Services

Sedation Dentistry

Are You Afraid of the Dentist?

When we notice a patient is jittery when they enter our office or they continue to skip out on an appointment, we often suggest sedation dentistry so they can feel at ease. Our sedation dentistry options are meant to help patients feel calm and stress-free during their dental procedure.

At Hastings Family Dental, we use minimal sedation that allows you to be relaxed enough where you’re no longer worried about what exactly is happening in your mouth. Many of our patients end up not even remembering their procedure which also encourages them to come back without fear.

Our qualified team of dentists are now able to correct, improve, and restore your dismissed dental problems in fewer visits. If you suffer from dental phobia or anxiety, explore the sedation dentistry options we offer at our Hastings and Doniphan dental offices.

Reasons Why Our Patients Seek Sedation Dentistry:

  • Fear of dental treatment
  • History of traumatic dental experiences
  • Difficulty getting numb from local anesthesia
  • Very sensitive gag reflex
  • Extremely sensitive teeth
  • Require a complex treatment or several procedures
  • The patient can’t keep their mouth open

Minimal Oral Conscious Sedation

At Hastings Family Dental, we understand that dental fears are common and will stop many of our patients from undergoing their necessary treatment. Minimal oral conscious sedation is done by taking a small pill an hour before your dental appointment. When you come into our office, you’ll feel completely mellow and ready to begin your procedure.

You may doze off slightly from the medication, but in general, you’ll still be awake. Oral conscious sedation is very safe and our dentists will carefully monitor your vitals throughout your appointment to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Since some patients often wake up a bit dazed, we will suggest you have a friend or family member drive you home. The sedatives will wear off quickly, but we want to ensure you get home safely.


Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also commonly known as laughing gas, is our other sedation option for our patients who need help feeling more comfortable at our office. You will breathe in a colorless, odorless gas combined with oxygen that eliminates pain and provides a euphoric feeling for your mind and body.

You’ll safely inhale the nitrous oxide through a mask and it will take two to three minutes for the relaxing effect to begin. Our certified team members will control the amount of sedation throughout your procedure since the gas wears off quickly.

This is the only form of sedation where you can drive yourself home following your appointment unless you feel more comfortable having a driver.


Enjoy the Ease of Your Dental Procedure

With the benefits of our sedation dentistry options, you’ll feel confident in your procedure and experience an easy, stress-free dental visit. No matter your reason for postponing your appointment, we want you to know that we can help you get through it.

The combination of our genuine care and effective treatments will allow you to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile sooner than you know. If you have any questions or concerns about our sedation options, call our Hastings or Doniphan office today so we can help relieve your worries.

FAQs

Will I benefit from dental sedation?

Our doctors recommend sedation for patients with dental anxiety and fear so they can receive necessary care and treatment. You may benefit from sedation dentistry if you:

  • Feel tense, nervous, or anxious before an appointment
  • Become scared at the sight of dental instruments
  • Have trouble breathing or feel panicked in the office
How long will I be sedated?

Dental sedation can last anywhere from two to six hours, depending on a number of factors. This includes the method used, strength of sedation, and length of your procedure. Before your procedure, our doctors will explain any necessary information and answer any questions you may have.

Will I be monitored?

Yes! You will be monitored by our highly trained staff throughout the entire process. We’ll also monitor your vitals to make sure they remain at a normal, healthy level. From the moment you walk into our office, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure you have a comfortable experience with us.

Are there any long-term effects of sedation?

No, there aren’t any long-term effects of sedation. It’s likely you’ll feel groggy and dazed after your procedure when using nitrous oxide. However, this should subside within a few hours and we strongly suggest that you plan a designated driver to take you home after your procedure.

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