Sedation Dentistry in South Bend
At our office for sedation dentistry in South Bend, we're sensitive to our patient's dental anxiety. We create a warm, friendly atmosphere that helps people feel comfortable when they walk through the door. Our team is well aware that about one in five people avoid going to a dentist until absolutely necessary. We don't want anyone to suffer with a toothache unnecessarily. Please call us to arrange an appointment for sedation for dental treatment.
What Is Sedation in Dentistry?
We use local anesthesia to control our patient's pain and sedation to relieve their anxiety. They are two different things even though many patients feel anxiety about potential pain. Sedation dentistry is often referred to as sleep dentistry, but you don't sleep except with deep sedation. The most common types of sedation put you in a relaxed state where you can still respond to your dentist but are not bothered by dental anxiety. You will still have a local anesthetic to numb the area where the dentist will work.
What Will Sedation Dentistry Cost Me Without Insurance?
Insurance doesn't usually cover sedation. Unless you're having oral surgery, you'll be paying for your sedation dentistry cost out-of-pocket. Both inhalation and oral sedation are affordable options which are well worth the cost. Avoiding dental care can lead to problems which cost more than paying out-of-pocket prices for sedation. If you want to learn more about the cost of sedation, please contact our office.
Why Do Patients Choose Sleep Dentistry?
Patients choose sedation dentistry because, without it, they may not visit a dentist when it is very important to do so. They may have had a bad experience in the past or know someone who did, but if they know a dentist supports and understands them, they are willing to try visiting a dentist once again. Phone us now for an appointment and let us show you how we put you in control and tailor our sedation methods to meet your unique needs.
What Are the Different Kinds of Sedation Dentistry?
We may offer a variety of ways to administer sedation for dental treatment. Our dentist will discuss your options with you, assess your anxiety level and review your medical history to help you make the best choice for your unique situation.
Inhalation Sedation - Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, produces a mild to moderate, safe sedative effect. You won't be aware of time passing even though you remain awake. Your dentist will give you the odorless gas via a mask you wear over your nose. Nitrous oxide produces a calm, euphoric feeling, earning it the name happy gas. You may receive oxygen with the gas afterwards to help counter the effects.
Oral Sedation Dentistry - With oral sedation dentistry, you take a pill before you leave home, about an hour before your appointment. Have someone drive you and wait to drive you home after your procedure. Our dentist prescribes safe drugs in a dosage determined by your anxiety level.
IV Sedation Dentistry - IV sedation dentistry medicines contain both sedatives and pain medicine. The medicine will take away your anxiety and leave you with no memory of the procedure. IV sedation works very quickly and your dentist can adjust it as needed during your treatment. If you have a fear of needles, ask our dentist about using oral sedation beforehand. Avoid drinking and eating for eight hours before your procedure or as directed by your dentist.
Deep Sedation - Deep IV sedation dentistry is the only true sleep dentistry option available. You'll be asleep throughout your procedure but it is not the same sleep as general anesthesia. It's possible for your dentist to wake you. General anesthesia requires breathing support, and deep sedation is generally safer.
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry in South Bend?
People who avoid visiting a dentist for preventative care are at a higher risk of decay and gum disease. The main benefit of sedation is that it allows people to get routine care and avoid painful dental emergencies. We use sedation at our practice because we want you to feel comfortable returning for regular exams. Your overall health often depends on your oral health.
Everyone has a gag reflex. It's a natural reaction meant to protect you from swallowing something undesirable, such as a dental instrument. Sedation is also helpful for individuals with a very strong gag reflex. Many of our patients with a don't realize sedation helps with is as it relaxes the muscles and soft tissues in their throat.
Will Dental Insurance Cover Sedation Costs?
Dental insurance companies usually only pay for sedation for oral surgery or procedures involving multiple extractions. Sedation dentistry insurance for anything but a complex procedure is extremely rare. Check your policy for specific coverage details. If you choose to pay for sedation yourself, we have financing options to help make sedation financially feasible.
How Long Do the Aftereffects of Sedation Dentistry Last?
The effects of nitrous oxide wear off almost immediately. You can go about your normal activities after about five minutes. With oral sedation, you should wait two to eight hours before resuming your normal activities. Someone should drive you home and stay with you until you feel clearheaded.