Request Request an Appointment Call Call Us Forms Forms Map View Map Google Google Facebook Facebook
Refer A Patient
Refer A Patient

Kansas Center for Sedation Dentistry

Why Do People Drive
2+ Hours to See Us?

We cater to the nervous, scared, and afraid. Those who unfortunately have had previous traumatic dental experiences. Patients with a sensitive gag reflex. Victims of severe dental phobia who haven’t been to a dentist in decades. Patients with physical limitations and disabilities. Sometimes, all the above.

Ready to Get Started?
Get to Know Us Better

Individualized Dentistry, for Everyone

Who We Help

All Your Dentistry Done in

One Well-Managed
Appointment

Is this your first time looking into sedation dentistry in your area? Hear from others just like you from all around Kansas, telling their stories of finding our dental office and how we were able to provide everything they needed – conveniently and efficiently – in as few appointments as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knowing what to expect from sedation dentistry can go a long way towards easing some of your fears and anxieties before you even get to our office. You never have to be embarrassed to ask a question; our caring team members are always happy to help. Below are some particularly common questions about sedation dentistry that we tend to hear from many of our patients. If there’s anything else you want to know, you can always call to ask our team directly.

What types of dental sedation do you use?

We offer three different types of sedation dentistry in your area that can help a wide range of patients feel comfortable and at-ease when they visit us for any of their appointments. The most common method is nitrous oxide sedation, which is administered in-office using a small nose mask. Once placed on the face, you’ll be able to breathe-in a tasteless, odorless gas that will immediately help you feel calmer and less fidgety in the treatment chair.

The next step up in sedation methods is oral conscious sedation, which is great for patients with mild to moderate dental fear. You’ll take one pill with some water about an hour before you arrive, and by the time you reach us, you’ll feel significantly more comfortable than you normally would. The effects do take quite awhile to wear off, so you’ll need to have a trusted family member or friend drop you off and pick you up from your visit.

Last but not least, we also offer IV sedation (intravenous sedation), which is directly administered into your bloodstream, so the effects take place immediately and don’t wear-off for awhile. It’s often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” because it makes patients feel like they’re resting, even though they’re still conscious and can respond to our team’s questions. This is typically recommended for nearby patients with severe dental fear or who are undergoing a lengthy treatment.

Learn About Our Sedation Options

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is generally safe when administered by a professional; however, it’s not always safe for every patient. Dr. Heck and Dr. Beshore will sit down and get to know you a little better to learn about any barriers that keep you from having a comfortable experience at the dentist’s office. They’ll also ask you about your medical history to determine if sedation dentistry will be a safe option for you.

Patients who generally aren’t good candidates for sedation dentistry include those who are pregnant, have allergies to the drugs used, are too young, have a respiratory disease, take other conflicting medications, have a stuffy nose, have sleep apnea, drank alcohol before their appointment, or who have conflicting medical conditions that could complicate the process. Our team near you always puts our patient’s safety first, and we’ll always discuss the process with you beforehand.

Learn About Sedation Dentistry safety

Does dental insurance cover sedation dentistry?

Every dental insurance plan differs from patient-to-patient, so coverage depends on your specific benefits, which you can find out by contacting your insurance provider directly. Our team would be more than happy to assist you in navigating this process as well if you’d like. We’re in-network with Delta Dental Premier and BlueCross BlueShield, which means that we’ve negotiated discounted rates and fees for excellent savings through these companies. However, we’re also happy to file claims for out-of-network patients as well!

While the coverage really depends on your unique benefits, in many cases, insurance companies group this service under “non-essential dental procedures,” which is why it sometimes won’t be covered. However, there are plenty of exceptions to this rule, and our team is always willing to navigate these areas to help you save from out-of-pocket costs, all while having the most comfortable dental experience possible. Plus, we happily accept flexible financing to break up the cost of even the most extensive treatment plans!

Learn About Dental Insurance

How long does it take for sedation dentistry to wear off?

Every dental sedation method differs, and typically, the more severe your phobia is or the longer your treatment is, the stronger the sedation will need to be. For example, we often use nitrous oxide sedation for patients with more mild fear or a sensitive gag reflex. The effects of this method wear off quickly, within only a few minutes after removing the nose mask. This allows patients to drive themselves home right after their appointments.

Other, stronger forms of sedation, like IV sedation and oral conscious sedation, take significantly longer to wear off. In some cases, patients may not feel back to their normal selves until the next day. That’s why we make sure that all of our patients who receive these more potent and effective forms of sedation are prepared to have a trusted friend or family member drop them off and pick them up from our dental office near Wichita.

Read More Sedation FAQs

Will I Still Feel Pain When Sedated?

No, you will not experience pain when undergoing dental sedation. In addition to the sedative, local anesthetics and strong pain relievers are also used during the process. This means the treatment area will be very numb, making it easy for you to stay comfortable while we clean or restore your smile. Many patients find that they remain comfortable after the procedure because they are still under the effect of the local anesthetic. Depending on the procedure, you may notice some discomfort after the sedative and the medication have fully worn off, but we can give you tips for managing it during your recovery.

Will I Be Awake During Sedation Dentistry?

Nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation all let you stay awake during your treatment; you’ll simply be in an advanced state of relaxation. Some people actually do doze off while under the effects of dental sedation, but it is only a very light sleep. They can still be woken up very easily so that they can continue to follow the dentist’s instructions.

What are the Different Levels of Sedation?

There are three levels of sedation used in dental procedures: minimal sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation. Minimal sedation (or nitrous oxide) makes you feel more relaxed without affecting your ability to respond normally to stimuli. Moderate sedation (or oral conscious sedation) often puts patients in a groggy or dreamlike state. You can still follow our instructions, but you may not remember the procedure afterwards. Deep sedation (or IV sedation) is close to unconsciousness, but you can still be awakened relatively easily if you do end up falling asleep.

Can I Talk During Conscious Sedation?

Yes, if you receive conscious sedation, you will still be able to speak throughout your procedure. This means you can let us know if you’re experiencing any discomfort or if something has gone wrong during the procedure.

How Safe is IV Sedation?

IV sedation is considered extremely safe when performed by trained professionals such as Dr. Heck and Dr. Beshore. Certain conditions such as pregnancy, allergy to benzodiazepines, central nervous system depression and certain forms of glaucoma may affect your candidacy for IV sedation. During your initial appointment, we’ll go over your entire medical history so that we can confirm that IV sedation is viable in your case. Your safety always comes first, which is why we always err on the side of caution when it comes to keeping potential side effects and complications to an absolute minimum.

We Look Forward to Seeing You Soon!

Whether you struggle with dental anxiety or are interested in learning more about the benefits of sedation dentistry for special needs patients, our exceptional team is here to help! Our office location is incredibly convenient for patients looking for a sedation dentist with the experience and expertise to handle any type of case. Of course, if you need any assistance finding our dental office, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Refer A Patient