Why do patients use sedation dentistry?
Patients utilize sedation dentistry for many reasons. The most common reason is due to anxiety and or fear. Also, if patients have had frightening past dental experiences as a child or adult then sedation dentistry is very beneficial. Dental fear is very tough to conquer. Sedation dentistry allows patients to receive the dental care that they need.
Other patients have extensive dental needs and are not afraid of the dentist. However, they would like all of their treatment to take place at one time. Sedation dentistry allows patients to have longer dental appointments that are relaxing and comfortable. Sedation dentistry allows all of a patient’s treatment to be completed in one to two visits.
What type of sedation does Dr. Nugent use?
Dr. Nugent utilizes several sedation options and none of these sedation options require a needle.
- Nitrous Oxide Gas (laughing gas) is used.
- Oral sedation with a pill.
- Combined oral sedation and nitrous oxide.
All three sedation options are extremely safe and if needed can be quickly reversed.
Will I have to be unconscious and hooked up to a breathing machine?
Dentistry under sedation is quite secure. You will be conscious and in control of keeping your airway open. You’ll comply with spoken orders. The majority of patients describe their symptoms as being similar to sleep or dreams. You’ll be breathing independently. The sedative drugs are frequently prescribed.
Will I remember any of the procedure?
The majority of patients report that they were oblivious of their dental appointment. The effect of the oral medication will be amnesia and relaxation. Patients may or may not recall their dental procedures. This is incredibly beneficial for anxious and apprehensive patients.
What do you do during the sedation to insure that I am OK?
The first thing to point out is that the sedation options Dr. Nugent use are all extremely safe and have been used safely for many years. Furthermore, during the dental appointment you will be hooked up to a pulse oximeter machine. This machine will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and the amount of oxygen in the blood. Your vital signs are monitored throughout procedure to ensure everything goes smoothly and safely.
How long will I be out of commission?
Dr. Nugent will talk with you about the different dental sedation options. If only laughing gas is used you can return to work immediately. If oral sedation is used then you will have someone drive you home. You will want to take a nap when you get home and have an easy restful day at home.
Dr. Nugent what are the side effects of sedation?
With Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) there are no side effects. You will be completely like you were before the nitrous oxide. With oral sedation you will experience drowsiness after your dental appointment.
Will I be able to drive after my dental sedation appointment?
With laughing gas you will be able to drive immediately. If oral sedation is used you will need to have someone drive you home and stay with you while you recover. Most patients take a big nap at home and wake up felling refreshed. Dr. Nugent advises that you do not drive till the following day
Nitrous oxide (N2O) sedation is a form of conscious sedation that can help patients who suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia. Nitrous oxide is a nitrogen-oxygen mixture that is inhaled through a nose mask and can help them feel calm and at ease throughout their treatment. Oral sedation is a form of conscious sedation that is quick and easy to use and produces the necessary amnesic effect for a comfortable experience. Patients should discuss their concerns with their dentists and team before their visit so they can help them feel more comfortable during their treatment. Oral sedation is a form of sedation that typically costs less than other forms. It is important to have a family member or friend drive you to and from your appointment to provide maximum safety.
IV (intravenous) sedation is a conscious sedation treatment that provides medication directly into your bloodstream to help you relax quickly and feel comfortable during your appointment. It is very safe, but we will monitor you closely throughout your entire treatment to ensure that there are no complications. Patients often feel as though they have slept through their treatment following their procedure and do not recall many of the details of their visit. We invite you to contact our office today for more information about dental sedation and to schedule your consultation with Dr. Nugent. We look forward to providing you with a comfortable dental visit.
Dr. Nugent’s dental office is located at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena Texas 77504. Dr. Nugent devotes a large portion of his practice to sedation dentistry. Dr. Nugent is a local leader in sedation and has patients from Deer Park, Friendswood, La Porte and League City that travel to his Pasadena dental office for their dental needs.