Sleep Dentistry in McKinney
A visit to the dentist is not always fun, yet it is an essential part of life. If you find that the idea of visiting the dentist or going through a dental procedure fills you with fear and anxiety, then Dr. Ibrahim Houari may recommend a form of sedation to help ease the anxiety and make you feel comfortable enough to receive the dental care you need.
Sleep Dentist, Sedation Dentist Near Me, McKinney 75070
There are different sedation techniques that can be used to calm dental patients before and during in-office treatment, or to make them more comfortable for longer procedures. Dental sedation is different from pain management. The latter involves shots and numbing agents. But if the idea of getting a numbing shot frightens you, then dental sedation can help you relax and take your mind off the treatment process.
Depending on your level of dental anxiety, Dr. Ibrahim Houari may recommend one of the following types of dental sedation:
1. Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is usually given before dental procedures such as root canal therapy or crown placement to help patients relax. The gas is administered by placing the apparatus over your nose to inhale it. The effects are mild, and you will be conscious (awake) during the procedure. The effects wear off as soon as the apparatus is removed and you stop inhaling the gas, usually within a minute.
Nitrous oxide can be used alone, or in combination with oral sedation if stronger sedation is desired while keeping the patient awake.
2. Oral Sedation
Kid’s can feel afraid when they are facing a dental procedure. Fortunately, oral sedation can help. Oral sedation is a medication given by a dentist to make children calm during dental procedures such as extractions, root canals, and fillings. Oral sedation is a mild sedative that will make children feel very relaxed and a little sleepy. This medication allows children to sleep, but it is possible they will still be awake.
Oral sedation is not a painkiller. The dentist will still inject painkiller medication to numb the gums near the procedure area to keep it pain-free. Oral sedation is great for children (and adults) who experience a lot of fear and anxiety at the dentist's office.
Oral sedation comes in liquid or pill form. The medication starts to work in about 20 minutes, so it is normally taken when the child arrives at the dentist's office. Normally, children should not eat or drink after midnight the night before the appointment. The dentist's office will give the parent specific directions.
The dentist will review the child’s medical history, and explain to the parent the type of oral sedation the child will receive. The parent will be asked to sign a consent form before any sedation is given.
During the procedure, the child’s vital signs will be monitored closely by the dental staff. Oral sedation medicine may last up to six hours after the treatment. This is why children should not go back to school after the procedure.
It is normal for children to seem incoherent afterward. When the oral medication wears off, children may not remember what happened during the procedure.
If your child needs a dental procedure, please call our office to make an appointment. The dentist can explain what the procedure is and how your child will be sedated. Our office puts a top priority on safety for our little patients. Call today.
If your child needs a dental procedure that involves drilling or extractions, you may want to consider laughing gas. Please call our office and make an appointment with the dentist to go over your child’s dental condition and what procedure your child may need.
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