Sedation Dentist Richardson
Taking the Stress Out of Oral Surgery
Your comfort is our top priority while you’re in the treatment chair. That’s why we offer multiple sedation dentistry methods so you remain relaxed during your procedure. We also have an in-house anesthesiologist to offer both IV and general sedation for more extensive procedures. To learn more about our options for sedation dentistry in Richardson, please call our office directly or ask us any questions you may have at your initial consultation with Dr. Ahn.
Why Choose Richardson Oral Surgery Center for Sedation Dentistry?
- On-Site IV Sedation & General Anesthesia
- A Professional, Highly Trained Oral Surgery Team
- We Partner with Referring Doctors & Dentists
IV Sedation
With IV sedation, the medication is administered directly into your bloodstream via a small needle inserted into your hand or arm. It is one of the strongest methods of conscious dental sedation, which means you will be able to respond to our requests and questions throughout your treatment. We often recommend it for patients who are severely anxious or scared of their upcoming procedure, or for those who need multiple smaller treatments performed at once, as well as longer, complex ones.
What Is IV Sedation?
When you arrive at our office, our team will help get you comfortable in the treatment chair while our in-house anesthesiologist administers a fast-acting sedative directly into your bloodstream. Within moments, you should start to feel very relaxed and sleepy. Midazolam and Diazepam are the medications most commonly used for IV sedation.
Although IV sedation does not technically cause unconsciousness, it is sometimes called “sleep dentistry” because patients often feel as if they are asleep throughout their appointment. Often, they have no recollection of their treatment afterward.
Because the medication administered through your IV is very strong, you will need to spend the rest of the day at home, resting. It is also important that you have a trusted friend or family member available to take care of you following your surgery, including driving you home.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
You might be a suitable candidate for IV sedation if:
- You have severe dental anxiety, fear, or phobia that makes it difficult to undergo dental procedures.
- You require extensive or lengthy oral surgery, or you need multiple treatments in a single visit.
- You have a strong gag reflex that interferes with dental work, making procedures uncomfortable or challenging.
- You have difficulty becoming fully numb with local anesthetic alone.
- You have had traumatic dental experiences in the past and want to avoid further distress.
- You struggle to sit still for extended periods due to medical or psychological reasons.
- Our team has reviewed your medical history and determined that IV sedation is safe and appropriate for you.
The Benefits of IV Sedation
IV sedation comes with some pretty impressive benefits:
- Enhanced Relaxation: IV sedation creates a profound sense of calm, easing anxiety and helping you feel comfortable during your procedure. This allows you to approach treatment with greater peace of mind.
- Reduced Memory of Procedure: Most patients recall little or nothing about the surgery, which can help prevent lingering trauma or fear associated with dental visits.
- Faster Recovery Time: Recovery after IV sedation is typically quicker than after general anesthesia. You will likely be able to resume normal activities within a day or so.
- Continuous Safety Monitoring: As an IV sedation dentist in Richardson, we have an on-staff anesthesiologist and other highly trained team members who will monitor your vital signs throughout your procedure, providing an extra layer of safety.
General Anesthesia/Sleep Dentistry
For more extensive surgical procedures, we also offer in-house general anesthesia administered by our licensed anesthesiologist. This will completely render you unconscious, eliminating your ability to feel any pain throughout your procedure. Because it does this, you’ll be intubated to help control your breathing. Upon coming out of anesthesia, you’ll likely feel disoriented and your throat may feel dry, but our team will provide whoever will be caring for you with instructions to help you feel more comfortable as you rest.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
For most patients, dental sedation is a perfectly safe procedure. However, that’s not the case for everybody, which is why our team at Richardson Oral Surgery Center screens patients before administering any type of medication or sedation. This process includes going over your medical history as well as any current medications you’re taking, and finding out whether complications could arise.
If we determine that you’re a good candidate for IV sedation or general anesthesia, our precautions and risk assessment don’t stop at your screening. A trained professional will monitor your vitals at all times during your procedure to ensure your safety.
Can I receive dental sedation while pregnant?
The drugs used for IV sedation and general anesthesia can be absorbed through the placenta, which is why we don’t typically administer sedation during the first trimester. In some cases, this could lead to developmental concerns. Additionally, we typically don’t administer sedation during the third trimester because it could encourage premature labor.
Our oral surgeons will consult with you and assess your risk and medical history to make sure that you’re a good candidate, even if you’re pregnant. We’ll make you fully aware of any potential risks, as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have.
What does it feel like to be sedated for oral surgery?
Our office provides two types of dental sedation: IV sedation and general anesthesia. No matter which type of sedation you receive, you likely won’t remember any part of your treatment because you’ll either be unconscious or asleep. General anesthesia renders you completely unconscious, although you’ll still be able to breathe on your own. On the other hand, IV sedation will make you extremely sleepy and relaxed, but you’ll still remain conscious and be able to respond to our team’s questions.
Is dental sedation covered by dental insurance?
Dental insurance benefits can vary from plan-to-plan, and while some may cover dental sedation services like general anesthesia, others may not. In any case, our team at Richardson Oral Surgery Center will help maximize your benefits and provide you with an accurate estimate before your procedure so you know what to expect as your out-of-pocket cost.
In addition to making sure you get the most out of your insurance plan, our team can also walk you through your other payment options, like financing through CareCredit. This is a trusted, third-party financier that offers low-to-no interest payment plans to help break up the cost of your treatment.
No matter what your financial needs are, our team is always happy to help you!
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