Sedation Dentistry Fear of the dentist, anxiety, special needs, and other factors can make it difficult for some patients to receive dental care. At Dental Works in Scottsdale, AZ, Drs. Terry and Mary Ann Work offer multiple sedation options that help patients relax during treatment. Are you nervous about you or your loved one sitting through dental treatment? Sedation dentistry might be right for you...What Is Sedation Dentistry?Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during your dental procedure. Depending on your anxiety levels, the procedure you're undergoing, and other factors, options range from mild nitrous oxide sedation to calm the body and mind to IV sedation that helps you drift into a state of deep relaxation. Remaining Calm: The Benefits of Sedation DentistryReduced AnxietyIf you struggle with anxiety or have dental phobia, medications or inhalation sedation can help you relax during your treatment. Better ResultsSedation can help you receive the dental care you need, so you can achieve optimal oral health and aesthetically pleasing smiles. Quicker Treatment TimelineIn many cases, the patient's reduced anxiety and increased compliance allows our dentists to complete their procedures in a more timely manner. Less PainSedation dentistry can create feelings of tranquility and prevent patients from feeling discomfort, so potentially uncomfortable procedures become less intimidating. Sedation at DentalWorksAt Dental Works in Scottsdale, AZ, we believe your comfort is of the utmost importance. Our dentists, Drs. Terry and Mary Ann Work, and their team of dental professionals will do everything in their power to ensure your treatments are as comfortable as possible. We provide many forms of sedation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and intravenous sedation. The type of sedation that is best for you will depend on several factors, such as the invasiveness of your procedure and your level of comfort with dentistry. To learn more about our sedation options, and to have a conversation about what form of dental sedation might be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation online or give us a call at (480) 360-7529! Types of SedationNitrous OxideNitrous oxide, often referred to as "laughing gas," is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry and is the form that is usually best suited for use on children. Our dentists can administer the gas through a nasal mask, allowing them access to your teeth and gums while the gas produces a euphoric sensation that helps you relax. Nitrous oxide is very safe and has the advantage of wearing off quickly after the mask is removed. As a result, patients can usually drive home on their own after undergoing treatment with nitrous oxide. Oral Conscious SedationThis method is often used for patients who experience moderate to extreme dental anxiety. Oral sedation involves taking sedatives in pill form before coming in for your appointment. The drugs involved are usually benzodiazepines, but other medications can be used, as well. Our dentists can also prescribe a medication for you to take at home that can help you relax and feel less anxiety about dentistry. Patients remain conscious after taking the sedative, but they may feel groggy for several hours after dental treatment. Consequently, you should arrange for someone else to drive you to and from our Scottsdale office. In some cases, patients may experience nausea or vomiting for a short time after the procedure. Intravenous (IV) SedationIntravenous sedation is the most advanced form of sedation dentistry we provide. This method involves directly injecting sedative into the bloodstream. Intravenous sedation can produce deep, long-lasting calm and relaxation, allowing our dentists to conduct more time-consuming procedures. For patients made nervous by needles, a topical anesthetic can be applied before the needle is placed. Like oral sedation, intravenous sedation can leave patients feeling groggy after treatment, so they should arrange for someone else to drive them to and from their appointment. After intravenous sedation, patients may experience nausea, headaches, or prolonged drowsiness and should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. What Procedures Involve Sedation?We can administer sedatives to patients for any procedure if necessary. Extremely nervous patients or patients with special needs may require moderate sedation even for basic dental cleanings. However, we most often sedate patients undergoing:
Why Do People Need Sedation Dentistry?Up to 15 percent of the American adult population suffers from dental phobia. Dental phobia can be caused by:
Don't Have Dental Phobia But Curious About Sedation?Patients with dental phobia are not the only ones who can benefit from sedation dentistry. Many patients who find it difficult to remain still in the dental chair find sedation helpful, including patients with sensitive teeth, restless legs, a tendency to fidget when sitting, arthritis, or special needs. Patients may also choose sedation dentistry for certain complex procedures, such as placing dental implants. Even if you don't usually need sedation at the dentist, our team may recommend it for more involved procedures. We aim to help you feel relaxed and enjoy your time at our office, which is why we offer multiple sedation options. To talk about your dental concerns and see if sedation dentistry can help you, call our Scottsdale office at (480) 360-7529 for a free consultation. Sedation Dentistry and Special NeedsWe have a special place in our heart for patients with special needs at Dental Works. Our doctors have extensive experience providing dental treatment to patients with special needs and we understand the difficulties they face in getting the care they deserve. We often employ sedation dentistry to help them relax during their procedures. If you or someone under your care has special needs, give us a call to learn more about how we can provide access to necessary dental care through sedation. Relax with the Help of SedationIn this video, Dr. Mary Ann Work explains the different types of sedation offered at our Scottsdale practice. Sedation options at Dental Works include nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Nitrous oxide helps you feel less anxious while remaining conscious and you can drive yourself home. Oral conscious sedation offers deeper levels of relaxation and finally, IV sedation requires an anesthesiologist and patients will essentially be asleep throughout treatment. Why Patients Choose Us For Sedation DentistrySince we have free consultations, it costs nothing to meet our team in-office and see why Scottsdale turns to us. Two reasons why patients choose us for sedation dentistry include: PrivacyWe've made special design changes to the layout of our office to aid our sedation patients. We have a private sedation room where you can relax, without being around others, while you wait for the medicine to kick in. ComfortOur top priority is your comfort and the quality of service we provide. You're greeted by our friendly staff when you walk into our office. Before your procedure, we listen closely to your needs and ensure a comfortable visit. The Cost of Sedation DentistryDental insurance may or may not cover sedation. At Dental Works, we work with patients to make dental treatment as affordable as possible. We will help you access every available benefit of your insurance plan, and we offer financing plans through CareCredit® and Sunbit. Do I Qualify for Sedation?Most patients who are interested in sedation can qualify for at least one form of the several options available. However, the sedatives we use may interact adversely with other medications, so it is crucial that you disclose your full medical history to the dentists before undergoing even moderate sedation. When deciding what form of dental sedation is right for you, our dentists will ask about several qualifying factors, including: Overall HealthCertain chronic diseases, medical conditions, and your level of physical fitness can affect which form of dental sedation is right for you. PregnancyIt may not be safe for pregnant patients to receive sedation, depending on how far along they are. AllergiesIf you are allergic to any medications, be sure to inform us before undergoing any kind of dental treatment. MedicationsIf you take certain medications, they may disqualify you from dental sedation. Sedation Dentistry TimelineThe process of sedation dentistry will vary based on your procedure and the type of sedation that is right for you, but in general you can expect: Before Your AppointmentIf you are undergoing intravenous sedation or oral sedation, you should arrange for someone to take you to and from our Scottsdale office. At the OfficeBefore beginning any kind of procedure, a member of our dental team will administer the sedative. During the ProcedureWhile you remain calm and relaxed thanks to the sedative, our dentists can efficiently and thoroughly complete the necessary dental work. After TreatmentDepending on the type of dental sedation used, you may need to wait in our office for a period of time to recover from the sedative. You may experience grogginess, sleepiness, or headaches for a few hours, and you should rest at home for the remainder of the day. Don't Let Fear Keep You from the DentistExperts recommend visiting the dentist at least once every six months to maintain strong oral health. If you have avoided the dentist because you are made nervous by dentistry, the dental sedation options available at Dental Works in Scottsdale, AZ, can help you stay still and calm during your appointment. We provide a variety of general, restorative, and cosmetic treatments, including routine cleanings, dental implants, teeth whitening, full mouth reconstructions, and more. Sedation medications or inhalation sedation can be made available during any treatment. We invite you to schedule an appointment with us today by booking online or calling (480) 360-7529! Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation DentistrySedation dentistry can be a very foreign topic for patients who have yet to be exposed to sedation practices at other dental offices. During a consultation, our team can answer any questions you may have. Some of the most common questions we're asked include:
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