Top 5 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Anxious about visiting the dentist? You’ve probably come across the term sedation dentistry. Fear of the dentist is way more common than you may think, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. At Advanced Dental Arts, our mantra is “judgment-free dentistry”, and we stand by that. We want you to feel comfortable, safe, and heard, which is why our team will do everything we can to ensure you feel good about the experience we provide.

Recognizing how many questions exist around this type of procedure, we pulled out the five most common questions and are answering them for you below!

1. Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes, sedation dentistry is very safe when done by a properly trained dentist. Not every dentist can offer this procedure, they have to be licensed and certified to administer it. Your vitals are monitored closely throughout the procedure to ensure no side effects. Individuals who are overweight, suffer from serious health concerns (ex. sleep apnea or heart problems), or have abnormal vital signs may not qualify. It is also always important to ensure your dentist is aware of any medications you are currently taking and aware of your allergies to ensure there is no potential for reaction.

2. How expensive is it? 

There are a variety of types of sedation dentistry, and the cost fluctuates based on the type used. At our office, we use oral and inhaled sedation, and the cost of those can range between $700-$800 or so. It’s worth noting that the cost is specific to the sedation – it doesn’t include the cost of the procedure you are undergoing when asleep. There is a higher cost to IV sedation and general anesthesia, which usually are based on hourly rates for a dental anesthesiologist. Again, these are costs added to the procedure itself and not all-inclusive estimates. Insurance will sometimes cover this under basic services, but it really varies based on the plan you have and other circumstances. For those who don’t have insurance or are unable to get it covered by insurance, we do offer payment plans.

3. Will I feel any pain? 

In instances where general anesthesia is used, patients will feel zero pain since they’re in a very deep sleep. For oral or inhaled sedation, our experience is that most patients experience little to no pain. If they do feel any pain, it’s usually quite tolerable and reminiscent of minor discomfort versus a more typical pain-like sensation. Feeling pressure is common in the area being operated on. That said, once the procedure is over and the medication(s) wears off, you will feel pain as the healing begins. We’ll prescribe you pain medication before you leave the office.

4. Can I drive after? 

In most instances, we strongly encourage patients to get a ride to and from their sleep dentistry appointment. Regardless of the type of sedation, it is likely to affect your motor and cognitive function. The safest bet is a ride from a family member or close friend.

5. How will I feel after the treatment? 

This is a hard question as the post-treatment experience varies so much from person to person. It also depends on the type of medications used and the dosage. In instances where deep sedation is used, it’s likely you won’t remember anything about your procedure. Feeling groggy and sleepy is very common after any sedation procedure. If you experience any side effects that don’t disappear or cause you concern, it is important to reach out to your dentist as soon as possible.

If you have more questions about sedation dentistry, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone or by email. At Advanced Dental Arts we offer complimentary consultations, so you can sit down with us and learn more about who we are, and whether this is the right option for you.