Tag Archives: Plano TX sedation dentist

How much does sedation dentistry cost?

Can you tell me how much sedation dentistry costs? I have put off dental work for some time, knowing that I have severe decay. I have delayed going to the dentist because I did not have dental insurance for years. And although I got dental insurance in September of last year, I did not make a dental appointment due to anxiety. I’ve had three dentists over my lifetime, and two of them had poor patient care and were unnecessarily rough. I always left appointments in pain regardless of the procedure. Last weekend I fell and cracked a tooth. The crack doesn’t look that bad, but my tooth hurts. The pain throbs on and off. I think that I can make a dental appointment if I get sedated, but I would like to know how much it costs. If sedation is expensive, I can save money from each paycheck over the next two months. Thank you. Amit

Amit,

Thank you for submitting your inquiry to our office. Your throbbing tooth pain is a symptom of internal tooth damage. See a dentist promptly for an examination.

Although sedation dentistry fees vary and you must speak with your provider for exacts costs, we can provide estimates.

How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?

The cost of sedation dentistry depends on several factors, including the type of sedation you receive, the length of your dental appointment, and where you live in the U.S. because dental fees vary by location throughout the country.

Types of Sedation

Although dental offices vary with the sedation services offered, the types of sedation available include nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Many dental offices do not offer sedation at all, but others provide at least one option. The costs below are estimates. Call your dentist’s office to ask what type of sedation is available and how much it costs.

Sedation Dentistry with Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the lowest level of sedation.  You breathe in nitrous oxide through a small nose mask during your dental procedure. After the procedure, your dentist will give you pure oxygen to breathe in and quickly reverse the effects.

How much does nitrous oxide cost?

The average cost of sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide in the U.S. is $80 to $150 for the first hour. Your dentist may charge an additional fee if you require nitrous oxide longer than an hour.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is in pill form. Many dentists use the medication Halcion (Triazolam), while others may offer diazepam or lorazepam for sedation. You will take the medication before your dental appointment so that you can arrive relaxed.

How much does oral conscious sedation cost?

The average cost of oral conscious sedation in the U.S. is $250 to $500 per hour. If you need to remain sedated beyond an hour, you may incur an additional fee.

IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation works faster than nitrous oxide and sedation dentistry. The amount of sedation your dentist gives you can vary from making you drowsy to putting you in a deep sleep.

How much does IV sedation cost?

Although the depth of sedation affects the cost, on average, in the U.S., IV sedation costs $500 to $1000 per hour with an additional fee beyond an hour.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of Sedation?

Woman's face with her eyes closed while she receives dental work
Ask your dentist’s office about sedation dentistry fees and contact your insurance provider about benefits

Each insurance plan differs. Contact your insurance provider and ask if they provide benefits for sedation dentistry. Most insurance plans that offer sedation benefits have restrictions on the length of time coverage is provided for a procedure. For example, an insurance plan may provide benefits toward the first hour of sedation only.

Your dentist’s office will explain sedation dentistry fees and how long you will need sedation during your dental procedure.

Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.

3 Facts You Need to Know About Pain and Sedation Dentistry

For some people, being able to relax with sedation dentistry isn’t enough. They also want a pain-free experience. After all, the anticipation of pain is one of the top causes of dental anxiety and a common reason that millions of Americans delay or cancel appointments. So, what can you expect from sedation dentistry in terms of pain relief?

What Is In-Office Sedation Dentistry?

When you receive sedation dentistry, it is not general anesthesia, which is administered in a hospital or surgical center. You will receive medication to help you relax. But you will be conscious and able to respond to questions and instructions.

Sedation dentistry can be used for any dental procedure—dental cleanings and exams, root canal treatment, or restorative work.

What About the Pain?

Photo of female patient sitting and relaxing in a dental chair, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano female dentist, Dr. Miranda Lacy.

The purpose of sedation is to help you feel calm and relaxed. Sometimes, you will fall asleep.

  • Your sedation dentist will use a local anesthetic as the first step in pain control. Even before minimally invasive procedures, your dentist will numb your gums to ensure you receive a painless injection of a local anesthetic to block pain during your procedure.
  • Sedation dentistry decreases your sensitivity to pain.
  • Treatment is painless for most patients, and pain is limited or nonexistent afterward.
  • Your increased comfort and decreased sensitivity help your dentist accomplish more work in less time. Even if you don’t have dental anxiety, you can save time with sedation by being able to sit comfortably as your dentist accomplishes more work than usual.

Levels of Dental Sedation

Most state regulations require dentists to receive training and a permit to administer sedation. Staff members are trained to monitor your vital signs and handle any rare emergencies. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about training, experience, and the number of sedation cases he or she has completed.

Dentists offer varying levels of sedation based on their training, experience, licensure, and the patient’s needs. After discussing the causes and extent of your anxiety, your dentist will choose a level of sedation that is adequate for your procedure.

Mild

Nitrous oxide—or laughing gas—is the lowest level of sedation. It gives you tingling sensations or a sense of well-being. It’s useful in managing pain and dental anxiety. After you stop breathing it in, the effects quickly reverse.

Moderate

You will receive oral conscious sedation in pill form. Your dentist will tell you what time to take it before you arrive at the dental office. Your anxiety about—and hypersensitivity to—the pain will fade. You’ll be drowsy, unable to drive, and relaxed before and after your dental procedure. You might not remember anything about your appointment.

Deep

I.V. sedation is administered through your veins. Not all dentists offer it, though. You’ll be drowsy and need transportation before and after your appointment.

Talk to Your Dentist About Sedation and Pain

Regardless of which type of sedation your dentist offers, it will decrease your sensitivity to pain. Speak with your dentist about cases like yours that he or she has handled and what you can expect.

Miranda Lacy, DDS sponsors this post. She is a Plano, TX female dentist who offers sedation. Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.

5 Reasons Not to Be Afraid of Sedation at the Dentist

Isn’t sedation dentistry supposed to relieve your fear of the dentist? It does. But many patients are still nervous about receiving sedation. Consider five facts that can give you the confidence to move forward.

1. Your Dentist Is Trained

State dental boards regulate the practice of sedation dentistry. If your dentist administers it, he or she has completed training to do so. Ask your dentist about his or her training or certification in administering sedation. You can also increase your comfort level by asking how many sedation patients your dentist has seen. Your dental team is CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) trained, and your dentist has received training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

2. Communication Helps

You won’t be given sedation without your consent. In advance of your dental procedure, your dentist will explain what to expect before, during, and after the appointment. You will still be conscious and able to respond, answer questions, and speak to the dental team.

3. You’ll Never Be Left Alone

During your dental procedure, a staff member will be with you. If you’re afraid of a medical emergency or some other event that might endanger your health, let it overwhelm you. The dental team will monitor your vital signs throughout your appointment, and you will not be left alone in the treatment room.

4. Your Health History Will Be Reviewed

Be certain to let your dentist know your medical and dental history, including prescription medications. Your dentist will ensure that the sedative you receive will not conflict with any of your current medications.

5. Other Benefits than Being Drowsy

Sedation dentistry has several benefits that result in a better dental visit.

  • You’ll feel relaxed and have a sense of well-being.
  • It decreases your sensitivity to pain.
  • It prevents you from recalling what happened during your dental appointment.
  • While you’re relaxed, your dentist will be able to complete more work than it is possible to complete without sedation.
  • You can ask for sedation for dental cleanings, root canal treatment, and cosmetic work. Regardless of how simple or quick your dental procedure is, sedation can help you relax and get the care you need.

No Pressure

You don’t need to commit to sedation right away. Schedule an appointment to speak with your dentist about it. The consultation can include:

  • Discussing the cause of your anxiety
  • Learning about the types of sedation your dentist offers, as well as which medication will be used
  • Asking questions that will help you understand the process and what you can expect

Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this blog.

Will Sedation Dentistry Make you Nauseous?

I’ve heard that dental sedation can make you sick. I’ve never had a reaction to any kind of medication, but I’m worried. Obviously, I don’t want to throw up at the dental office, but what I’m really concerned about is what happens when I go home. Is there a real risk of vomiting and choking while I’m still drowsy at home, or am I just overly anxious?

Thanks, Jordan

Jordan,

It might help you to have a better understanding of how sedation dentistry works.

Varying Levels of Dental Sedation

Head-to-waist photo of a brunette woman outdoors and stretching backward with her eyes closed; for information on relaxing with sedation dentistry from Plano TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Nitrous oxide. You’ve probably heard it referred to as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is the lowest level of sedation. It is fast-acting, administered in the office, and wears off quickly. It works well for anxious patients and gives you a sense of well-being. Research shows that after receiving nitrous oxide for a medical procedure, nausea is not a concern for most patients. The risk of nausea increases with longer procedures. But dental-office procedures are usually short, so you will be less likely to have an issue.

The good news is that nitrous oxide wears off before you leave the office, so you won’t be drowsy when you leave the dental office. To minimize the chances of feeling nauseous, avoid eating a large meal before your appointment.

Oral conscious sedation. Your dentist will give you oral medication to take in advance of your dental appointment. Oral conscious sedation is often used along with nitrous oxide. The types of medication that dentists prescribe vary, from sedatives to anti-anxiety medication and even antihistamines. Your dentist will likely have a list of preferred medications to help patients relax. Nausea is a potential side-effect with many medications. You will likely be advised not to eat after midnight before your appointment. Your dentist will also recommend that you have an adult with you for the rest of the day as the medication wears off.

IV sedation. This highest level of sedation has similar side-effects as oral conscious sedation. It provides a deeper state of relaxation, but unlike general anesthesia, you will still be conscious. You will need to arrange for transportation to and from your dental appointment.

Minimizing the Risk of Nausea

If you don’t have a history of nausea with medications, you probably won’t have any issues with dental sedation. It is also worth noting that most cases of nausea don’t result in vomiting. You can minimize the risk by following instructions on whether or not you can eat before. You can speak with your dentist about your concerns, and he or she will explain what you can expect before, during, and after your dental procedure.

This blog is sponsored by Plano sedation dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

3 Reasons Not to Sedate Yourself before a Dental Appointment

Head and shoulders photo of a man and woman lying in a field of flowers, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Sedation dentistry helps you relax

Some estimates show that 80% of Americans have at least some anxiety about dental appointments. Sedation dentistry can help. In Plano, TX Dr. Miranda Lacy is a female dentist who provides sedation to help you remain calm and have productive dental visits. But should you sedate yourself before your dental appointment? Doing so can be risky. And there are several reasons you should allow your dentist provide medication to help you relax.

1. How Much Sedation Do You Need?

Your dentist can make an accurate determination. There are several factors that affect how much sedation you need.

  • Complexity and length of your dental procedure
  • Your anxiety level
  • Your medical and prescription history

If you decide to self-medicate for sedation before your dental appointment, you can take too much or too little of the medication. Either condition won’t agree with your dental procedure.

  • Too little – You won’t be relaxed enough, and your dentist won’t be able to proceed with treatment.
  • Too much – You won’t be able to respond to your dentist’s questions or instructions.
  • Adequate sedation – It relaxes you enough to relieve anxiety, yet allows you to respond to your dentist during treatment. It also decreases your sensitivity to pain. Your relaxed state will increase the amount of dental work that can be completed in a single visit.

2. Will Your Own Anti-Anxiety Medication Work?

Dr. Lacy provides sedation with either nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation.

  • Nitrous oxide – It is colorless, odorless gas, also known as laughing gas. You breathe it in to achieve a sense of calmness and well-being.
  • Oral conscious sedation – Dr. Lacy will give you an anti-anxiety pill to take in advance of your appointment.

If you already take anti-anxiety medication, let Dr. Lacy know the name of the medication, dosage, and how often you take it.

3. What about DIY Sedation before a Dental Appointment?

There are various ways that people try to sedation themselves before a dental appointment. But you shouldn’t try any of them.

  • Smoking – Smoking of any kind—whether it’s tobacco or marijuana—causes inflammation and slows down the healing process. Depending on the type of dental procedure you receive (e.g., dental implants to replace missing teeth, extractions), your dentist will recommend that you stop smoking at least a few weeks before. Mental impairment from smoking marijuana can affect your judgment if the dentist asks you to make an unexpected decision during a dental procedure.
  • Alcohol – Alcohol can thin blood, inhibit blood clotting, depress the central nervous system, and cause rapid or irregular heartbeat. Those factors can negatively affect any dental procedure. Don’t use alcohol to help you relax before a dental appointment.
  • Prescribed sedatives – You must fully disclose your current prescriptions, prescription history, frequency, and dosage when you complete patient forms for the dentist. Even if you’re an existing patient, keep your dentist informed about any new medications you take. A record of your prescriptions will help Dr. Lacy determine which type of sedation medication to use for your dental appointment. If necessary, she will consult with the prescribing doctor.

Sedation dentists are trained to safely administer medication before your dental appointment. Don’t try to do it yourself. If you’re interested in learning about your options, call us to request an appointment, or complete our Request an Appointment form.

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

Lidocaine allergy scare at the dentist. What now?

Sedation dentistry can help calm a patient before an appointment. Often, past negative experiences are a trigger, including those like the one described below where a patient had a reaction to local anesthetic.

It’s weird how a person’s body changes over time. Prior to 3 years ago, I had very few allergies or sensitivities. Now I am gluten sensitive and sensitive to nuts. I have not been that concerned about food allergies, because there are so many other things that I can eat. My concern comes from a dental visit earlier this month. I had a nagging toothache that came from damaged pulp in my tooth due to an impact on the left side of my face. The dentist gave me a painless injection of lidocaine. Within 10 minutes my gums were burning and itching like crazy, and I got chills. She said that it looked like I was having an allergic reaction, and I was. My dentist was nice and calm and gave me something to counteract the reaction. She wasn’t able to start the root canal. The tooth still hurts, but now I’m nervous. I know my dentist won’t give me lidocaine again, but now my anxiety level is high. What if I can’t get numb? She tells me that she can safely get me numb, but I’m concerned. What do I do now? Katia

Katia,

We are sorry to hear about your reaction to lidocaine. It’s good that your dentist quickly resolved this issue. Lidocaine is in the amide group of local anesthetics. Other types of anesthetic in this class include:

  • Mepivacaine
  • Bupivacaine
  • Ropivacaine

Sedation Dentistry Can Help

Head and shoulders photo of a man and woman lying in a field of flowers, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Sedation dentistry helps you relax

Sedation dentistry can help you relax in advance of your dental appointment. But now that you and your dentist know that you’re allergic to lidocaine, what can be done? Your dentist knows to provide a different class of anesthetic. Patients who cannot tolerate amides often do well with local anesthetics in the ester group.

What you can do

  • Be certain to record your history on future medical or dental history forms that you complete.
  • Speak with your dentist about your concerns about anesthetic, as well as the types of sedation she offers to help you remain calm.
  • If your dentist doesn’t offer sedation dentistry, search for a dentist who is able to provide it.

Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation (anti-anxiety medication in pill form), or both are offered by many dentists. You can be confident that the right level of sedation will help you relax and continue to have positive dental experiences.

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

Four Factors to Consider Before Taking Your Child to a Sedation Dentist

I’m really struggling with how much I am to blame for not taking my son, Chase, to a sedation dentist. He’s six years old and is a bit fidgety. 3 weeks ago, after an exam, the dentist said Chase had a cavity that needed to be filled.

The dentist offered to do the filling immediately, and I saw no reason to object. Chase seemed a little apprehensive but not overwhelmingly. The dentist asked me to leave the room saying sometimes it helps kids relax when their parents aren’t there. About 15 minutes later, I heard Chase screaming and the dentist began yelling at him. I ran into the room and saw Chase on the floor crying with the dentist standing over him and telling him to get off the floor.

I immediately jumped between the dentist and Chase, took Chase by the arm, and prepared to leave. I didn’t know what had happened, but what I saw and heard didn’t look right. The dentist left without saying anything. Chase was hysterical, so I sat down with him for a moment in the treatment room. One of the assistants came in and explained that Chase had bitten down while the dentist was drilling, his tooth cracked, and now he needs a crown. She gave me a referral to a pediatric dentist and then left. The lady at the checkout desk was pleasant but said nothing about the incident.

I still haven’t taken Chase to a dentist to see if he really needs a crown. He has not complained about the tooth, but he has said that he doesn’t want to return to our dentist. Neither do I.

Although my son hasn’t directly said that he is afraid of going to another dental appointment, I’m now wondering if he should start seeing a sedation dentist Is it possible that I missed signs that Chase has some dental anxiety?  Kyla

Kyla,

Outdoors close-up photo of a mother and children smiling and lying on grass. The dark-haired mother is in the middle, her daughter is pictured left, and her son is on the right; for information on sedation dentistry for children.
Family and pediatric dentists make visits fun for children

Please don’t blame yourself for what happened. If Chase handled dental appointments well in the past, you had no way of knowing how he would react during the most recent appointment.

Normally, kids who have trouble during a dental appointment get quite fidgety long before there is an issue. Ultimately, it was the dentist’s responsibility to assess the situation, and it sounds like he failed and was very unprofessional in handling Chase’s anxiety.

Should  You Take Your Child to a Sedation Dentist?

Below are four considerations:

  1. Results of delaying treatment – Your son should have his tooth examined. Don’t wait until he is in pain, because it could lead to anxiety about going to any dental office. Even routine dental exams should not be delayed due to a child’s anxiety or fear. Delays in treatment can contribute to a buildup of plaque and decay, and treating those issues makes dental appointments even longer.
  2. One step at a time – You may need to gradually help your child get comfortable again, perhaps by taking him for an office tour or consultation the first visit and then an exam on the second visit.
  3. Does the dentist regularly treat children? – Your child might be a good candidate for dental sedation, but if you decide to try it, visit an office, such as a family dentist, that regularly treats children, or visit one that specializes in dental care for children.
  4. There are levels of sedation – The mildest form of sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), might be sufficient to help your child relax. The gas is breathed in during the procedure, and it is quickly reversed with pure oxygen. An experienced sedation dentist can determine which option is best for your child.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano sedation dentist.

Is a Craigslist ride to and from my sedation dentistry appointment acceptable transportation?

Head and shoulders photo of a man and woman lying in a field of flowers, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Sedation dentistry helps you relax, but you need a trustworthy caregiver

I’m supposed to visit a sedation dentist to have a tooth pulled. Apparently, the roots are somewhat curved and the doctor wants me to be sedated for the procedure. I don’t have any friends or family nearby. I usually use a discounted cab service that is available to me because I am disabled. I asked the dentist’s office if that was good enough and they told me no because the person driving me has to go into the office with me.

I thought about using Uber or Lyft and asking the driver to do it, but you never know who you will get, and I’m not sure they’ll do something outside the normal service for me. The only thing I can think of is Craigslist. That way, I can hire someone and they can stay there then drive me home after the appointment. I’m afraid to tell my dentist’s office this because if they say no, I’m out of options and I may have to do it anyway. What are my choices? Thanks. Deidre

Deidre – Think about it this way… when you visit the sedation dentist, you’ll be given medications that will relax you. They won’t make you unconscious but will relax you so much that you’re not really concerned about an extraction. The medication doesn’t wear off right away. It can take a few hours before you feel like yourself and you’ll probably be drowsy for the rest of the day. Most people go home and sleep until the medication wears off.

Why Be Selective about Your Driver for a Sedation Dentistry Visit?

  • Craigslist can be a great service, but it can also be a dangerous one. You don’t really know who is responding to your inquiry until you meet them, and sometimes not even then. Unfortunately, while sedated, you probably still won’t care much what’s happening around you.
  • Would you entrust yourself to a stranger? Would you let a stranger take you inside your home? Probably not, and you shouldn’t.
  • One of the reasons you must have a trusted adult be your companion during and after these visits is that you’ll need someone to watch and care for you. Generally, offices worry about you stumbling at home, but if you’re with someone you don’t know, not only do you not know if they’re equipped to help you in a situation, you don’t if they are safe or if they will assist you.

Suggestions for Finding a Trustworthy Driver

  • Talk to your dentist’s office and see what they recommend. If they don’t have any ideas, check in with your church (if you have one) or any other community groups you belong to.
  • There are also community programs that sometimes offer transit and support as a service—sometimes even free.
  • Depending on your insurance, you may qualify to have a caregiver assist you for the day.

If those options are not available, you may want to consider hospital care or going without the sedative if the doctor approves. Obviously, having the tooth removed is a medical necessity. However, your doctor may be able to do other things to keep you comfortable or petition your insurance company for extra coverage based on medical necessity.

You have a  few options to consider, but Craigslist is a bad idea.

This blog is sponsored by Plano Sedation Dentist, Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Can I get sedation dentistry when I get my teeth whitened?

I’ve been putting off getting my teeth whitened because of the pain. I have two friends that got their teeth whitened and both of them said that it hurt. I am wondering if I can find a dentist who does sleep dentistry with teeth whitening. Thanks. Ethan

Ethan– Sedation dentistry, often referred to as sleep dentistry, is used during restorative dentistry. When you receive procedures such as a root canal treatment or a dental crown, sedation may be administered.

Generally, the process of whitening your teeth is not painful. The sensitivity in your teeth is felt after the whitening process, so sedation dentistry won’t help. Most of the sensitivity in your teeth is felt 24 to 48 hours after the whitening treatment. But if you need help relaxing, your dentist will provide some form of sedation to help.

Did your friends receive teeth whitening from a dentist, or did they use a do-it-yourself kit? There are several factors about teeth whitening that, when completed at home, can create sensitivity in your teeth.

You can have a consultation with a dentist for teeth whitening. Let him or her know your concerns about sensitivity in your teeth after whitening. A dentist can prescribe heavily fluoridated mouthwash or toothpaste that you can use for a period in advance of your appointment. It will help reduce the sensitivity after whitening.

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

How can I get my wife to stop requesting sedation at the dentist?

I’m afraid that my wife may be using sedation dentistry as a crutch. I don’t really blame her for wanting to have the meds, but it throws us into a bit of chaos every time she needs to have dental work done. Without going too much into detail, her childhood dentist was pretty brutal. He left her with an intense fear of the dentist. Her teeth looked fine when I met her, but as the years went by, they deteriorated quite a bit and she refused to see a dentist. We found a sedation dentist to help her and I will say that she has been a godsend. We made it through the series of appointments necessary to get her smiling again and life is good.

However, every time something comes up now- even if it’s a tiny cavity being filled- she asks for oral conscious sedation (OCS). We’ve got a good relationship with this doctor and my wife seems to trust her, but it’s hard for me to take the day off work just because my wife needs a filling. Plus, our insurance doesn’t cover it, so you know who’s paying for it- me. I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but it seems like this has gone on long enough. At some point, she should be able to go without the meds, right? At what point can I safely interrupt this trend and tell her to be mature about this?

Thank you,

Raymond

 

Dear Raymond,

This is a particularly interesting question with no definitive answer. However, we can explain what might be happening.

Any Kind of Trauma Can Leave Lasting Emotional Scars

We don’t know what happened specifically with your wife, but a trauma of any kind can have a lasting impact on a person. For example, a child who is ridiculed in school may begin to think that a school is a bad place where he or she does not belong. The child will associate learning with ridicule and have trouble excelling. A child who is beaten by a parent learns to avoid their parent and often avoids relationships later in life as a result. Some children never learn how to form close bonds with others.

A person who witnesses a violent event, such as a shooting, may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They can become hypervigilant and anxious and be unable to return to the place where the event happened. Or they might be constantly on alert waiting for it to happen again. These people can often muddle through life without treating the underlying problem, but their quality of life diminishes. For example, the bullied child may never finish school. The abused child may never have a healthy relationship. The crime witness may withdraw from the things he or she loves.

The Right Way to Address Trauma Varies

The field of mental health care is filled with many different methods to help people overcome trauma so they can live healthy and full lives. Arguably, the most well-known is talk therapy. There are also other avenues a licensed mental/ behavioral healthcare professional might try, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), coaching, and teaching the person healthy coping mechanisms. We don’t know the level of distress you wife feels or how deep it goes, so it’s difficult to say what type of therapy she needs.

A Sedation Dentist Can Help Reduce Anxiety, Now and Forever

For some, dental anxiety doesn’t go away without some kind of care from a mental health specialist. Choosing OCS or a similar variant is a crutch in some cases, but if it empowers them to get the care they need, it’s worthwhile. For others, the extra care afforded by a sedation dentist lets them build positive memories with their dental care team. In time, with lots of positive experiences, your wife’s prior experiences may diminish so much that she sees the treatment as a positive and enjoyable thing. However, all this is probably happening in her subconscious. Even if she trusts her doctor and knows the office is safe, she’s already been conditioned to be fearful. There is no timeline or formula that flips a switch and allows her to not have anxiety.

In short, there is no right time to take control and insist your wife has dental appointments without sedation. She’s not doing anything wrong and if she’s anxious, she’s likely unable to control it. While there is no harm in having an open discussion with her about how she feels about treatment without the medication, it’s best not to insist on it. If anxiety seeps into other areas of her life, it may be worthwhile for her to talk to a mental health professional and start dealing with some of the underlying causes. If it’s purely dental anxiety, please respect it. Your support will make a world of difference in her confidence and willingness to continue with getting treatment.

 

This blog is sponsored by Plano sedation dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.