Sedation Dentistry – Belmont, MA

What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Simply put, oral conscious sedation is a type of sedation dentistry that’s more effective than nitrous oxide but not as intense as IV sedation. Instead of using a nasal mask or a needle, we will have you take a prescription pill about an hour before your procedure begins. Typically, this sedative is recommended for patients who need more extensive dental work, who have had a bad experience at the dentist’s office in the past, who have a strong gag reflex, or who are prone to head, neck, and jaw pain.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

During your first appointment, we will learn more about your dental history, including why you’re interested in dental sedation. From there, we can determine if you’re a candidate by learning about your allergies, any medications you’re taking, and the like. Then, on the day of your treatment, you’ll take a prescribed pill before you get to our office. This will allow you to feel relaxed and comfortable by the time your appointment starts. The effects last for a while, so you will need a trusted friend or family member to drop you off and pick you up from your visit.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

The best way to find out is by getting in touch with our team! If you struggle with dental-related anxiety, we know that this can be easier said than done. However, please know that our Belmont team isn’t here to pass judgment. Quite the opposite – we genuinely want to help you have the positive experience you deserve, and we want to know what we can do to make that happen. So, if you think that you may be a candidate for oral conscious sedation, then give us a call.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

As we mentioned above, nitrous oxide is suitable for patients of all ages, including children. Typically, this form of sedation is recommended for those who struggle with dental-related anxiety, have a fear of needles, have trouble getting or staying comfortable in the treatment chair, or experience dental sensitivity. However, we always conduct a thorough consultation beforehand to make sure it’s a good fit. For example, if you have a condition that makes it difficult to breathe, then you’re likely not a candidate for nitrous oxide.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

The entire process starts when you arrive at our office. After you’re settled into the treatment chair, we’ll place a small nose mask on you so you can easily breathe in the colorless and odorless gas. Within a few minutes, you’ll feel the effects begin to kick in. Although you’ll be in a complete state of relaxation, you’ll still be able to communicate with our team if you have any questions, if you need more or less nitrous oxide, etc. At the end of your treatment, we will switch off the nitrous so you’re just breathing in oxygen again.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

Once we remove the mask, the effects will begin to dissipate. In fact, many patients feel back to normal within a matter of minutes! As a result, you won’t have to worry about coordinating transportation to and from your appointment. We’ll let you rest as long as you need and provide you with any aftercare instructions specific to your treatment. Then, you’ll be able to drive yourself home and do whatever else is on the agenda for that day.

Will I remember anything with dental sedation? 

One of the perks of dental sedation is that (although you’ll be conscious) you may not remember much about your procedure. This memory loss effect often helps patients form a more positive association with visiting their dentist, making them less anxious about future visits!

Is sedation dentistry safe? 

Sedation dentistry has been extensively studied and tested, and it is safe for patients who are good candidates. That’s why our Belmont dental team will dedicate some time during your consultation to learning about your medical history, current medications, and any existing medical conditions. We will also ask you a few questions about your anxiety in order to determine which sedation dentistry option is best. Simply put, we will go above and beyond to ensure that you are a good candidate beforehand, and we will closely monitor your vitals throughout your treatment as well.

What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist? 

Naturally, the answer to this question depends on the type of sedation you’re receiving. Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) often causes patients to feel light, euphoric, and, of course, relaxed. Oral conscious sedation is a more powerful sedative that results in an even deeper state of relaxation. So much so that patients often doze off in the treatment chair! This can make it feel like time is passing quickly, which is a big plus if you aren’t a huge fan of having dental work done.

Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance? 

Sadly, many dental insurance providers don’t cover sedation dentistry since it’s a “luxury” treatment. As always, there are some exceptions. For example, patients with disabilities may rely on nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to get the dental care they need. Ultimately, the answer to this question depends entirely on the fine print on your dental plan. If you’re having trouble understanding your coverage, don’t hesitate to let us know so we can help.

Is sedation dentistry worth it? 

Many patients ask themselves this question, especially if their dental insurance doesn’t cover a portion of the cost. However, it’s important to note that sedation dentistry can play a crucial role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, especially if you’ve forgone dental care in the past because of dental-related anxiety. Furthermore, sedation dentistry can effectively keep you calm and comfortable throughout your treatment, creating a more positive experience for you and a smoother treatment process for your dental team. So, yes, sedation dentistry is well worth it.

Does dental sedation make you tell secrets? 

No, it does not! There is a common misconception that dental sedation is also a truth serum, causing you to share your deepest, darkest secrets. Don’t worry though – that’s not true. Plus, if you happen to say anything you normally wouldn’t while under sedation, you can have peace of mind knowing that it will stay within the walls of your treatment room.