Sedation Dentist – Jenks, OK
Taking the Anxiety Out of Dental Treatment
When you are fearful of the dentist’s office, there is a good chance you’ll put off any appointments that require your attention and time. Unfortunately, doing so will only worsen your oral health, putting you at greater risk for cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer. But with sedation dentistry in Jenks, our team at Elwood Avenue Dental can remedy the situation using oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide. Call us to find out if either option is right for you. Let us help to make your next dental experience a positive and less stressful one.
Why Choose Elwood Avenue Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- Compassionate & Caring Dental Team
- Personalized Dental Plans to Meet Patients’ Needs
Oral Conscious Sedation
With oral sedation in Jenks, our dental team will prescribe a small pill to take before your appointment. Often recommended for patients who have moderate dental anxiety or who are preparing for multiple procedures, oral conscious sedation can be a reliable option that allows us to provide the dental treatment needed. At the same time, you remain calm and comfortable throughout your visit. Although it takes time for the effects to wear off, it is worth it if it enables you to receive the dental care you need to improve your oral health and smile.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is an effective treatment that allows patients to enter a deeper state of relaxation during a dental procedure. As a prescribed medication, it is a preferred option, especially for those who do not like needles and want to avoid IV sedation.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
The process requires an initial consultation with your dentist to ensure you are a safe and qualified candidate for oral conscious sedation. If you are cleared, we will prescribe a pill for you to take hours before your dental procedure. This ensures plenty of time for the medicine to begin working in your system and help you become more relaxed by the time you reach our office.
Once our team is confident you are comfortable, we will begin providing the services you need to improve your oral health. Throughout this process, you will remain fully relaxed and unbothered by what is happening around you.
The individual who will take you home after your appointment will receive the necessary information for proper aftercare, which you will need to follow at home. It can take time for the medication to wear off, so you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Who is a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Your dentist will need to review your medical history and existing medications before clearing you for sedation dentistry. During this visit, we will inquire about your need for oral conscious sedation; if you experience any of the following, you may be considered a good candidate for treatment:
- You require multiple dental procedures to be completed during a single visit.
- You struggle with moderate to severe dental anxiety.
- You do not like needles.
- You have a strong, sensitive gag reflex.
- You struggle to remain seated for prolonged periods.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Commonly used on patients with mild dental anxiety, nitrous oxide leaves no lasting effects and is easily administered via a nasal mask. Once put into place, we will turn on the gas mixture to help keep you calm throughout your visit. Nitrous oxide can help to relax you and put you into a state of euphoria so that you feel nothing during treatment but remain fully cognizant to respond to cues by our dental team. When finished, you’ll immediately begin to feel normal again, allowing you to return to work or home after your appointment.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
Usually, sedation dentistry is classified as a “luxury” and, therefore, is not covered by dental insurance providers. With that said, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you need extensive dental care, like multiple tooth extractions, you may not need to pay for the cost entirely out-of-pocket. That’s why we always encourage our patients to read through the fine print on their plan and reach out to us with any questions. Since we work with Delta Dental Premier, Principal, and several others, we can help!
Important reminder: Dental insurance isn’t the only financial solution that’s available. CareCredit is a great option, especially for uninsured patients who would prefer to break up the total cost into smaller, more manageable chunks. If you are interested in learning more about this financial solution, let us know!
Is sedation dentistry worth it?
If you do need to pay for the cost of sedation dentistry in Jenks out of pocket, you might begin to wonder if it’s really worth it. If you struggle with a fear of needles, dental-related anxiety, or a sensitive gag reflex, then there’s a good chance that the answer is “yes.” After all, even nitrous oxide (the mildest form of dental sedation) can alleviate nerves, stress, and worry, ensuring that you have the calm, comfortable experience that you deserve.
How long does dental sedation last?
The answer depends on the type of sedation that you’re receiving. As the mildest form of sedation dentistry, the effects of nitrous oxide fade almost instantly. Oral conscious sedation, on the other hand, is more powerful. As a result, the effects usually last for the remainder of the day.