Sedation Dentistry In Henderson, NV

Who Should Consider Sleep Dentistry?

While most dental patients do not need to be sedated for routine check-ups and treatments, others can benefit from sedation dentistry offered at Absolute Dental in Henderson. People who ask about sleep dentistry often have the following qualities:

• Suffer from dental phobias or extreme anxiety
• Have a lower pain threshold or sensitive teeth
• Are unable to sit still or have impaired motor control
• Have cognitive or behavioral issues
• Have an exaggerated gag reflex
• Are sensitive to sounds and smells during procedures
• Have children who find it difficult to stay calm

Also, patients scheduled for a significant amount of dental work at once or suddenly need a Henderson emergency dentist after an accident could benefit from dental sedation.

What Levels Of Sedation Are Available?

Depending on your needs and preferences, our skilled professionals offer varying levels of sedation for different procedures.  

Minimal Sedation

Most sedation in our dental office is considered minimal. The goal is to reduce stress or anxiety while keeping the patient awake and responsive. While minimally sedated, you will be fully conscious but in a relaxed and comfortable state.

If requested and approved, we provide minimal sedation for any dental treatment or procedure, including dental cleanings, tooth fillings, root canals, and other general dentistry in Henderson.

Moderate Sedation

When patients receive moderate or conscious sedation, they will likely not remember the procedure after it wears off. However, they are still awake and can respond to the dentist when needed. Although it is a deeper level of sedation than the minimal option, patients will still recover from the effects relatively quickly.

Moderate sedation is a common practice for Henderson wisdom teeth extractions, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Deep Sedation

Deep sedation puts patients on the brink of consciousness, allowing the dentist to perform longer or more extensive procedures. Although the patient appears to be sleeping, the sedative effects can be reversed quickly if the dentist needs them to wake up.

During this level of sedation, patients are completely unaware of what is happening and will not recall the procedure. Also, they will need assistance to get home from the dentist’s office after this type of sedation.

What Types Of Dental Sedation Do We Offer?

Based on medical history and personal needs, we work with our patients to determine the most effective type of sedation for each individual. Absolute Dental in Henderson, NV offers the following sedative options for in-office dental care:

Nitrous Oxide

Often referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide provides a gentle level of sedation that helps patients to relax through their procedure. We’ll place a mask over your nose to administer the nitrous oxide during treatment, keeping you calm and alleviating dental anxiety and nerves.

After removing the mask, patients recover quickly and feel alert after only 10 to 15 minutes. You can usually resume your normal activities after the effects wear off, including driving.

Oral Sedative Pills

Oral sedatives are used to put patients in a state of conscious sedation, ranging from minimal to moderate sedation. A common oral sedative is Halcion (triazolam), which is also prescribed to treat light insomnia. It works quickly but only lasts for about one to two hours.

Patients are given the pill about one hour before dental work begins. As the medication takes effect, you’ll feel drowsy and sleepy. During the procedure, you may fall into a gentle sleep but can be awakened easily.

Intravenous (IV) Medications

IV sedation involves administering a sedative through the veins. This method works very quickly, so there is no downtime waiting for the drugs to take effect. Also, the dentist can adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure, giving them more control over the process.

While you retain consciousness, IV sedation induces a deep state of relaxation for as long as the procedure takes. This makes it a common method for lengthy procedures and treatments that involve multiple steps.

Combination Sedation

In some cases, we’ll use a combination of sedation methods to ensure our patients are comfortable and able to get the care they need. These combination techniques are meant to create a better experience with less recovery time for our patients.

Do All Dentists Offer Sedation Dentistry?

No, not all dentists are certified for sedation dentistry practices. Professionals must complete additional training and earn certifications to perform dental sedation. This is why it’s essential to find a qualified sedation dentist with experience in this field.

At Absolute Dental, we will help you to manage your dental experience and create a relaxed and positive atmosphere for your dental care. Contact our Henderson team to learn more.

Why Choose Absolute Dental For Sleep Dentistry In Henderson, Nv?

Absolute Dental is the most trusted name in Southern Nevada dental care. With offices in Henderson and throughout Las Vegas, we are dedicated to quality care at affordable rates for patients of all ages.

Don’t have insurance? We’ve got you covered. We have special offers, flexible payment plans, and exclusive discounts through our Smile Saver program. Get the care you need at the best rates at Absolute Dental.

Sources:

Dentophobia (Fear of Dentists). (2022).

Kapur, A., et al. (2018). Conscious Sedation in Dentistry.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas). (2023).