Sedation dentistry can be the difference between a calm dental visit and avoiding a dental visit at all. But how do you know what kinds are right for you?
There are three different kinds of sedation dentistry, each with different levels. We can customize the level of sedation for you too. One of the best ways to determine which kind of sedation dentistry could help you is a consultation with your local dentist. You can always contact James Martin, DMD, to learn more about your dental sedation options.
How Can Sedation Help?
Sedation dentistry could be right for you if you need help with:
- Dental anxiety
- Fidgeting in the dental chair
- Gag reflex
- PTSD experiences
Using sedation methods will help you relax and enter a sleepy or relaxed state, often without having you fall asleep in the dental chair. If you want to be relaxed during your dental visit, whether it be a cleaning or an implant placement, sedation dentistry can help you get there!
The Different Kinds of Dental Sedation
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is the lightest kind of sedation we can offer. It helps relax you, but it won’t put you to sleep. It can also lighten gag reflexes or unintentional twitching in the dental chair.
Laugh gas is administered through a mask that pumps a small amount of gas out, and then you breathe it in. The effect is almost immediate, and it wears off just as fast when the mask is removed. You can drive home immediately after using laugh gas. The dentist will also be able to hold a conversation with you while you are relaxed from the nitrous oxide.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation comes in a couple of forms, the most popular being Valium and Halcion. These are pills you take shortly before your visit, and they relax you more intensely than nitrous oxide, but you don’t fall asleep like IV sedation.
Your speech may be slurred, but you can still hold a conversation with your dentist during your treatment, you will just be incredibly relaxed or you might feel sleepy. You cannot drive to or from your appointment when using oral conscious sedation.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation puts you to sleep entirely. With this kind of sedation, you won’t remember any of the dental procedure! You will feel as if you have just woken up from a nap after having IV sedation. You may be disoriented or groggy.
This kind of sedation is often used for:
- Very severe dental anxiety
- Patients with special needs
- In-depth procedures such as implants
- Medical conditions such as epilepsy
We do not recommend it to every patient, as it can be a slightly more expensive approach, and often requires an outside anesthesiologist to assist during the appointment.
The Cost of Sedation Dentistry
If you have dental anxiety and have determined that sedation during a dental visit would help you, it can be helpful to know the cost of your options. Nitrous oxide is the least expensive option, but it does not offer the same level of relaxation that oral conscious sedation does.
IV sedation is often the most expensive kind of sedation, as it requires a specialist.
Insurance coverage varies greatly based on your provider. If you are curious about what your insurance covers, we recommend reaching out to your provider, as your dental office may not always know until they charge it.
A consultation or phone call to your local dental office is one of the best ways to learn about the specific cost of your treatment and sedation options.
Stay Calm with Sedation Dentistry from Dr. Martin
Dr. Martin in Lafayette, Colorado, offers all three kinds of sedation dentistry. If you are struggling with dental anxiety or feel the need to relax during your dental treatments, you can reach out to us for treatment or to learn about sedation dentistry! Call today.
