Sedation Dentist – Norman, OK
Helping You Have Positive, Comfortable Dental Visits
Despite advances in tools and anesthesia, dental fear remains one of the most common phobias. If you're anxious about dental visits, you need a gentle dentist who shares your concerns. At our dental office, we take extra measures to ensure our patients are comfortable throughout their visit, and we offer sedation dentistry in Norman to encourage deep relaxation. Read on to learn more about how you can start to enjoy positive and comfortable dental visits!
Why Choose Bobby J. Carmen, DDS for Sedation Dentistry?
- Multiple Relaxing Types of Dental Sedation
- State-of-the-Art Dental Technology
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry has been dubbed sleep dentistry by many, because patients often drift in and out of sleep while under sedation. However, it's important to know that you won't be completely "knocked out." With sedation dentistry, you'll enter a "twilight state," meaning that you'll be between wakefulness and slumber. Dr. Carmen can easily interact with you at any time, and you'll be able to respond to the doctor's questions, though you'll remember little from the actual procedure.
Sedation dentistry is great for patients who have:
- Anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist
- Time constraints
- A sensitive gag reflex
- Difficulty numbing with local anesthetic
- Neck or back pain that prevents them from resting comfortably
Your Norman Sedation Dentist, Dr. Carmen
Dr. Carmen received his sedation dentistry certification with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, the nation's leading association dedicated to helping people overcome dental fear. He provides nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, and he works with an anesthesiologist who administers IV sedation at our Norman, Oklahoma dental office. Dr. Carmen will consult with you regarding the right method of sedation for you, and he will thoroughly explain what to expect on the day of treatment.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide – also known as laughing gas – is commonly used to help children and adults soothe their dental anxieties. You’ll breathe in the gas through a small mask placed over your nose. You won’t be unconscious, but you also won’t be bothered by anything that’s going on around you. One advantage of choosing nitrous oxide over other types of sedation is that it wears off quickly once you stop breathing it in, so you can simply return to school or work after your appointment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Sedation dentistry is a great option for a variety of patients who feel uncomfortable receiving dental treatments. Nitrous oxide sedation in Norman is typically recommended to patients who:
- Have a fear of needles
- Are scared of the dental office
- Have difficulty controlling their movement
- Suffer from dental sensitivity
- Have difficulty becoming numb
If you fit under any of these categories or feel as though you can benefit from nitrous oxide sedation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Most of our patients who receive this service begin feeling more relaxed and comfortable nearly immediately after we administer it.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
Before your treatment begins, we will administer the nitrous oxide through a small mask that one of our friendly dental professionals will place over your nose. Using knobs located next to you, you will see us adjust the flow of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas, which is clear and odorless. Within a minute or two, you’ll begin to feel a euphoric wave come over you, allowing you to relax and feel more comfortable during your procedure. Some patients feel slight light-headedness or a tingling sensation, but this is typical.
Once we have determined the full effects of the nitrous oxide have kicked in, we’ll start your treatment. As soon as we have finished, we’ll remove the nose mask and turn off the gas. Just as quickly as you felt the effects of the gas wash over you, they’ll go away. Within just a few minutes, you’ll begin to feel normal again. Most of our patients are able to carry on with their day as they normally would directly after their visit.
Benefits of Using Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Some benefits of receiving nitrous oxide sedation include:
- No drowsiness after your treatment
- You won’t need to have somebody come pick you up after your appointment
- You’ll remain coherent and aware during your procedure
If you have any questions about nitrous oxide sedation or are wondering whether this service can help you with your anxiety, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist in Norman. Our team will be more than happy to address your concerns and give you the information and guidance you need to have a great experience at the dental office.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For this type of sedation, we’ll give you some medication before the day of your appointment. You’ll need to take said medication a certain number of hours before your treatment begins. By the time you get to our dental office, you should already start feeling the effects. You may be drowsy enough to doze off, but we can wake you up easily so that you can follow our directions and answer our questions. Plan on having a trusted friend or family member drive you home afterward.
What Is Oral Conscious Dental Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is the use of oral medication, sometimes in combination with nitrous oxide, to achieve an appropriate level of relaxation so that a fearful patient can calmly receive the dental care they need. Most states require board-certification, which involves additional training in dosage, monitoring, and safety. The entire process is simple and comfortable.
At your first appointment, we will discuss with you your overall health and medical history. If you feel comfortable, we will take X-rays and examine your teeth and supporting tissues. This will give us the information we need to determine which dental treatments will restore your smile. Before you leave the office, we will schedule your next appointment and prescribe an anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety, medication.
We will advise you as to when you should take the medication, usually the night before your dental appointment. Accompanied by a responsible friend or family member, you'll arrive at the dentist's office more rested and relaxed. We will gauge your anxiety level when you arrive for the appointment. If needed, nitrous oxide will be given to further relax you, and an experienced sedation dentistry team will monitor your vital signs during the procedure.
After Your Appointment with Oral Conscious Sedation
Your friend or family member will accompany you home once your dental work is complete. The effects of the sedative should subside by the following day. It is wise to have a friend or relative stay with you until the medication wears off.
Although your dental procedures may take hours, you will feel as if they take only minutes. Some patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep in the dentist's chair. Sedation medications have an amnesic effect, so you’ll have few, if any, memories of the visit. You can immediately enjoy your improved smile.
Who Should Consider Oral Conscious Sedation?
You may want to consider oral sedation if:
- You are fearful or anxious of dental treatment and dental instruments
- Local anesthetics do not have a numbing effect on you
- You have a sensitive gag reflex
- You suffer from any health issues, such as neck or back pain, which could lead to discomfort while sitting in a dentist's chair
Contact a dentist to discuss whether oral conscious sedation is an option for you. Oral conscious sedation can give you the peace of mind you need in order to undergo dental work. You may enjoy better overall health, an improved self-image, and better quality of life with a healthy, beautiful smile.
IV Sedation
This is the type of sedation that we’re most likely to recommend for patients with severe dental phobias or those that are having lengthy procedures done. The sedative is delivered directly to your bloodstream and takes effect within minutes. It won’t be long before you’re in a highly relaxed state where you’re completely unbothered by what’s going on around you. We’ll keep a close eye on your vital signs during your treatment to ensure that you stay safe and comfortable the whole time.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Whether your palms sweat when it’s time to visit the dentist or you need an invasive procedure, sedation dentistry can help you sit back and relax. Although you know your sedation dentist in Norman can ensure a comfortable and pain-free appointment, it’s normal to have several questions about sleep dentistry. There’s no reason to worry. Dr. Carmen will address any concerns during your initial consultation. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear about sedation dentistry.
Are there different types of dental sedation?
Yes, there are different types of dental sedation used based on your specific needs. Our office dental offers three options:
- Nitrous Oxide: Better known as “laughing gas,” the inhaled sedative is recommended for patients who have mild-to-moderate dental phobias. The sedative dissipates quickly without any lingering side effects.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: The prescribed medication is best for people who need more invasive treatments. You’ll reach a deep level of relaxation to the point you might even fall asleep. It can take several hours for the sedative to wear off, so you’ll need to have someone drive you home.
- IV Sedation: Dr. Carmen works with an anesthesiologist to offer IV sedation. This is often best for patients who need an invasive treatment, like a surgical extraction or dental implants. You won’t remember your appointment or any discomfort. Although you’ll awaken easily, it will take several hours for the effects to fully subside, so you’ll need to rest for the remainder of the day.
Is sedation dentistry right for me?
Sedation dentistry is safe when used on the ideal candidate and administered by a trained professional, like Dr. Carmen. Sedation may be an option for you if:
- You have dental-related fears and phobias.
- You have sensitive teeth or gums.
- You have a strong gag reflex.
- You need multiple or invasive treatments.
- You have difficulty keeping your mouth open.
- You suffer from jaw pain.
- You have a physical or cognitive impairment that affects your dental care.
- You don’t numb easily using a local anesthetic.
Will I feel any pain with sedation dentistry?
The sedative will lower your awareness level, so you aren’t as alert to pain. Besides a sedative, a local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment site. Together, they eliminate any pain or discomfort, so you can enjoy your time in the dental chair.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry has few risks when performed by a trained professional, like Dr. Carmen. To ensure you have minimal risks of complications, we’ll review your medical history to look for any potential issues. You’ll also be closely monitored while you’re sedated to ensure your safety.
How much does sedation dentistry cost?
There isn’t a set fee for sedation dentistry because there are several factors that influence the cost, like the type of sedation needed. We’ll provide you with an estimate during your initial consultation and discuss your payment options, like using your dental insurance. We’ll help you find the solutions you need to conquer your dental fears without breaking the bank.