Sedation Dentistry – New Lenox
Dental Care Minus the Stress!
If you are anxious at the thought of going to the dentist, you aren’t alone. Dental anxiety affects approximately 36% of people in the United States. Anywhere from 9-20% of people avoid dental treatment due to dental phobia. The good news is that there are options available to help patients get the care they need. At Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox, we offer nitrous oxide sedation is best for you, give us a call to chat with one of our friendly team members.
Why Choose Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox for Sedation Dentistry?
- No Pills or Needles Needed
- Makes Your Dental Experience More Relaxing
- Saturday Visits Available
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas,” is used to help relax patients with mild to moderate anxiety regarding dental work or the dental office. Nitrous oxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and it is administered through a small mask that is placed over your nose. After a few moments of inhaling it, you will feel relaxed and lighter, making it easier for us to complete your treatment. After we remove the mask, the effects should immediately begin to wear off. Continue reading to learn more about nitrous oxide and how it works.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide sedation is ideal for those who feel uncomfortable when visiting the dental office. It is usually recommended for those who have:
- Dental anxiety
- A fear of needles
- Tooth sensitivity
- Difficulty sitting still
- Resistance to local anesthetics
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Before starting your treatment, we will administer nitrous oxide through a small mask that will be placed over your nose. All you have to do is breathe like you normally do. We will adjust the flow of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas, which is clear and odorless. After a few minutes, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable in the dental chair.
Once the effects of the nitrous oxide kick in, we will start your treatment. After we are done, we will remove the mask to turn off the flow of gas. The effects should quickly fade away, and you will feel like your normal self again within minutes.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
The aftereffects of nitrous oxide don’t linger, so you only need to stay at the practice for a few minutes until you feel normal again. You can even drive yourself home afterward. Most patients are able to continue with their regular work routine and other obligations. Be sure to closely follow any instructions provided to you by your dentist for the treatment you underwent.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
For most patients, sedation is a perfectly safe option. The majority of people handle nitrous oxide with no issue. Out of all sedation options out there, it’s the safest for the more people. Before deciding whether or not you should receive sedation, your dentist will go over your medical history and current medications to ensure that there won’t be any negative interactions.
What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?
Nitrous oxide is ideal for those with anxiety related to the dentist and people who have difficulty staying still in the dental chair for one reason or another. This method makes you feel relaxed, light, and euphoric. Some patients even experience a slight tingling sensation in their arms and legs. You might get the giggles, which is where nitrous oxide gets the nickname: laughing gas.
How long does dental sedation last?
The effects of nitrous oxide kick in very quickly after you start inhaling it through the mask. You will feel perfectly relaxed throughout the duration of your procedure. The effects should wear off within five minutes once you stop inhaling the gas. You can go back to work or school right after your treatment. You can even drive yourself because you will feel completely back to normal!
Is sedation dentistry safe for the elderly?
Before sedation is administered to anyone, the dentist will conduct a thorough screening, asking about healthy history, any medications being taken, and ensuring that sedation won’t interfere negatively with the patient’s health or lead to unnecessary risks. Typically, sedation is recommended for seniors who have more complex dental needs and require multiple procedures, have a low pain tolerance, or who are very anxious. In some cases, patients may think they need sedation, but after meeting the dentist, they feel fine to go forward with the treatment without sedation. This is approached on a case-by-case basis!
Will I remember anything with nitrous oxide sedation?
Many people who have never undergone dental sedation wonder whether they’ll be able to remember the details of their visit after the fact. Although nitrous oxide (laughing gas) isn’t intended to “knock you out”, it often causes a temporary amnesia effect that makes it difficult to recall the specifics of your procedure.
However, plenty of anxious patients who get nervous about dental work consider this just another benefit of the medication.
What are the risks of nitrous oxide sedation?
Although laughing gas is generally considered safe for most people when administered by a qualified provider, like one of our New Lenox dentists, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.
Many patients who undergo dental sedation do not experience any adverse effects, but there are potential complications, such as:
- Nausea or, in more severe cases, vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Minor, temporary changes in sensory perceptions, like sound or sight
- Shivering, sweating, or chills
- Adverse reactions to certain prescription medications
- Respiratory distress, especially for patients with chronic pulmonary disease
How much does dental sedation usually cost?
Are you curious whether you can afford dental sedation? The pricing can vary depending on your unique circumstances, but in many cases, it only costs a few hundred dollars. Different factors can potentially affect the rate, such as the length of your procedure, how much medication is used, and whether your body resists the effects.
Our team is happy to provide a more detailed estimate based on your unique circumstances for your approval before proceeding with administering the medication.
Does dental insurance usually include sedation?
Dental insurance policies can often be a simple and effective way to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for everything from routine preventive services to more complex treatments. However, most plans consider dental sedation to be a ‘luxury’ that’s not necessary to improve your dental health, and don’t cover the cost.
But every policy is different, and there may be exceptions, so it’s worth verifying your details. If you’re concerned about affording sedation, you can also apply for a flexible payment plan through CareCredit. If you’re approved, you can split the total cost of your visit into smaller installments over a set period, making it easier on your budget.