Many people find dental visits to be traumatizing, so they delay seeking needed dental treatment because they dread the process. However, there are now several innovative methods that can eliminate the anxiety associated with the dentist’s chair and enable everyone to have the dental treatments they need without the dental anxiety. If you have questions about dental sedation, call our office in Austin, Texas, and we’ll be happy to answer them.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Oral sedation dentistry can alleviate dental anxiety through the use of sedatives during the procedure. Dental sedation doesn’t put the patient to sleep, rather, it relaxes them so it’s easier for the dentist to perform the procedure, and the patient is far less stressed. Unless the patient is undergoing general anesthesia, sedation dentistry can be used for many procedures, from tooth cleanings to more invasive procedures.
What Is the Cost of Sedation Dentistry?
The cost of every dental procedure will be unique to the patient and will be determined by their unique needs and their insurance coverage. Two people using the same dentist for the same procedure will pay different costs, even if they have the same insurance company. All plans are negotiated with the provider, so there’s an almost infinite number of factors involved. However, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive estimate for the cost of your sedation dentistry in our office, so you won’t be surprised when you receive your bill. If you need dental sedation but it’s not currently in your budget, ask us about flexible financing plans that will enable you to afford the treatment you need.
Why Use Sedation for Dental Treatment?
Dental sedation enables those who have severe anxiety about the dental chair to receive the treatment they need without subjecting them to undue stress. A variety of dental sedation options are available, from light sedation to general anesthesia, and we’ll recommend the best option for you.
What Are the Types of Oral Sedation Dentistry?
Our Austin Dentistry office offers several types of sedation dentistry, such as the following:
- Inhaled minimal sedation: This is one of the most commonly used methods and involves the use of nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, and your dentist will control the amount you receive.
- Oral sedation: This is the most commonly used of all the sedation dentistry methods. You’ll receive a pill that makes you drowsy, but you’ll remain awake throughout the procedure.
- IV sedation dentistry: We’ll insert an IV line into a vein, and you’ll begin to relax. Your dentist will be able to manually adjust the amount of sedation you receive during your procedure.
- Deep dental sedation: This is the most intense form of sedation we offer and is a form of IV sedation dentistry. Your dentist will administer a sedative that will put you completely under and you won’t wake up until the medication wears off or is reversed. For this type of sedation, you’ll need to arrange for transportation when you leave our office.
During your initial consultation, your dentist will discuss your options for sedation and recommend the best option for your needs. Be aware, though, that not everyone is a candidate for all types of sleep dentistry, so your dentist will recommend the one that best fits your circumstances.
What Are the Benefits of Sleep Dentistry?
There are several advantages to using sleep dentistry. The main advantage is that it makes dental procedures available to everyone who needs them rather than only those who don’t suffer from dental angst. Another advantage is that it reduces the gag reflex that many people experience during a dental procedure. This makes it easier for the dentist to perform the procedure and easier for the patient to receive the treatment. Pain reduction is a given.
Does Insurance Cover IV Sedation Dentistry?
Most insurance plans cover sedation for dental treatment, but check with your insurance provider before deciding on a sedation option. Some of the more intense sedation methods may need to be deemed medically necessary, whereas the more commonplace methods are usually covered. Your insurance provider will always be the most reliable method for obtaining accurate information on your benefits, so check with them first.
How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?
The duration of your dental sedation will depend on the type and amount of sedative you receive, as well as the procedure you had performed. Although some patients are able to drive home after inhaled sedation, we recommend that you arrange for transportation after your procedure. This is for your safety and that of others, since not everyone responds the same to the effects of dental sedation.
Who Provides Sedation Dentistry in Austin, Texas?
If you need sleep dentistry in the Austin, Texas, area, then call Austin Dentistry at 512-600-3535, and we can help you. We can answer your questions about your sedation dentistry cost in our office and refer you to companies that provide sedation dentistry insurance. Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you.