Have you been avoiding dental care out of fear or anxiety? Dr. Stampe, Dr. Gater, and our dental team are excited to announce that you no longer have to be afraid of visiting the dentist! We offer effective sedation dentistry solutions, and have created a warm, welcoming environment here in our dental office. Patient comfort is our top priority. Relaxing solutions for sedation dentistry from our Richardson, TX dentist, coupled with our compassionate, gentle approach create positive dental experiences. They are also the reason so many of our patients have come to love visiting the dentist!
Sedation Dentistry Solutions
With sedation dentistry, you can relax and even enjoy your time with us. Whether you have mild to severe dental anxiety, Dr. Stampe and Dr. Gater can recommend a sedation solution for a stress-free, pleasant experience.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
For decades, nitrous oxide has helped patients who struggle with anxiety, nerves, and stress have the calm, comfortable, and positive experience they deserve. If you’re wondering why you haven’t heard of it before, there’s a chance you’ve heard it referred to as something else: laughing gas. Below, you can learn a little more about it, including how long the effects last, but don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Dental nitrous oxide in Richardson can help patients who:
Have a fear of needles
Struggle with mild to moderate anxiety
Experience had/neck/jaw pain in the treatment chair
Have a sensitive gag reflex
Need extensive dental care, like a root canal
If you think you would benefit from adding nitrous oxide to your treatment plan, then don’t hesitate to let us know! Once we review your dental history, your allergies, and any supplements/medications you’re taking, we can determine if this calming solution is ideal for you.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Once you settle comfortably into the treatment chair, we will place a nasal mask over your nose. Then, we will switch on the nitrous oxide, which is a colorless, odorless gas. Within a matter of minutes, you’ll feel the effects begin to set in. Oftentimes, patients describe it as feeling warm, calm, relaxed, and slightly euphoric.
Throughout your time at our office, we will continue to check in with you to make sure you’re doing okay. If needed, we can adjust the flow of nitrous. Otherwise, we will let you relax as we provide the preventive, restorative, or cosmetic dental care needed.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Once your procedure is complete, we will let you know and switch off the nitrous oxide. Shortly after, you’ll feel the effects dissipate entirely. Since there aren’t any aftereffects, you don’t need to take the rest of the day off work or have a companion to drive you home. Just make sure that you follow any aftercare instructions we provide you with pertaining to the care you received. For instance, if we performed a root canal, then you shouldn’t chew on that side of your mouth, you should rinse periodically with warm saltwater, and you should take OTC pain medication as directed.
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
A prescription sedative pill taken about an hour prior to your visit. Oral sedation is ideal for moderate to severe dental anxiety. It creates a deeper sense of calm and relaxation, and may leave you with little-to-no memory of your procedure. Because the effects of oral sedation typically last several hours, you will need a companion to drive you to and from your appointment.
Local Anesthetic
Numbing agent used to anesthetize teeth, gums and bone in treatment areas. Local anesthetic is often administered in combination with sedation solutions, and ensures patient comfort throughout the procedure. The numbing effects typically last a few hours, so it is best to avoid eating until after the anesthetic wears off.
Enjoy Relaxed, Stress-Free Experiences
Dental anxiety and fear form a barrier to care for many people. In our patient-friendly dental office, Dr. Stampe, Dr. Gater and our team are committed to ensuring you experience enjoyable, comfortable appointments, each time you visit with us. We explain procedures before we begin, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Positive dental experiences truly can be life-changing. Our team is ready to help you achieve better oral health and get back to enjoying your smile!
For most patients, dental sedation is a safe option. Most people handle nitrous oxide without an issue. Out of all the sedation options, it is the safest for most people. Before deciding whether to administer sedation, we will go over your medical history and current medications to ensure that there won’t be any negative interactions. While you are sedated, we will carefully monitor your vitals at all times to ensure that you are safe!
What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?
This depends on the type of sedation that you receive. Nitrous oxide sedation makes you feel relaxed, light, and euphoric. Some patients may notice a slight tingling sensation in their arms and legs. Oral conscious sedation gives you an even deeper sense of relaxation. You may have difficulty speaking and staying awake – some patients even doze off during their procedure. Time may appear to pass more quickly.
How long does dental sedation last?
This varies for each method. The effects of nitrous oxide sedation should wear off within five minutes once you stop inhaling the gas. You should be good to drive yourself back home or to work afterward without lingering drowsiness. With oral conscious sedation, the pill’s effects may remain active for the rest of the day. You should avoid driving for 24 hours after your procedures to ensure that the effects have completely worn off.
Does dental sedation put you to sleep?
Sedation dentistry is often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” but it doesn’t literally put you to sleep. However, your memories of being sedated may be fuzzy, so it might feel like you’ve fallen asleep even though you didn’t. With oral conscious sedation, you may become groggy enough that you temporarily doze off, but we will gently nudge you awake if this happens.
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
Contrary to popular believe, dental sedation is not actually a “truth serum.” While it can make an interesting plot for your favorite sitcom, it is very unlikely that you will reveal any deep, dark secrets while you are sedated. Even if you do say something that you normally wouldn’t, you can trust that it will be kept within the walls of the treatment room.
