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Sedation Dentistry – Murphy, TX

Afraid of the Dentist? We Can Help!

Many patients of all ages struggle with negative emotions and even outright phobias surrounding dentistry, but this shouldn’t have to hold anyone back from receiving the high-quality care they deserve. At Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, your comfort is very important to  Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Najari  – that’s why we’re happy to bring a highly trained sedation dentist to you. With several calming sedation options available here in-office, we can carry out your treatment in a safe, pleasant fashion. Please  contact us today  if you have any questions or if you’re ready to schedule a visit involving sedation dentistry in Murphy, TX.

Why Choose Murphy Family Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?

  • In-Office Sedation Expert
  • Experienced & Gentle Staff
  • Outstanding Digital Technology for Optimal Comfort

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Male patient receiving nitrous oxide sedation in Murphy, TX

Nitrous oxide (also commonly referred to as “laughing gas”) is a mild form of sedation that can be used on patients of most ages. It’s administered through a nasal mask while the patient rests comfortably in the treatment chair. While you will remain awake and aware of your surroundings, you should feel much calmer and more at ease. One of the biggest benefits of choosing nitrous oxide is that patients are usually able to return to their regular routine right away afterward with very little downtime required.

How Nitrous Oxide Sedation Works

Close-up of machine for nitrous oxide sedation in Murphy, TX

Nitrous oxide is an odorless sedative that is inhaled through a small nasal mask. Compared to other forms of dental sedation, our dentists have greater control over the amount that is delivered, allowing our team to more effectively meet your personal needs. The dosage can be incrementally increased or decreased as needed throughout the procedure.

As the nitrous oxide takes effect, you won’t actually be “put to sleep.” Rather, you will be so relaxed that you may doze off briefly, but we can gently nudge you awake if need be. You might feel a bit light-headed and experience tingling or a feeling of heaviness in your extremities, but overall, you’ll feel comfortable and calm.

Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation Right for Me?

Close-up of patient receiving nitrous oxide sedation in Murphy, TX

Most patients who are nervous about an upcoming dental appointment would make good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation. We may also suggest it for those who have:

  • Sensitive teeth or gums
  • An overactive gag reflex
  • Difficulty keeping the jaw open
  • Chronic neck, back, or jaw pain
  • Certain cognitive or physical impairments
  • Multiple procedures that need to be completed in one sitting

Nitrous oxide is not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have medical issues like high blood pressure or bronchitis, or are taking certain medications. To be on the safe side, your dentist in Murphy will need to review your full medical history before you can undergo any kind of sedation.

What to Expect After Your Procedure

Female patient smiling and holding a mirror

Once your procedure is finished and we remove the mask, the sedative’s effects should subside quickly, usually within thirty minutes. We’ll take you to a waiting area in the meantime. Most patients are able to drive themselves home and continue with their daily routine afterward. Unlike other sedatives, nitrous oxide usually doesn’t result in any lingering side effects.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Female patient relaxing in a dental chair

Oral conscious sedation comes in the form of medication, which will be prescribed to you before your scheduled treatment. This type of sedation has a stronger effect than nitrous oxide, and patients will need a trusted escort to bring them both to and from our Murphy, TX dental office for their own safety. While you will not fall asleep, you’ll likely enter a deep state of relaxation and retain very little memory of the experience afterward.

What Can I Expect from Oral Conscious Sedation?

Female patient under effects of oral conscious sedation in Murphy, TX

First, your Murphy sedation dentist will prescribe you a dose of antianxiety medication based on your level of anxiety and health. About an hour before your appointment, you’ll take the medication, causing you to gradually start to feel at ease. By the time a friend or family member drives you to our office and you settle into the dental chair, you’ll be feeling extremely relaxed. 

Throughout your treatment, we’ll keep a close eye on your vital signs to ensure you’re safe and comfortable. You will be oblivious to all the sights, sounds, and feelings that would normally cause you anxiety during your treatment. Some patients will even drift off to sleep during their procedure, but they can easily be awakened if needed. The effects of your sedation will eventually start to wear off, but you will still feel quite groggy. Plan to have someone take you home so you can relax for the rest of the day.

Is Oral Conscious Sedation Right for Me?

Form asking about oral conscious sedation in Murphy, TX

Before your appointment, Dr. Nguyen or Dr. Najari will review your medical history, the medications you’re taking, and your level of dental anxiety to ensure that oral conscious sedation is right for you. In most cases, this method is a good choice for patients who:

  • Are living with dental pain because they’re too nervous to visit the dentist.
  • Tend to cancel their upcoming appointments out of fear.
  • Have trouble getting numb with a local anesthetic.
  • Want a deeper level of sedation than what nitrous oxide can provide.
  • Can’t stand the sights, sounds, or smells of the dental office.
  • Have sensitive teeth, an overactive gag reflex, jaw issues, or neck, back, or spine problems that make sitting in the dental chair uncomfortable.
  • Are afraid of needles or masks.
  • Are having multiple treatments or a particularly invasive treatment completed.

IV Sedation

Close-up of drip for IV sedation in Murphy, TX

 IV sedation is very similar to oral conscious sedation, but it’s administered intravenously instead of through oral medication. This allows our sedation dentist to adjust the dosage whenever needed to ensure optimal comfort and safety throughout the treatment process. When planning to undergo IV sedation, please arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home afterward and keep an eye on you for the rest of the day while you recover.

Preparing for IV Sedation Dentistry

Dentist holding drip for IV sedation in Murphy, TX

We'll discuss how to prepare for your visit in detail, but we generally recommend not eating or drinking for 8 hours beforehand (morning or earlier appointments are ideal for this reason). Wear loose, comfortable shoes and clothing as well as a minimum amount of jewelry. While we typically advise taking prescription medications as usual, we'll evaluate your health history and provide recommendations based on your individual needs.

Also, in addition to arranging for a close friend or family member to drive you to and from our dental office, it's also a good idea to take the day off from work to fully rest and allow the effects of the sedation to wear off.

Are You a Candidate for IV Sedation Dentistry?

Man in blue shirt smiling in front of brick wall

IV sedation has been safely and effectively used for decades on millions of dental patients. It provides relatively deeper relaxation than other options, so it's perfect for anyone with moderate to severe anxiety. It's also especially helpful for the following situations:

  • Multiple procedures need to be done at once.
  • A longer appointment is expected.
  • The patient has a history of traumatic dental experiences.
  • The patient has a particularly complex dental problem.
  • The patient has a hard time getting numb.
  • The patient has a bad gag reflex.
  • The patient has severely sensitive teeth.

Benefits of IV Sedation Dentistry

Brown-haired woman standing outside and smiling

IV sedation in Murphy makes it much easier for you to tolerate long or involved procedures and helps these visits run more smoothly. That, in turn, makes your dental work a more positive experience and helps reduce your dental phobia over time. Another advantage is that it creates an amnesia effect, so you'll likely have little to no memory of your dental work. Ultimately, IV sedation will help you get the dental care you need to have a healthy smile.

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Blonde woman in office standing and smiling

Whether sedation dentistry is a good match for you – and what kind you should get – can only be determined by speaking to a knowledgeable, experienced dental professional. Get in touch with our practice today for more details about our sedation options and the unique benefits that each one has to offer. We will help you figure out which of the available forms of sedation is best suited for putting your worries to rest during your dental appointments.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Cubes that spell “FAQ” on lengthy paper

Do you tend to feel nervous or anxious when visiting the dentist? Do you require extensive treatment and want to make sure you’re comfortable throughout your appointment? Fortunately, our team is happy to provide sedation dentistry to help make your dental experience a positive one. That said, you may want to know as much as you can about these options before beginning any procedures. For this reason, we’ve compiled and answered some of the most common questions our sedation dentists in Murphy get about the treatment. Keep reading or reach out to our office to learn more about this relaxing solution!

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation dentistry is completely safe for the majority of patients. In most cases, people can manage nitrous oxide without any concerns, especially since it’s the mildest and gentlest form of this kind of treatment. However, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation may not always be for everyone, as patients might be taking certain medications that can interfere with their effects. To determine whether sedation is a good option for you, your dentist will review your medical history to verify that there won’t be harmful interactions. If you are eligible for sedation dentistry, our team will carefully monitor your vitals throughout your appointment to ensure your safety.

Can Dental Sedation Make You Sick?

It isn’t very common for patients to grow ill after undergoing nitrous oxide sedation. Some people, however, do experience mild nausea, but this is typically minimal and short-lived. Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation are much stronger, so there is a slightly increased chance of encountering side effects. To minimize your risks, our team will usually recommend that you fast or refrain from eating for several hours before your appointment. If this isn’t possible, or if you struggle to skip meals, then you might consider scheduling your treatment at the beginning of the day.

What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?

Your experience will vary depending on the type of sedation you receive. Nitrous oxide is the lightest and gentlest form, which will make you feel relaxed and euphoric. Many patients sometimes notice a mild tingling sensation in their limbs. You may even find little things funny, hence the nickname “laughing gas.” When using oral conscious sedation, you’ll undergo a deeper level of relaxation. Though you’ll still be awake to respond to simple verbal commands from your dentist, you may not remember much of your appointment. Since IV sedation is the strongest form, you’ll feel so completely relaxed that it’ll seem as though you’ve gone to sleep.

Will I Feel Any Pain with Dental Sedation?

While nitrous oxide is the mildest form of sedation dentistry, it can suppress your ability to register pain. Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation provide a higher dose of relaxation, so you’re not likely to even remember any pain during your procedure. Even if you do feel some discomfort, it’s likely to be pressure instead of pain. Furthermore, your dentist may provide you with a local anesthetic to numb your mouth before your treatment (depending on the procedure you require). This will certainly prevent you from experiencing any discomfort throughout your appointment.