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Sedation Dentistry – Kansas

Making Dental Care Comfortable for Anxious Patients

If you suffer from dental anxiety, have a low pain tolerance, gag easily, or become overstimulated by the sights and sounds of the dentist’s office, then sedation dentistry in Kansas might be an ideal solution for you. With our relaxing, judgment free atmosphere and skilled team of dental professionals, our team at Kansas Center for Sedation Dentistry excels at making dental care comfortable for anxious patients. To learn more about how sedation dentistry can help you get the care your smile needs, contact our practice today!

My Sedation History Form

After Sedation Instructions

Why Choose Kansas Center for Sedation Dentistry?

  • Judgment-Free Approach to Dental Care
  • Multiple Methods of Dental Sedation Available
  • State-of-the-Art Dental Technology

Sedation Dentistry Post-Op Instructions

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that is inhaled through a small nasal mask or cannula. Almost immediately after you begin inhaling this clear, scent-free gas, you’ll feel lighter, more relaxed, and euphoric. You might even the giggles, which is why nitrous oxide has earned the nickname “laughing gas.” Throughout your procedure, you should remain conscious enough to respond to our questions and requests, but your memory of the experience might be fuzzy. Once we’ve completed your treatment and you’ve started breathing in regular air again, the effects of the nitrous oxide should wear off very quickly. In fact, you should be able to drive yourself back home or to work not long afterward.

Learn More About Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Oral Conscious Sedation 

The next level of sedation that we offer is called oral conscious sedation, which we typically recommend for patients who are undergoing more extensive procedures or who have more severe dental anxiety or fear. With this method, we’ll prescribe a potent anxiety-relieving medication for you to take a certain amount of time before your procedure is scheduled to begin. Once its effects have kicked in, you’ll be so deeply relaxed that you might briefly doze off during your treatment, but our team will be able to gently nudge you awake. It can take several hours for the effects of oral conscious sedation to leave your system, so you’ll need a family member or friend to drive you to and from your appointment.

Learn More About Oral Conscious Sedation

IV Sedation

Patients with extreme dental phobia or certain disabilities might benefit from IV sedation, the strongest form of sedation that we offer. Also known as “twilight sedation,” IV sedation is administered intravenously, usually through a vein on your arm. Because this powerful sedative immediately enters your bloodstream, it takes effect right away. During your procedure, you’ll be teetering on the edge of being asleep and being awake. The chances of your remembering anything about the experience are slim to none. As with oral conscious sedation, you should arrange for someone you trust to transport you to and from our office and keep an eye on you afterward, as the effects of IV sedation can linger for the rest of the day.

Learn More About IV Sedation

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

There are several different types of patients that can benefit from sedation dentistry, including ones who:

  • Have special needs
  • Have a sensitive gag reflex
  • Have difficulty comfortably sitting in the treatment chair
  • Have a fear of receiving a “bad” diagnosis
  • Are overstimulated by the sights, sounds, and smells in the dentist’s office
  • Have had a bad past experience with a dentist
  • Need or wish to complete several procedures in a single sitting

As long as you are free of any medical conditions that could make sedation risky (such as pregnancy and obstructive sleep apnea), chances are that sedation dentistry could help you. Of course, your sedation dentist in Kansas will go over your eligibility during your consultation to ensure your safety.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Sedation dentistry in Lawrence may sound like a pleasant option, especially if you have dental anxiety or are preparing for extensive dental treatments, but you may also have many questions. Whether you’re preparing to receive nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, the idea of having little control can seem unnerving. Fortunately, our dentists at Kansas Center for Sedation Dentistry are here to calm your nerves, answer your questions, and address any concerns. Below you will find a list of questions commonly asked by our patients. If you do not see the information you’re looking for listed, contact us to schedule an appointment so we can discuss it further.

Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?

The idea of being unable to remember much, if anything, from your procedure may sound either scary or appealing. But if you are fearful of the dentist because of an experience elsewhere, you’ll likely appreciate how this unique treatment can deliver slight memory loss.

You will not be fully asleep when receiving sedation, as you’ll need to remain cognizant enough to respond to cues from your dentist. However, if you receive oral conscious or IV sedation, there is a good chance you’ll remember less of your time in the dentist’s chair than if you receive nitrous oxide.

What Are the Risks of Sedation Dentistry?

To determine if sedation dentistry is a safe option for you, our team will require an initial consultation. This will allow us to review your medical history and evaluate any medications you’re currently taking. Although these methods of treatment are generally safe for most patients, there are always potential risks involved. Some of these may include:

  • Patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may experience more complications from sedation
  • Certain medications can cause allergic reactions or other issues to form when receiving sedation
  • Some individuals may develop nausea, headaches, or grogginess after receiving sedation. Nitrous oxide is the only form of treatment that will not lead to grogginess.

Is Sedation Dentistry Worth It?

The answer to this question depends on your preference and needs. If you suffer from mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety or cannot sit still for extended periods, then sedation dentistry is certainly worth the investment. Not only will it allow you to remain calm during your appointment, but it will also ensure that you receive the care you need to maintain optimal oral health. Without regular dental treatment, you put your smile at risk for serious infection and damage, which will only lead to worsening symptoms and more extreme procedures in the future.

Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your dental insurance carrier will agree to cover sedation dentistry. Because it is often viewed as a luxury and not medically necessary, you’ll likely need to inquire about alternative payment methods. You should understand, however, that there are certain exceptions. If you have a disability that does not allow you to receive regular dental care without sedation, it may be covered. Or, if you are preparing for multiple, extensive procedures, your insurer may agree to provide coverage.

The best thing you can do is learn what your plan covers and what it does not and ask our dental team about other ways you can still receive sedation but also keep your costs low.

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