Sedation Dentistry For Increased Comfort
At Newark Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialists, we are committed to ensuring that you receive the care you need in a manner that makes you as comfortable as possible. To provide you with quality care that maintains your overall comfort, we offer a range of dental sedation options.
Dental sedation is an effective method for helping patients undergoing complex, invasive dental procedures, and is also commonly used for patients who experience intense anxiety at the prospect of having a dental procedure performed. There are a range of sedation types, and various methods of administration. Which type and method of administration is right for you will be determined based on your unique dental needs, health history, and the procedure you are having performed.
From regular periodontal maintenance to repairing, correcting, and preventing periodontal disease, including the placement of dental implants, we are proud to provide you with the highest quality dental care available in a comfortable environment. We are also committed to ensuring you know as much as possible about your oral health so you can make important, informed decisions regarding your oral health and treatment options. To learn more about sedation dentistry, please refer to the following information; or if you would like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, contact us today at (740) 366-3559.
Candidates for Sedation Dentistry
Patients who meet any of the following characteristic are good candidates for sedation dentistry:
- Complex Dental Procedures
- Sensitive Teeth
- Anxiety or Panic Disorder
- Difficulty Achieving Numbness
- Fear of Needles
- Sensitive Gag Reflex
- Autism
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Types of Dental Sedation
Dental sedation varies widely with regards to methods of administration, intensity of the sedation (mild, medium, or heavy), and whether the sedation results in the patient remaining conscious throughout the procedure (conscious sedation) or if they will be asleep and have no memory of the procedure being performed (general anesthesia).
The most common methods for administering sedation include:
- Nitrous Oxide: The most commonly used sedative, nitrous oxide is administered through a mouthpiece and is inhaled and absorbed through the lungs, which results in patients experiencing reduced anxiety and diminished or eliminated pain during the procedure.
- Oral Sedation: Oral sedation is most commonly used for patients who have heightened anxiety towards having a dental procedure performed. Patients will typically take the oral sedation one or two hours before their procedure. Once the sedation has begun to take effect, patients will experience a deeper sense of calm and ease while the procedure is being performed.
- IV Sedation: IV sedation is sedation that is administered intravenously. This is the heaviest type of sedation that can be administered, although the amount of sedation administered can be adjusted to either allow the client to remain conscious during the procedure or be asleep or experience amnesia during the procedure. Due to the intensity of this type of sedation, it will be necessary for someone else to drive you home once the procedure is complete.
Range of Sedation Levels
In addition to a variety of administration options, there are also a range of sedation levels, which are typically categorized as mild, medium, or heavy.
- Mild Sedation: Mild sedation is commonly provided to patient’s whose primary concern is reducing or eliminating dental phobia or heightened anxiety towards having a procedure performed. Mild sedation is also effective in reducing or eliminating pain associated with a procedure, but may not be sufficient for more complex and invasive procedures.
- Medium Sedation: Medium sedation is commonly administered to patients undergoing more invasive or intensive procedures. Medium sedation will put patients in a deepened state of relaxation and significantly reduce and/or eliminate pain associated with the procedure. This level of sedation may also result in the patient experiencing mild amnesia before and after the procedure. Patients who receive medium sedation will need to have someone else drive them home following the procedure.
- Heavy Sedation: Heavy sedation is commonly reserved for patients undergoing the most intensive oral procedures, or in rare cases, for patients who suffer from extreme dental anxiety. Although heavy sedation is avoided if possible, certain oral procedures are sufficiently complex, invasive, and lengthy that IV sedation provides the optimal level of comfort for the patient. This level of sedation will also improve the ability of the dental team to perform the procedure as efficiently and effectively as possible. Patients will typically experience amnesia prior to, during, and after the procedure. Patients who receive heavy sedation will need to have someone else drive them home following the procedure.
Cost of Sedation Dentistry
The cost of sedation dentistry will be determined by a variety of factors, including what type of dental sedation is used, the procedure being performed, the number of visits required to complete the procedure, and how much (if any) of the cost is covered by your dental insurance plan. We are happy to help you file your claim and ensure that you maximize your insurance reimbursement, but any remaining balance will be your responsibility.
If you are not able to pay the full amount due at the time services are rendered, the following financial options may be available:
- Care Credit: 0% interest for (maximum) three months (Our office pays a fee to keep this interest loan free for three months, provided the bill is paid on time)
- 0% interest for pre-authorized debit/credit card for (maximum) four months (Agreement must be signed beforehand)
- Most credit card companies provide interest-free credit for one year to new cardholders.
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
At Newark Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialists, our patients are our most important asset. We are committed to providing you with high-quality care and developing a trusting, long-lasting relationship to ensure you receive continuity of care tailored to your unique needs.
To schedule a sedation dentistry appointment, or to learn more about other services we offer, contact our staff at (740) 366-3559.
We look forward to providing you with the care and support you deserve!
