nitrous oxide is the mildest, you’ll feel light, relaxed, and completely at ease. With oral conscious sedation, you’ll experience an even deeper state of calm. In fact, you may even doze off because you’re so comfortable! Then, there is IV sedation, which amplifies the feelings of oral conscious sedation (that is one of the many reasons patients with severe dental anxiety choose it).
Is sedation dentistry safe?
For most patients, sedation dentistry is perfectly safe. As with any dental service, however, some people aren’t good candidates. For example, if you have a condition that makes it difficult to breathe, then nitrous oxide isn’t a good fit for you. Similarly, if one of your current medications has the potential to result in complications, then we will find another way to help you feel calm and comfortable in the treatment chair.