It is common for people of all ages to feel anxious when visiting the dentist. Some dental phobias develop after a painful, traumatic, or overwhelming experience at the dentist in the past. Dental anxiety often prevents patients from seeking the treatment they need, potentially jeopardizing their oral health and comfort. At Gentle Care Dentistry, our goal is to provide a safe and comfortable dental experience so that our patients in Las Cruces, New Mexico can obtain the care they need without fear. We offer three types of sedation to relax uneasy patients: intravenous, oral, and inhalation.
Please feel free to contact our office at 575-524-3722 with any questions or concerns you may have.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Types of Dental Sedation
Intravenous Sedation
At Gentle Care Dentistry, intravenous (IV) sedation is administered by our board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Don L. Marketto, III. You are not sleeping while under this type of sedation, but you will likely feel as if you have fallen asleep. You will need a friend or relative there to drive you home after your procedure.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation, or anxiolysis, involves the use of light sedative medication. Patients report feeling calm and peaceful under this type of sedation, which is the most appropriate for patients with mild or moderate anxiety. You will be able to drive yourself home after oral sedation because the effects do not last long.
Inhalation Sedation
The most common type of dental sedation involves the use of nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas.” Patients inhale the gas throughout their procedure and drift into a relaxed, euphoric state. Because the effects wear off quickly, most patients who choose this type of sedation can drive themselves home and resume their daily routine.
Concerns
New Patients
We will spend some time listening to your dental concerns and learn about your medical history during your first appointment at Gentle Care Dentistry. We strive to establish a trustworthy relationship with our patients and provide them with optimal care by enabling open communication. To help your initial visit go quickly, you can print and complete the necessary new patient forms before your scheduled appointment.
Appointments
At Gentle Care Dentistry, we offer online scheduling for ease and convenience. Should you need to reschedule or encounter unexpected delays on your way to your scheduled appointment, please reach out to the office as soon as you can.
Pain Management
Dental sedation is a painless experience, but the procedure that accompanies it may result in some discomfort. If your condition requires extensive correction, you may be prescribed oral pain medication. Applying a cold compress after a dental procedure can also provide some relief.
Cost
Our experienced financial coordinator can help you choose a financing option that is best suited for your needs. We offer payment plans and work with various dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental and United Concordia. We also accept cash, credit, and checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?
Before your procedure, our board-certified anesthesiologist will perform a thorough physical assessment and decide if sedation dentistry is right for you. Patients may not qualify if they suffer from cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory conditions.
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How can I prepare for my intravenous sedation procedure?
Patients must not consume any food or liquids eight hours prior to their intravenous sedation procedure. You may take oral medications with a small amount of water as long as the dentist clears it. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding dark nail polish on the day of your appointment is also recommended.
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Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
Yes. Children are usually excellent candidates for sedation dentistry, particularly if they experience high levels of anxiety at the dentist, require extensive dental services, or have difficulty sitting still. Using sedation services helps relax child patients so that their dentist can perform the necessary procedures safely and efficiently.
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What can I expect as I recover from sedation services?
Significant side effects are unlikely to develop after a dental sedation procedure. Some of the common side effects may include temporary dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. If you experience vomiting, intolerable pain, excessive bleeding, or fever, please contact the office as soon as possible.