We offer a range of sedation dentistry options in Fort Smith to ensure your comfort and relaxation during your visit. If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry can help! We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation as mild, conscious sedatives to relieve discomfort and anxiety.
Most forms of dental sedation allow patients to remain conscious but relaxed, which helps ease the tension of undergoing dental procedures.
Methods of Sedation Dentistry
There are several methods of sedation dentistry available:
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Nitrous oxide is a common form of dental sedation. We place a small, comfortable mask over your nose, and you inhale the nitrous throughout your procedure. Nitrous oxide helps with mild to moderate dental anxiety and provides a feeling of calm and relaxation during your dental procedures. Nitrous oxide wears off moments after the mask is removed, and you can go back to your usual activities immediately after your dental appointment.
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Oral sedation is used for mild to moderate dental anxiety. We will prescribe a sedative that you should take approximately an hour before your appointment. Oral sedation leaves you feeling very relaxed, and you may not remember much or any of the procedure itself. You will need a friend or family member to drive you safely to and from your appointment as the sedative takes several hours to wear off.
Trained and experienced dental team members will monitor you during your sedation to ensure your comfort and safety.
Benefits of Sedation
Sedation dentistry offers several benefits:
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Allows anxious patients to receive the important dental care they need
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Helps your dentist complete your dental work in fewer visits
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Relieves your anxiety and leaves you relaxed after your procedure
If you are interested in sedation dentistry or have questions or concerns, please contact our dental office for more information. We will be happy to help you decide what's right for you!
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation is a perfectly safe option for most patients. In fact, most people handle nitrous oxide with no problems. This is why it is widely considered the safest option for the largest number of people.
Before deciding whether to administer sedation, Dr. Sharp will thoroughly review your medical history and current medications. Be sure to mention both prescription and OTC medications you are taking to prevent any negative interactions.
While you are under sedation, your Dr. Sharp and his dental team will closely monitor your vitals, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate to ensure that you are safe the entire time.
Will I remember anything with dental sedation?
Even though you are technically awake with most forms of dental sedation, there’s a good chance you won’t remember much of your procedure, however you may still remember a bit with nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.
What are the risks of sedation dentistry?
While sedation dentistry is generally considered safe for most patients, it can still present some risks. For example, if you have obstructive sleep apnea or are taking certain medications, you may be more likely to develop complications from sedation.
Everyone reacts differently to sedatives, especially if they are taking other medications. Common side effects that could last several hours after your procedure include things like nausea, headache, and grogginess (except in the case of nitrous oxide).
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
Contrary to what Hollywood would like you to believe, dental sedation is not really a “truth serum.” In fact, it’s very unlikely that you’ll reveal any deep, dark secrets while under sedation.
Even if you do say something you wouldn’t normally say while not under sedation, Dr. Sharp and your dental team will keep all confidential information within the walls of the dental treatment room.
