Sedation dentistry eliminates dental anxiety, manages pain, and keeps you calm and comfortable throughout any dental procedure. Our dentist provides this relaxing service to make your dental experience stress-free and your oral health a priority. Sedation dentistry helps fearful patients receive the care they need, preventing bigger problems and keeping your smile healthy for a lifetime.
At ABQ Dental Care, we offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation to help anxious patients with dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, sensitive gag reflexes, or low pain tolerance finally feel comfortable and receive necessary dental care without fear or discomfort. Each sedation option is treatment-specific and selected based on the complexity of your procedure and your medical history, with vitals monitored throughout treatment to ensure your safety. Sedation dentistry allows us to complete multiple procedures in a single visit, reducing the total number of appointments needed. If anxiety has been making you feel anxious and has been keeping you from the advanced dental care you need, our understanding team is here to help you get through it comfortably.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses commonly prescribed medication to help patients feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment. It can be used for procedures ranging from dental fillings and tooth extractions to root canals and more extensive restorative visits. The level of sedation can range from mild relaxation to deeper sedation, depending on the method used and what is right for each patient.
In the United States, 30% to 40% of adults suffer from some form of dental fear, with 5% to 10% experiencing severe anxiety that causes them to avoid visiting the dentist entirely.
Do You Need Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation may be needed when you feel anxious or experience fear about dental visits, patients avoid appointments due to stress or discomfort, have a sensitive gag reflex, have sensitive teeth or gums, require more extensive dental work, or have difficulty remaining still during treatment. Some people also experience neck or shoulder tension, difficulty breathing through the nose due to nasal congestion, or other pain responses that make sitting in the dental chair a challenge.
Before recommending sedation, our dental team will carefully review your oral health, medical history, and overall physical condition and check for any medical conditions that could affect your candidacy. In some cases, clearance from a primary care physician may also be required. Visit us today and find out if you can qualify for our sedation options.
Sedation Dentistry Options We Offer
What Happens During Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry follows a carefully planned, treatment-specific process to help patients feel calm, comfortable, and safe before and during their dental treatment. The exact steps can vary depending on the type of sedation used, but most visits include the following stages.
Oral sedation involves a commonly prescribed medication that may be taken at home or in the office, allowing time to set in and for relaxation to begin before treatment starts. Follow any pre-appointment instructions directed by your dentist to ensure the medication takes effect properly.
Patients may be asked to arrive at the office early for their appointment, depending on the type of sedation used. A patient can expect to check in with our team, who will review instructions and answer any questions before treatment begins.
Nitrous oxide is administered through a small nasal mask placed over the nose. The gas flows through the nose mask and inhales immediately. The mask stays on throughout the procedure and can be adjusted to maintain a comfortable level of sedation.
IV sedation is being put into place by a trained dental professional and begins working quickly. Being put under IV sedation is considered a deeper option and is personalized for patients who are extremely anxious or undergoing more extensive procedures.
Numbing medication or local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area and ensure there is no other pain during treatment.
Vital signs including heart rate and breathing are monitored throughout the procedure to maintain safety and ensure the sedation stays on track.
The Cost of Sedation Dentistry
The cost of sedation dentistry varies based on the type of sedation used and the length of the procedure. Here is what you can expect:
Most dental insurance plans do not cover sedation for anxiety alone. Coverage may apply if dental sedation is considered a medically necessary option. Our dental team will review your benefits before treatment and help find out what is covered for your specific needs.
Looking for Sedation Dentistry Near Me in Albuquerque?
Looking for sedation dentistry near you in Albuquerque? We are here to help. We understand that dental anxiety doesn’t have to be a day-to-day barrier between you and a healthy, beautiful smile. Our advanced dental care approach means we offer effective sedation options that are personalized for your needs, whether you just need a little help to get through a routine cleaning or require deeper sedation for more extensive procedures. Our friendly, understanding team is specially trained in safe, treatment-specific sedation techniques, and our dentists make every effort to ensure patients feel completely at ease from the moment they arrive. We offer a complete range of sedation services, from nitrous oxide to IV sedation, all designed to help you finally feel comfortable and overcome fretful feelings once and for all. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
