Tag Archives: Plano sedation dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Will sedation help me get all my teeth fixed in one appointment?

I was without dental insurance for 5 years. During that time all I could afford to do was get my teeth cleaned once a year. Before my insurance ended I had major problems with my teeth. So the crowns and fillings she recommended were put on hold. Now I have some major cavities. I am guessing that I will need at least 3 caps on my teeth. One of the teeth is starting to hurt so I hope it doesn’t need a root canal. I am not a person who is usually afraid of the dentist but all the work I think that I will need is making me lean toward a sedation dentist. Just the number of teeth that need to be fixed is making me nervous. I am wondering if a sedation dentist will do all of this work in one appointment. If so it will be worth it for me to find a sedation dentist. Thanks Cheryl

 

Cheryl,

It is good that you are already thinking about seeing a sedation dentist. The amount of work that needs to be completed on your teeth makes sedation appropriate. This treatment allows a dentist to accomplish as much as possible during a single visit.

In order to determine what dental treatment you really need and how much of it can be completed in a single visit, an examination and x-rays are required.

We suggest that you first find two or three experienced sedation dentists who are also cosmetic dentists. Schedule a consultation with each dentist. Find out what levels of sedation are offered and how the dentist determines which level of sedation is right for you.

An examination and x-rays will reveal whether you need root canal treatment and dental crowns. A cosmetic dentist will most likely select treatment options that preserve as much of your tooth structure as possible. At times, porcelain inlays or onlays are a more conservative way to treat teeth. This avoids the need to shave down the tooth structure to accommodate a dental crown.

During the consultation, ask about the forms of payment that are accepted in addition to your dental insurance. You will likely have out-of-pocket costs.

Choose a sedation dentist that you’re comfortable with. Ensure that you’re also comfortable with the staff and office environment. The right dentist will ensure your comfort and give you a beautiful smile.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

 

Sedation Dentistry

Any problems with taking Xanax before a dental appointment?

I’m sure that my question about taking Xanax before a dental appointment pretty much tells you how much I hate dental appointments. I already have a prescription that I use as needed. So I am thinking that taking the medication before my appointment is probably a good way for me to chill and get the work done. Two of my crowns need to be replaced and although I don’t anticipate having a whole lot of pain I am still nervous. Is there any problem with taking a Xanax before my appointment? I haven’t found a new dentist. My last dentist was a woman so I am again looking for a female dentist who also does sedation. Interestingly I have found that two of my previous male dentists were not sympathetic to my anxiety. Maybe it’s because I am a guy. Who knows.  If Plano wasn’t so far I would try your dentist. I don’t think it will be too hard to find one, though. I am rattling on. Thanks for answering my question about Xanax. – Gene

Gene – Before any patient is given sedation dentistry, his or her dentist will carefully review prescription and medical history. Be sure to let your dentist know that you already have a prescription for anti-anxiety medication and let him or know the type of medication. Since your medication that works well for you, it won’t hurt to take it in advance of your dental appointment.

Dental anxiety is common among millions of Americans. It’s good that you are willing to make an adjustment so that your anxiety won’t prevent you from maintaining good oral health.

Many dentists focus on catering to anxious patients. The dentist and staff ensure that you have a good dental experience. Remember that you will need to arrange for transportation to and from your dental appointment.

 

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy is a female dentist who provides sedation dentistry to help patients relax.

Oral Health, Sedation Dentistry

Marijuana before my dental appointment

Marijuana makes me feel easy and calm like I’m hand gliding over the beach on a warm day. I use it on weekends to help me relax. Every once in a while I will use it during the week depending on my stress level. I have been on anti-depressants before and they made me get thoughts of hurting myself, but I’ve never had those thoughts with MJ. So I don’t need it as often as I took the prescription meds. I’m going to schedule a root canal for one tooth, another one needs to be pulled, and later I’ll get a dental bridge for the one that will be pulled. After the dentist described everything he had to do, I thought to myself that a little MJ before my appointment would be in order. Instead my dentist talked to me for 10 minutes about sedation and a little pill I would take before the appointment. I am not feeling the anti-anxiety meds idea, not at all. So here’s my question: if MJ is my relaxation method of choice can I refuse sedation and maybe sign off on something to say that I realize what I am doing. Thank you very kindly. Mitch

Mitch – Although you use marijuana to help you relax, it shouldn’t be used before or after your dental appointments. Here’s why:

  • Smoking of any sort interferes with the oral healing process. An abstract from February 2008 Journal of the American Medical Association noted that in one study, it was found that periodontal (gum) disease is linked to regular marijuana use—and it increases the risk.
  • When a tooth is extracted or when a root canal is performed, your gums are at risk of infection. It’s best to avoid anything that can prevent proper healing. Keep in mind that the things you need to avoid after your dental procedures aren’t limited to smoking. You will be given instruction for proper after care. The goal is to help you have successful, infection-free treatment.
  • The action of sucking or drawing from tobacco or marijuana cigarettes can dislodge blood clots. The smoke itself is harmful to the teeth and gums.

Sedation dentistry provides a low dose of anti-anxiety medication. It is not for daily, long-term use, but instead is taken before your dental appointment. Speak with your dentist about your concerns for the medication used to help you relax. He will answer your questions and discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Dentist wants to sedate me but I am not nervous

Why would a dentist tell me that she wants to sedate me when I am not nervous? My tolerance for pain is high and I prefer to be aware of everything that is going on. This just doesn’t make sense to me. I am beginning to wonder if I need to get a second opinion because she may be trying to make more money from me. This has never been an issue nor have I ever presented myself with having problems in her office, so why now? Should I find another dentist or at least get a second opinion, or should I trust her and go ahead with the sedation? Thanks. Edis

Edis – The dental procedure that you are going to have may be the reason that your dentist is recommending sedation, but you didn’t mention what that procedure will be. If a root canal is needed, a tooth will be extracted, or if any procedure is being done that is known for causing a lot of pain or discomfort, your dentist will recommend sedation.

Although you may have a high tolerance for pain, you may not be able to anticipate the level of pain for the procedure you will have. But based on experience and patient reaction, your dentist makes a recommendation. It is best to speak with your dentist and ask why sedation is being recommended for your upcoming procedure. Her explanation may be all that is needed to give you confidence that you can trust her judgement.

If you speak with your dentist and still question the recommendation, then you can receive a second opinion. Although a patient may be able to withstand a procedure without sedation, a dentist is often able to accomplish more in one office visit with sedation than without it.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous sedation at the dentist doesn’t work for my daughter

My 9 yr old daughter is at a new dentist that she really likes. We’ve had our 3rd visit to the new dentist. Even though my daughter likes the dentist and her staff, she still get really nervous. This is all coming from the previous family dentist who I thought was nice but later found out intimidates kids if they even look like they don’t want to be there. I describe it as passive aggressive or nice/nasty. Kids can pick up on that behavior quickly and my daughter did. I didn’t know it was a problem because I didn’t usually go back with her to the room for cleanings. I thought she was in good hands and she never complained. I didn’t find out about it until my niece was visiting and talking about her own dental appointment. Then my daughter started talking about her previous dentist. After I found out that our previous dentist was trouble, I quickly switched my daughter and our whole family to a new practice. As I mentioned in the beginning, she is still nervous. Now her nervousness is obvious to me. The new dentist gives her nitrous which really doesn’t seem to calm her much. I am not happy about asking for something stronger, but is there something else that I should ask for? Zuli

Zuli – Yes, there are safe oral sedatives that dentists use for children. You can ask your family dentist if she uses oral sedatives for children who need more help relaxing than what nitrous oxide provides.

You will need to inform your dentist of any medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements your daughter takes. Find out what medication your dentist uses and do your own research on it. Look for possible reactions with the sedative that may interfere with medication or supplements your daughter takes. If you are uncertain about possible reactions, ask your pharmacist and your daughter’s pediatrician about it.

Oral conscious sedation is a new phase of dentistry for your daughter. You may consider increasing her comfort level with this new phase by accompanying her in the treatment room for at least a few visits.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

 

Sensitive Teeth

Smoke weed instead of getting nitrous from dentist?

I have cancelled 4 dental appointments for a root canal. My dentist finally called me last week and told me the whole deal about the infection spreading and causing more trouble than just my tooth. He suggested that I let him give me some type of sedation. We can start with nitrous and if it’s not strong enough there is a med for anxiety that should really do the trick. I know that weed relaxes me so I am thinking that might be the route to go. Any problem? – Sawyer

Sawyer – Smoking—tobacco, weed, or any other substance—in advance of oral dental procedures is not recommended. Smoking, before or after invasive oral procedures, inhibits the healing process and increases the risk of infection.

Do you have reservations about receiving sedation dentistry? If so, discuss your concerns with your dentist. Ask questions about what is involved in administering sedation, and find out how it will affect you before, during, and after your root canal treatment.

Nitrous oxide is a mild gas, also referred to as laughing gas, which will relax you as you breathe it in. The effects are quickly reversed, and you can drive home after your appointment. Higher levels of sedation are available, but require transportation to and from your dental appointment.

Dentists who are trained in sedation techniques have great success in providing the correct level of sedation to match your anxiety. Speak with your dentist as soon as possible to get a solution for your needs and to avoid prolonging the root canal treatment. A skilled, gentle dentist can make a root canal treatment painless. Your oral health is too important to delay treatment.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Can I sedate myself with Xanax before my dentist’s appointment?

I am funny about putting prescription medication in my body. I already have several meds that I have to take and I don’t want to add another one just for dental appointments. I need some extensive work done and I don’t want the anti-anxiety med from the dentist. The work will probably take several appointments. I moved here from MD and my previous dentist recommended sedation to get all the work done. Xanax works great for me and makes me relax, so I just want to take a pill before my appointment. Same diff right? Do you think I can find a dentist who will let me take my own sedation meds? – Jovana

Jovana – We recommend that you first find a few sedation dentists with whom you can have consultation. If you are not able to receive recommendations from friends or family, do some research on the Internet to find several sedation dentists. Find out how long each dentist has been practicing sedation and what forms are offered.

Explain your concerns and anxiety. Also let the dentist know that you want to take Xanax before your appointment, and why you prefer to use your own medication. You will be able find a dentist with whom you are comfortable and can work out agreeable arrangements for your sedation and your dental treatment.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Dentist refuses to sedate me for 3 fillings

I am a dental phobic. My dentist in Austin understood that and I had no problems getting sedation from her. Now I have a new dentist who tells me I have 3 cavities and refuses to give me sedation. He says that he is gentle and I won’t feel a thing, so no sedation is required. How can I convince him to sedate me before drilling out the cavities? Thanks Clayton

Clayton – You may not be able to convince your dentist to provide you with sedation for your cavities, but you can schedule an appointment to explain your fear to him. If you are not successful, consider seeing another dentist who will provide you the sedation needed to restore your teeth.

There are different levels of sedation, including nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation, and IV sedation. Many patients successfully receive treatment with nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas.” It relaxes them enough to have a productive appointment.

For patients that need a higher level of sedation, conscious oral sedation is mild anti-anxiety medication that will make you relaxed and sleepy throughout your dental appointment. It is taken an hour in advance of the appointment. You need to arrange transportation to the appointment. When you arrive, you will be relaxed and ready for treatment. IV sedation is the highest level of sedation.

When you choose a sedation dentist, ask him or her about training and experience in sedation, the levels of sedation offered, and the results you can expect.

Maintaining good oral health is made easier with sedation. You can find a dentist who will respect your anxiety and work to alleviate it to preserve and restore your teeth.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Comfort Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

How much does sedation dentistry usually cost?

I’m planning on getting a lot of dental work done this fall and I want it with sedation. I’ve heard that most insurance companies won’t pay for the sedation. How much does the sedation cost? – Simone

Simone – There are different types of sedation dentistry or comfort dentistry. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that you breathe in during treatment to help you relax.

Oral conscious sedation, the next level of sedation, involves taking a mild sedative in pill form. You will rest comfortably during treatment and you are unlikely to remember what happened during your appointment. Sedation medication can also be administered intravenously.

The cost of sedation depends, in part, on where in the U.S. the dentist is located, the type of sedation you receive, and the length of time it is needed for your dental procedure.

It is best to contact your dentist to find out the type of sedation used and an approximate cost. Contact your insurance provider to find out if any benefits for sedation dentistry are provided. If you will have out-of-pocket costs for sedation, your dentist may be able to make it affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.