We offer a range of sedation dentistry options in Fort Smith to ensure your comfort and relaxation during your visit. If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry can help! We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation as mild, conscious sedatives to relieve discomfort and anxiety.
Most forms of dental sedation allow patients to remain conscious but relaxed, which helps ease the tension of undergoing dental procedures.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Looking for a safe, relatively simple way to stay at ease in the dental chair? Nitrous oxide sedation is often a good option for individuals who are mildly anxious about visiting the dentist. It doesn’t put you to sleep, but it does help you stay relaxed throughout your treatment without being bothered by your surroundings. Thanks to nitrous oxide sedation, patients of all ages can enjoy more positive dental experiences.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
You might be a potential candidate for nitrous oxide sedation if:
You routinely experience mild dental fears or anxiety.
You have a stronger-than-average gag reflex that can get in the way of dental care.
Your mouth often has trouble getting numb.
You have a fear of needles.
You find it difficult to sit still for extended periods of time.
Please note that if you are pregnant, are currently experiencing sinus congestion, have a respiratory disease, or take certain kinds of medication, nitrous oxide sedation may not be the best fit for you. If you reach out to our team, we can discuss your potential candidacy in more detail and help you make an informed decision.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
At the beginning of your dental procedure, you’ll make yourself comfortable in our treatment chair. A small mask attached to a special machine will be placed over your nose. Once the machine is turned on, it will release a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, which you will breathe in through the mask.
Within a few minutes, you should start to feel calmer and relaxed. You may start to doze off, but our team should be able to awaken you easily. Some patients even feel euphoric enough to start giggling, which is why nitrous oxide has earned the nickname “laughing gas.”
While we’re treating your smile, we can make adjustments to the level of sedation based on your comfort level. Once the procedure is complete, we’ll turn off the machine, take the mask off your nose, and give you a few minutes to rest. It shouldn’t be long before the effects of the nitrous oxide wear off.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
There is no extensive aftercare required for nitrous oxide sedation. After the effects have faded, you can simply return to your regular activities. You’ll be able to drive by yourself and return to work or run any errands that might need to be completed after your appointment.
Note, though, that this is specifically referring to recovering from the effects of nitrous oxide, not the treatment itself. Certain invasive procedures may require you to spend one or two days resting at home. Our team will give you any aftercare instructions you may need for a smooth recovery; be sure to follow them to the letter, and let us know if you have any questions.
Benefits of Sedation
Sedation dentistry offers several benefits:
Allows anxious patients to receive the important dental care they need
Helps your dentist complete your dental work in fewer visits
Relieves your anxiety and leaves you relaxed after your procedure
If you are interested in sedation dentistry or have questions or concerns, please contact our dental office for more information. We will be happy to help you decide what's right for you!
Oral Conscious Sedation
If nitrous oxide sedation isn’t enough in your case, our team may suggest oral conscious sedation instead. This approach involves special medication that is taken before your appointment. You’ll be in a deeper state of relaxation than you would with nitrous oxide; however, you will still remain awake so that you can follow any instructions that our team gives you. Read on for more information about how oral conscious sedation works and why it might be a good fit for you.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
There are several types of medication that can be used for oral conscious sedation, such as Valium or Ativan. Our team will provide you with the pill as well as instructions for when to take it. The effects should already start to kick in before your treatment begins, so it’s recommended that you arrange for someone else to drive you to your appointment.
With oral conscious sedation, you can stay relaxed in the dental chair without having to worry about wearing a nasal mask. There also aren’t any needles involved.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
The effects of oral conscious sedation will make you feel deeply relaxed to the point where the sights and sounds of our dental office no longer bother you. It’s possible that you may doze off, but a light shake will often be all that’s needed to keep you awake so that you can answer our questions.
Time often seems to pass faster than normal while you’re under the effects of oral conscious sedation. In many cases, you may not even remember what happened during your procedure (which is often seen as a positive by patients who are anxious about visiting the dentist for any reason). At the end of your appointment, you should have a trusted friend or family member drive you home. You will need to take it easy for the remainder of the day since it will be a few hours before the effects of the sedation completely wear off.
Who is a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
There are plenty of situations where oral conscious sedation can be beneficial. You could potentially be a good candidate for this form of sedation if any of the following are true:
You’re often nervous, anxious, or afraid to visit the dentist to the point where you have canceled appointments in the past.
You have a history of negative dental experiences.
You have a more sensitive gag reflex than the average person.
You plan on having multiple treatments performed during a single appointment.
You require a potentially lengthy procedure.
You have a hard time holding your mouth open or sitting still for the length of time required for dental work.
Your mouth cannot be easily numbed.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation is a perfectly safe option for most patients. In fact, most people handle nitrous oxide with no problems. This is why it is widely considered the safest option for the largest number of people.
Before deciding whether to administer sedation, Dr. Sharp will thoroughly review your medical history and current medications. Be sure to mention both prescription and OTC medications you are taking to prevent any negative interactions.
While you are under sedation, your Dr. Sharp and his dental team will closely monitor your vitals, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate to ensure that you are safe the entire time.
Will I remember anything with dental sedation?
Even though you are technically awake with most forms of dental sedation, there’s a good chance you won’t remember much of your procedure, however you may still remember a bit with nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.
What are the risks of sedation dentistry?
While sedation dentistry is generally considered safe for most patients, it can still present some risks. For example, if you have obstructive sleep apnea or are taking certain medications, you may be more likely to develop complications from sedation.
Everyone reacts differently to sedatives, especially if they are taking other medications. Common side effects that could last several hours after your procedure include things like nausea, headache, and grogginess (except in the case of nitrous oxide).
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
Contrary to what Hollywood would like you to believe, dental sedation is not really a “truth serum.” In fact, it’s very unlikely that you’ll reveal any deep, dark secrets while under sedation.
Even if you do say something you wouldn’t normally say while not under sedation, Dr. Sharp and your dental team will keep all confidential information within the walls of the dental treatment room.
Dr. Kyle Sharp received his education and training at the University of Arkansas Fort
Smith for his undergraduate studies and later attended Texas A&M School of
Dentistry for dental school. Dr. Sharp’s favorite aspect of his work lies in the small,
personal atmosphere of patient care. He enjoys using his knowledge and skill to
alleviate pain, create stunning smiles, and build genuine patient connections.
Driven by a commitment to offering a judgment-free environment, he goes the extra
mile to provide tailored dental care that meets each individual’s specific needs. Dr. Sharp’s …
