Sedation Dentistry – Lacey, WA
Take Control of Dental Phobia
If you suffer from dental anxiety, you aren’t alone. It affects approximately 36% of the US population. In fact, anywhere from 9-20% of people avoid dental treatment due to dental phobia. The good news is that there are options available to help you get the essential dental care you need without the added stress. At Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer nitrous oxide sedation to take the edge off your dental visits. To learn more about dental sedation and find out if it’s right for you, give us a call!
Why Choose Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?
- Fast-Acting Sedation Ideal for Workday Treatment
- Caring and Non-Judgmental Dental Team
- Complete Basic Treatments Without Anxiety
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is the most common sedation method used in dentistry. It is regularly called “laughing gas” due to the euphoric feeling that patients experience when it is used. This type of sedation is administered alongside oxygen through a special mask that is placed over your nose during your treatment.
Nitrous oxide is an excellent anxiety reliever and will help you to feel relaxed during your procedure, but you will remain conscious and be able to easily communicate with the dental team when necessary. While the gas is being administered, you may feel lightheaded or a tingling sensation in your arms and legs. Some patients report that their arms and legs feel heavy as well.
Your level of sedation will be adjusted accordingly during your appointment, and the effects of the gas will wear off after just a few minutes once the mask is removed. You can even drive yourself home after your appointment.
Learn More About Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
At Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team of professionals is here to ensure that you remain fully relaxed and at ease during your appointment. We know visiting the dentist’s office can be challenging, but your comfort and safety are our priority. Because we use nitrous oxide to help our patients combat anxiety, sensitive gag reflexes, and even the inability to sit still for extended periods, we want to make sure that you are aware of how it is used, what you can expect, and why it’s a preferred method among dental professionals. Please review the following questions and answers and let us know if you need further information.
Is sedation dentistry safe while pregnant?
Most dentists will recommend that if you can avoid the use of sedation while pregnant, it is best. The medicines used can transfer through the placenta and to the fetus, so if used during the first trimester, it can cause problems with fetal development. If used during the third trimester, it can lead to premature labor.
In most cases, it is safest to use during the second trimester, but any kind of invasive procedure is typically encouraged until after the baby is born. If you do require any form of sedation while pregnant, you’ll want to use the least amount. This means nitrous oxide is commonly viewed as a much safer option.
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
In most cases, no, sedation dentistry is viewed as a luxury treatment, not medically necessary, so insurance companies are unlikely to offer any kind of coverage. However, there are situations where a person may have a disability and be unable to receive necessary dental care unless they receive sedation. These include those with Parkinson’s disease, autism, or cerebral palsy. It’s also possible that if you are undergoing a complex procedure, sedation may be covered.
You’ll need to review your plan before committing to treatment, but if you’re unsure where to look, you can always ask a member of our team for help.
How long does dental sedation last?
When it comes to nitrous oxide, you can expect that the effects will wear off within five minutes of the gas being turned off and the mask being removed. Because it takes little time to return to normal, you do not need anyone to drive you home after your appointment. In fact, you can actually return to work or home on your own.
It’s highly unlikely that you will experience any negative side effects following nitrous oxide sedation.
Does dental sedation put you to sleep?
While there is the misconception that sedation dentistry puts patients to sleep, it does not. The only type that truly causes you to remain unconscious during treatment is general anesthesia. With nitrous oxide, you will remain awake and cognizant of your surroundings; however, you will be fully relaxed so that you are unphased by what is happening around you. This means that if your dental team needs you to do something during your appointment, you’ll be able to respond accordingly without becoming fearful of the situation.