Overcome Dental Anxiety with Safe and Effective Oral Sedation
Everyone deserves quality dental care to maintain their oral health. However, some people realize visiting a dental office isn’t easy, perhaps because of past negative dental experiences, fear of needles, or simply fear of the unknown. Part of Stein Family Dentistry’s commitment is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable in our dental office.
Dr. Andy Stein offers oral sedation dentistry to help dental-phobic patients enjoy relaxed dental visits. Imagine sitting back in the chair, feeling completely at ease, and before you know it, your treatment is over. Sedation dentistry in Spokane, Washington, takes the fear out of dental care, making it possible for even the most anxious patients to enjoy dental care.
Why do I have dental fear?
Feeling nervous about a dental appointment is normal. However, for some patients, the anxiety is so intense that it keeps them up at night or causes physical symptoms like a racing heart and sweaty palms at the mere thought of going to the dentist. Some people are so scared that they avoid dental treatments altogether until they experience serious dental problems.
No one is born with a fear of the dentist. There are several factors that can cause this fear, including:
- Past traumatic dental experiences
- A strong gag reflex
- Fear of needles
- Trust issues
- Fear of loss of control
- Feeling like dental care is an invasion of personal space
- Generalized anxiety
Dental fear affects children and adults alike. It often results in avoidance, compounding your oral health problems. Dentistry doesn’t have to be stressful. Take advantage of sedation dentistry and enjoy dental care again!
What is oral conscious sedation?
Several sedation dentistry options exist. The dentist can use nitrous oxide for mildly anxious patients. This method delivers sedation by inhaling the colorless and odorless gas through a mask on your nose. There is also an option of intravenous (IV) sedation, where the anti-anxiety medication is delivered directly to the bloodstream through an IV line created on the arm or hand.
Oral sedation is yet another sedation dentistry alternative. It involves taking oral medication before your treatment. When you reach our office, you’ll be fully sedated to enjoy your treatment without feeling worried or anxious. Pill-based sedation is called oral conscious sedation because it doesn’t make you unconscious—you’ll be awake but relaxed and carefree about the moment-to-moment details of your treatment. Sometimes, you can doze off, but it takes a slight nudge to rouse you from your slumber.
Oral sedation slips you into short-term amnesia, so you won’t remember much about your treatment, including the noises and smells. It also makes you lose the sense of time. You’ll think your treatment took a few minutes, even when it lasted over an hour! Unlike nitrous sedation, oral sedation doesn’t wear off immediately after treatment. You need someone to accompany you to and from our office. Since you’ll continue feeling groggy and tired even at home, avoid driving, operating machinery, and alcohol for the next 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Sedation
How can oral sedation help with dental anxiety?
Oral sedation helps you stay calm during your visit. It reduces fear and tension. Many patients describe it as feeling “carefree” in the chair. However, unlike general anesthesia, oral sedation doesn’t make you unconscious. You’ll be awake to respond to our cues. You may doze off, but a slight nudge is enough to awaken you. Oral sedation makes it easy to sit through a dental exam or treatment, making dental care not only manageable but also enjoyable.
How should I prepare for a dental appointment with oral sedation?
Preparation for the procedure is minimal. The most common precaution is to avoid eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours. The dentist may also ask you to pause certain medications. Follow all pre-appointment instructions from your dentist to optimize efficacy and your safety.
What medications are used for oral sedation?
Dentists often use medications from the benzodiazepine family, such as midazolam or Diazepam (Valium). These FDA-approved drugs have anti-anxiety and amnesia-inducing effects, making them ideal for mild to moderate dental fear. Our doctor selects the medication and dosage based on your age, health, and procedure.
Is oral sedation safe for everyone?
Most patients are prime candidates. However, it may not be right for everyone. Our doctor will review your medical history, current medications, and any known allergies. Patients with specific health issues, breathing disorders, or pregnancy may need other options. We always conduct a thorough screening to ensure you are safe enough for sedation.
Are there any side effects of oral sedation I should be aware of?
Mild drowsiness and headaches are common after treatment. Another side effect is retrograde amnesia. You may experience temporary memory gaps, which many anxious patients see as a benefit. While you may experience side effects, they are typically minor and usually subside on the same day.
Can I go home right after my procedure?
Yes, but not by yourself. Drowsiness is one of the most common symptoms, so you cannot drive yourself home. You need a responsible adult to take you home. Most people arrange for a spouse or loved one to drive them home. Uber or Lyft is also an option. The important thing is to avoid driving yourself home.
How much does sedation dentistry cost in Spokane, WA?
Costs vary based on medication type and the length of treatment. Our team will provide a cost breakdown after your consultation. Rest assured, we won’t proceed until you are clear on the cost. If you have any questions about our pricing, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Dental insurance covers several dental procedures to reduce out-of-pocket costs. However, it’s unlikely to cover sedation dentistry since it’s considered an elective procedure. However, there are a few exceptions. Dental insurance may cover sedation dental care if it’s medically necessary. Our dental team will check your coverage to verify your benefits.
Even if dental insurance does cover your treatment, there are other ways to make your dental care affordable. Talk to our office and explore our dental payment plans.
Where can I find sedation dentistry in Spokane, WA?
Stein Family Dentistry offers oral sedation for patients who are anxious about dental visits. If you want a calmer dental experience, call (509) 463-1770 and schedule your consultation today. Let’s help take the stress out of your dental care.
Are you interested in oral sedation?
Nervous about seeing the dentist? Call us at (509) 463-1770—it's the first step to overcoming your dental fears. Our dental team will discuss your anxiety to determine its source and severity and determine whether oral sedation is the best solution for you.
