Pasadena,Deer Park Sedation Dentist Dr. Nugent:
Anxiety is completely normal feeling for most people when visiting the dentist. However, for many patients their anxiety is so severe that it interferes with receiving basic dental care. Thus, their dental needs grow into complex problems.
Dr. Nugent provides Sedation Dentistry to our Pasadena and Deer Park patients those that have a high degree of anxiety and fear. These patients are able to receive the dental services necessary to maintain good oral health through sedation. Sedation dentistry allows patients to completely relax so they are comfortable. Sedation during procedures work great for all patients. Dr. Nugent’s goal is to provide patients with a completely relaxed experience when having any dental procedures.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
Sedation medication works by placing the patient in a relaxed calmed state. Patients are not under full anesthesia. Patients are still aware of their surroundings (patients can tell us if they are cold and want a blanket, or if water goes down the back of their throat they will cough and protect their airway) but are relaxed and care-free. The procedure and the patient’s anxiety level will determine what type of Sedation used: Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) , pills or nitrous and pills.
What is Dental Sedation?
During dental procedures, sedation dentistry helps you feel tranquil, relaxed, and at ease. It is a moderate level of sedation, so you are technically conscious but extremely relaxed. Conscious sedation dentistry is also known as “twilight sleep” because it induces a state of short-term amnesia (forgetfulness) in which the patient is insensitive to pain without losing consciousness.
Who requires dental sedation?
Sedation dentistry can benefit patients of all ages, including infants. Dentists frequently recommend this alternative for patients with:
- Dental phobia
- A phobia of going to the dentist
- A particularly acute gag reflex
- Needle phobia (aichmophobia)
- Exceptional tooth sensitivity
- Having apprehension while sitting in the dental chair
- Reduced susceptibility to local anesthesia
- Difficulty with movement control
- Special requirements (physical, cognitive, and behavioral)
What anesthetic methods are utilized in dentistry?
There are various levels of sedation dentistry depending on the patient’s individual requirements. Your level of anxiety, the duration of your procedure, your medical history, and your personal preferences will all play a role. Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation are the most frequent forms of sedation dentistry.
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is often referred to as “laughing gas.” Three to five minutes after inhaling nitrous oxide through a mask or nosepiece, soothing effects begin to manifest. Dr. Nugent regulates the amount of sedation you receive and modifies dosages throughout the duration of the procedure. Your dentist will administer 100% oxygen to flush the nitrous oxide from your system once the procedure is complete. Due to the rapid elimination of laughing gas from your system, you will be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Oral sedated consciousness
With oral conscious sedation, your dentist administers sedative medication (usually in capsule form) approximately one hour prior to the start of the procedure. Triazolam is commonly used by Dr. Nugent.
Oral sedation induces significant drowsiness, and you may even fall unconscious. However, you will be able to communicate with your physician if necessary, and you will be gently nudged awake. Because memory and motor skills are temporarily impaired by oral anesthetic, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure.
IV (intravenous) analgesia
The most profound form of conscious anesthesia available in a dental office is intravenous sedation. Your healthcare provider administers sedatives through an IV line directly into your bloodstream. Your dentist monitors your pulse rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels during your procedure. They are able to alter your dosage at any time and administer reversal agents if necessary. The majority of patients who undergo IV sedation dentistry fall unconscious and wake up with little to no memory of their treatment. Individuals with severe dental anxiety or those undergoing protracted procedures should choose this option.
At The Appointment?
If you are only going to utilize nitrous oxide then the gas piece is placed over your nose. You will breath in the sweet smelling gas and start to relax. Once the dental procedure is over 100 percent Oxygen is turned on and the nitrous oxide is flushed from your lungs. You will be alert and orientated and able to drive yourself home.
If you are utilizing pills you will take the pills at Dr. Nugent’s Pasadena Dental Office. The pills take about forty-five minutes to an hour to full work. You will start to feel tired and relaxed. You will feel calm and care-free. The pills when combined with nitrous oxide provide amazing sedation coverage. Most patients report that they slept through the procedure.
Dr. Nugent’s patients who use sedation dentistry are always amazed by how well it works and how time goes by quickly. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home if you took pills. After the pill sedation you will go home and rest comfortably for the rest of the day.
Sedation Dentistry Really Works!
Dr. Nugent does not want you to avoid seeking dental treatment because of fear and anxiety. Dr. Nugent has advanced dental training to offer oral conscious sedation at his Pasadena Dental Office. Without dental care, your smile will suffer, and we understand that so many smiles are neglected because of fear of the dentist. With sedation dentistry, you can finally receive dental care you’ve been putting off all while calm and relaxed. See why so many patients from Pasadena and Deer Park come to our office for amazing sedation dentistry. Come see us at 3421 Burke Rd, Ste A, Pasadena Texas 77504.