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?
Sedation Dentistry is extremely safe. You will not be unconscious and will maintain your airway yourself. You will respond to verbal commands. Most patients describe their experiences as a sleep like or dream like state. You will be breathing on your own. The sedation medications are common prescriptions.
Will I remember any of the procedure?
Most patients report they were completely unaware of any of their dental appointment. The oral medication will produce an amnesia effect. Patients remember little or nothing of their dental procedure. This is extremely helpful for patients who are highly fearful and anxious.
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
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.
