Does the thought of visiting the dentist make you feel nervous? You’re definitely not alone. Millions of people avoid necessary dental care because of their dental anxiety. At Murphy Dental Home, we take the fear out of these visits for our patients. From our friendly team to our relaxing amenities to Dr. Gandhi’s gentle touch, everything is designed with your comfort in mind, but we also offer safe, effective sedation dentistry in Murphy, TX to help you feel completely at ease. Let us know that you would like to take advantage of sedation for your next appointment.
If you’re having complex or multiple procedures done, Dr. Gandhi can prescribe a pill that you take a few hours before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you should feel its effects kick in. Although you will likely remain awake throughout your appointment, you may not be able to recall details from your visit. The effects of the medication can last for a few hours, so it’s important to have a friend or family member drive you to and from our dental office and monitor you afterward.
More mild cases of dental anxiety may only require nitrous oxide (or laughing gas). Patients undergoing routine dental work can also benefit from this fast-acting sedation option. A nasal mask is placed on your face, and you inhale deeply. Within minutes, you should experience feelings of contentment and relaxation. During the appointment, we can make adjustments as needed to ensure comfort from beginning to end. After we’re finished, the effects wear off quickly, which means that you get back to your normal schedule.
Some patients need powerful sedation, and our team needs to be able to adjust medication during the procedure. That’s where IV sedation comes in. We can deliver the sedative directly to your bloodstream, meaning that you’ll feel its effect within minutes. Our skilled team will monitor you and increase or decrease as necessary for optimal relaxation. Although this medication doesn’t put you to sleep, you may relax enough to take a little nap.
For the most severe cases or complex procedures, we can put you completely under with general anesthesia in a hospital setting. In this environment with a licensed anesthesiologist, we will have access to experts who can ensure your safety throughout the entire procedure. Do you have questions about general anesthesia for your dental work? Just give our team a call or ask Dr. Gandhi about this sedation option.
There are several myths about sedation dentistry in Murphy, so it’s normal to have a few concerns, but there’s nothing to fear. Much of what you’ve heard likely isn’t true. Don’t delay getting the care your teeth and gums need because of a few unfounded rumors. Here are the answers to the most frequent questions we are asked by our patients. We’ll also explain everything during your consultation to ease any apprehensions.
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe for most patients, but it also depends on the type used. Your dentist will review your medical history and any current medications to determine if you’re at risk of certain complications from a particular sedative, like general anesthesia. Most people can benefit from nitrous oxide because it’s the safest solution, but your dentist will discuss all your options to find the one that best meets your needs. Although the risk for complications is minimal, we will closely monitor your vitals, including your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate, to ensure no issue goes undetected.
Despite what you might have heard, sleep dentistry doesn’t “put you to sleep,” unless you’re using general anesthesia. You can still respond to the dentist’s verbal signals because you aren’t unconscious; however, many people believe they were because sedatives can make your memory a little fuzzy. Sometimes, patients don’t even remember their procedures, so you may feel like you just fell asleep for a quick nap. There is an exception with general anesthesia, which will make you sleep through your appointment. Depending on the sedative, it can take a few hours for the effects to dissipate, so you may need to arrange transportation to and from the dental office. We’ll discuss everything you need to know during your consultation.
Although dental sedation is safe for most patients, it poses certain risks for people with specific underlying medical conditions, like sleep apnea. Some medications can also increase the likeliness of complications, which is why your dentist will review your OTC and prescribed medications, as well as your medical history. Since everyone reacts differently to sedatives, the most common side effects include nausea, headache, and grogginess. When administered by a trained professional, like our team at Murphy Dental Home, sedation dentistry is safe, so you can sit back and relax while we improve your smile.
No matter the sedative, you shouldn’t feel any pain, especially if choosing general anesthesia. You may still feel certain sensations, like pressure, but it won’t be painful. Besides sedation, your dentist may also use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. We use the latest technologies and techniques to provide less invasive procedures to keep you comfortable. Don’t let anxiety about a painful procedure prevent you from getting the care you need. You can have a pain-free appointment to enjoy your time in the dental chair.
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