Sedation Dentistry in Hudson Valley

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to the process of administering medications or gas to help patients feel relaxed and at ease during dental procedures. IV sedation dentistry, laughing gas, and oral sedation dentistry are just a few examples of dental sedation options. Although this treatment option is frequently called sleep dentistry, you can expect to remain awake while receiving dental sedation, unless you’re under general anesthesia. Sedation for dental treatment can be used for a variety of procedures, whether you require a simple teeth cleaning or a complex treatment.

What Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?

Your sedation dentistry cost can vary and is based on the type of sedative used and the length of your dental procedure. Many of our patients find the cost of sleep dentistry affordable, but our office also offers financing options to help you manage dental sedation costs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Can I Really Relax with Dental Sedation?

If you have dental anxiety or feel uncomfortable while visiting the dentist, dental sedation can help you have a stress-free experience while receiving dental care. To learn more about how sedation dentistry in Hudson Valley can help you relax, contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Are There Different Types of Sleep Dentistry?

Examples of dental sedation include:

Nitrous oxide

Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild dental sedation. During treatment, you’ll breathe in oxygen and nitrous oxide through a mask placed over your nose. Although you’ll remain awake throughout your procedure, you’ll experience a state of relaxation and feel comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off immediately once you’re no longer breathing in the gas, and your dentist can control your level of sedation.

Oral sedation dentistry

When choosing oral sedation, you’ll take a prescription medication that helps you feel relaxed. You’ll likely be prescribed Halcion (a medication much like Valium), and you’ll take it about an hour before your appointment. The medication can make you feel drowsy or even fall asleep during the procedure, but many patients remain awake.

IV sedation dentistry

With IV sedation, your dentist will inject a medication intravenously, helping it work quickly as it goes through your bloodstream. You’ll feel relaxed, but not fully awake during the procedure, and your dentist can closely monitor and adjust the level of sedation you receive.

Deep sedation

Deep sedation involves undergoing general anesthesia. You’ll fall into a deep sleep with this sedation option, and you’ll be unconscious during your procedure.

Each type of sedation dentistry will be reviewed with you so one can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

How Can You Benefit from Sleep Dentistry?

Dental sedation has numerous proven benefits, and treatment can be customized based on your needs. The use of dental sedation can help to reduce fear or anxiety you may have about visiting the dentist. If you’re concerned about feeling pain during your procedure, dental sedation can help you undergo treatment completely pain-free. If you have a strong gag reflex, sedation can help to ensure that you feel relaxed, without feeling like you’re choking or gagging. Sedation dentistry can also be helpful for patients who require multiple dental procedures. In some cases, the dentist can accomplish more during treatment when the patient is sedated, which can result in fewer trips to the dentist.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation may be covered if treatment is considered medically required, and procedures requiring anesthesia may be more likely to be covered by your insurance. Be sure to talk to your provider about your eligibility for sedation dentistry insurance coverage before receiving treatment.

How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?

Whether you receive a mild or more intense form of dental sedation will determine how long the effects of sedation for dental treatment last. Since the effects wear off very quickly, it’s common for patients to drive home after receiving nitrous oxide. However, it’s normal to feel groggy or unable to concentrate for hours after receiving oral sedation and IV sedation dentistry. Patients receiving any form of sedation other than nitrous oxide will need to make transportation arrangements since they will be unable to drive home afterward.

Ready to discover the benefits of undergoing sedation dentistry in Hudson Valley? Our dentists can make recommendations based on your individual needs. To learn more about the dental sedation options we offer, get in touch with us today.