Sedation Dentist – Grand Island, NE
Put Your Dental Fears to Rest
There’s no shame in feeling afraid of the dentist; nearly 75% of adults in the United States experience fear to some degree when it comes to dental care. Being able to overcome these feelings is essential for your oral health, and our team at Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry can give you the tools to do just that. When you call to set up an appointment, ask about our different forms of dental sedation to see what we recommend for your particular case.
Why Choose Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?
- Fast Acting Nitrous Oxide
- Relaxing Oral Conscious Sedation
- Numerous In-Office Amenities
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is ideal for many patients who have moderate dental anxiety. After your initial consultation, your dentist will prescribe you medication to take before your appointment. You’ll need to take it before you arrive at our office so that you’re relaxed by the time treatment begins. You won’t be asleep, but you won’t care about what’s going on around you either, and you may even forget what happened during the procedure at all. You’ll need to make arrangements for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment; you can normally expect the lingering effects of the sedative to last for the rest of the day.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
This sedation method is typically recommended for adults who have anxiety, fear, strong gag reflexes, or something else that makes them uncomfortable in the treatment chair. There are no needles or face masks involved! Instead, your dentist prescribes a small pill that you will need to take before your appointment. This way, when it’s time to get started, you will already be perfectly relaxed. The effects are long-lasting, so they will take some time to wear off.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Once the effects kick in, you will feel deeply relaxed. Some patients don’t even remember their treatment. However, you will remain conscious throughout the duration of your treatment, so you will still be able to answer questions and respond to the instructions we give you. We will monitor you throughout the entire treatment to make sure you are comfortable and safe. You will still feel the effects of oral conscious sedation for a while after your treatment, so it’s important that you arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the practice.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a popular option. You may benefit from it if you:
- Have dental fear or anxiety
- Are receiving multiple treatments at one time
- Struggle to become numb from local anesthesia
- Have a sensitive gag reflex.
- Struggle sitting still
- Have had negative past dental experiences
Nitrous Oxide
While we work hard to make sure every patient feels comfortable from the moment he or she arrives, we know that there are patients who need a little extra assistance relaxing and receiving the care they need. Nitrous oxide sedation has been used longer than almost any other anesthesia or sedative, and it offers patients reduced dental sensitivity and relaxation with minimal side effects. As the mildest form of sedation available, we encourage you to learn more about why this option might be right for you when preparing for any kind of dental treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Patients who experience dental fear or anxiety, have difficulty numbing with local anesthetic alone, or who need numerous or complex procedures may benefit from using nitrous oxide sedation. However, the only way to know whether this method of sedation is right for you is to meet with a member of our team.
After going over your overall health history, we can determine if the use of nitrous oxide is something that will be helpful when preparing to undergo a general dental checkup or more in-depth procedure.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a nasal mask, and the dosage is easily adjusted during treatment for optimal results. In a matter of minutes, you will begin to feel slightly warm and fully relaxed. Many patients report a more euphoric feeling, allowing them to be at ease while our team works to address any oral health problems.
The sedative takes effect and wears off quickly, which makes it unlikely that you’ll experience any side effects. It also means that you are free to resume your daily activities immediately following treatment.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
As we previously mentioned, nitrous oxide wears off quickly the moment the mask is removed, and the gas is turned off. After breathing in straight oxygen for a few minutes, you’ll begin to feel like your normal self. Because there is a minimal chance of any side effects developing, you’ll be free to return home or go back to work following your visit to our dental office.
