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Sedation Dentistry – El Reno, OK

No More Stressful
Dental Visits

Relaxed patient thanks to sedation dentistry

Are you delaying treatment you need or want? Terrified to pick up the phone to schedule because of painful procedures in the past? Have trouble gagging or getting numb? Overwhelmed by thoughts of repeated visits to the dentist? Experiencing dental pain? Looking to smile again with confidence? If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, you are not alone. Fortunately, you have come to the right place for relaxing sedation dentistry in El Reno, OK.

Why Choose El Reno Family Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?

  • Options Available for Both Children & Adults
  • Friendly Team That Takes Patient Concerns Seriously
  • Brand-New, State-of-the-Art Dental Office

Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry

Patient relaxed in dnetal chair thanks to oral conscious sedation dentistry

With oral conscious sedation, we can help you start feeling relaxed even before you step foot in our dental office. You’ll be given medication to take at home on the day of your appointment, so by the time you sit in the treatment chair, any nerves will already be gone. You’ll remain awake during your visit, but time will fly by quickly, and you may have little to no memory of the experience afterward (which is just perfect for some of our patients!).

Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry

Female dental patient relaxed under nitrous oxide sedation dentistry

Safe, gentle, and effective, nitrous oxide sedation is perfect for children and adults who just need a little help to stay calm at the dentist. A small mask is placed over the nose, and the patient simply breathes in the colorless, odorless gas, which creates feelings of happiness, warmth, and tranquility. It stays on for the entire appointment, and after it has been removed, a patient will feel normal within a few minutes, allowing them to quickly resume their day.

IV Sedation Dentistry

I V sedation dentistry drip

For patients who have extreme dental-phobia, or those who require an extensive procedure, we can administer a sedative directly into the bloodstream using an injection in the hand or arm. This helps the patient become deeply relaxed very quickly. We can easily adjust someone’s sedation level throughout their appointment to maintain their optimal comfort. IV sedation is also a great option for patients who want to complete multiple procedures in a single appointment to save time.

General Anesthesiology (Sleep Dentistry)

Patient relaxing after general anesthisology session

General anesthesiology allows a patient to literally sleep through their appointment and wake up with no memory of it afterward. We normally recommend it for patients with special needs, those who can’t sit comfortably throughout an appointment because of an injury, or those who are simply terrified of dental care. This will be administered by a licensed anesthesiologist to ensure patient safety. Fortunately, the type of sedative we use is much less potent compared to what is utilized during major surgery, so patients can quickly wake up and recover afterward without too much lingering drowsiness.

Sedation Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions

Young boy with nitrous oxide sedation dentistry mask

For many patients, sedation dentistry sounds like it’s too good to be true, which means they have a lot of questions. We’re happy to answer them so everyone can come into their appointment feeling fully at ease. You’ll find answers to some of our most common sedation-related questions below, but if there is anything else you’d like to ask, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Individuals who might be candidates for sedation dentistry are generally those who:

  • Experience high fear
  • Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
  • have difficulty becoming numb
  • suffer from a very bad gag reflex
  • have very sensitive teeth
  • hate needles and shots
  • hate the noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental care
  • are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth

Are the medications used safely and why use an anesthesiologist?

We offer the option of an anesthesiologist to administer and monitor your IV sedation because your safety is our primary concern. This doctor's only focus is your comfort and safety. The medications used will be determined based on your health history and other current medications.

A milder form of sedation can be achieved by a group of oral drugs called Benzodiazepines. These are a type of medication known as tranquilizers. Familiar names include Valium and Xanax. They are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States

What are contraindications to sedation dentistry?

  • Pregnancy
  • Nursing mothers
  • Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Allergy or sensitivity to benzodiazepine medications
  • Severe medical conditions
  • Significant respiratory problems like severe asthma or emphysema
  • Psychosis
  • Taking a medication called an MAO inhibitor
  • Alcoholics

We estimate that 90-95% of the adult population is good candidates for oral sedation dentistry.

Any special restrictions before sedation dentistry?

We will go over preoperative instructions in detail when you are scheduling your visit. The highlights are:

  • Nothing to eat or drink 8 hrs prior
  • Reduce caffeine for 12 hrs prior
  • No alcohol or narcotic drugs
  • Take prescription drugs as you normally would unless otherwise directed
  • No contact lenses
  • Wear light-weight comfortable clothing, preferably with short sleeves
  • It is essential that you have your escort drive you to your appointment and back home.

Will I feel any pain?

No. You will feel nothing!

Will I be unconscious?

No, you will be in a deeply relaxed state, and you will be responsive.

Will I be monitored?

Yes, one of our team is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.

How long will I be relaxing?

Depending on your needs, you’ll need to relax from two to six hours.

Will someone need to accompany me?

Yes. Due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our dental office and home again.