Ask and Learn: Questions and Answers about Sedation Dentistry

According to a study discussed in a Forbes article published in 2022, children ask about 73 questions every day. As a parent, this high number of questions may seem overwhelming, but inquiring about the world is how humans learn! Likewise, if you want to understand more about sedation dentistry—specifically, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation—you need to ask the right questions! Here are some common questions many patients ask and dentist responses that can put any concerns to rest.

Will Sedation Dentistry Put Me to Sleep?

Most dental sedatives do not render you unconscious. Your dentist prefers you to remain awake throughout your appointment so that you can answer questions or respond to instructions. That being said, it is possible for someone on oral conscious sedation, which is stronger than nitrous oxide, to fall asleep on their own from deep relaxation. Because of its powerful effects on your mental state, you will need someone to drive you to and from your dentist’s office, and you will likely not recall much from your visit.

Will Dental Sedation Make Me Say Odd Things?

You’ve probably seen a handful of videos online of people who suddenly spew embarrassing or funny things while they still have sedatives in their system. Keep in mind that many of these instances typically come after much more intensive sedation than the kinds your dentist provides.

If you receive nitrous oxide, you will feel warm and content, and the concentration can be increased or decreased as necessary during the procedure, depending on your anxiety level or gag reflex. However, the effects of the gas should wear off within a few minutes after the mask is removed and normal air enters your body. With oral conscious sedation, you do have a chance of saying things you do not remember after the medication metabolizes. Ultimately, your dentist can’t always predict how patients will react, but if sedation enables you to receive essential care, it’s worthwhile!

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Before a substance enters your body, you should determine if it is safe, but you don’t have to fear when it comes to sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide, an odorless gas inhaled through a nasal mask, is gentle enough to safely be used on children and rarely has any negative side effects. Prior to prescribing you a pill for oral conscious sedation, your dentist will ask about your medical history and make sure it is appropriate and safe with whatever medication you’re currently taking.

Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

Unfortunately, most of the time, sedative options for dental care do no qualify for insurance coverage. However, if you have an officially diagnosed anxiety disorder or other medical condition that necessitates sedation, your policy may help pay for its use. You or your dentist’s team can check your plan and see what benefits you have available.

Even if you have other questions about sedation dentistry, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist! They don’t mind answering them and help you learn whether these options are right for you to have a more comfortable and rewarding experience at the dentist’s office.

About the Practice

In addition to offering sedation options like oral conscious and nitrous oxide, the dentists and team at Applegate Dental strive to put patient comfort above everything else. In fact, we have created a clean, relaxed atmosphere for our office and cultivated an office culture of compassionate care, taking the fear and unpleasantness out of your dental visits. If you would like to take advantage of sedation dentistry for your next appointment or you have additional questions about it, feel free to contact our West Seneca office online or call us at 716-668-4646 to set up a visit.