Category Archives: Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

Will insurance cover sedation dentistry?

I haven’t been to a dentist’s office in a while because of finances.  My husband had been out of work for three years.  He got a new job and they actually have dental insurance. I have some dental anxiety. I’m sure the appointment will be even worse than I remember, becuase of how long I’ve been away.  I don’t see sedation dentists listed.  Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?

Melissa H. – Ft. Worth, TX

Melissa,

Congratulations on your husband’s job!  I know that must be a relief and hopefully take some pressure off of you.  I think the confusion lies in the way you’re looking. There isn’t a sedation dentistry specialist.  In fact, most dentists practice some form of sedation dentistry.

Dental insurance will normally cover the basic procedure.  At least some of the cost for sedation will have to come out of pocket, but it is totally worth it.  Your dentist can help you navigate how to get the most out of your insurance.

You’ll find sedation will allow you to get a lot more work done in each appointment, which will save you money in the long run with fewer appointments.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Can children use sedation dentistry

My son had a bad experience at the dentist’s office last appointment. He’s not too thrilled about going back. Is it safe to use sedation dentistry on children?

Morgan – Las Vegas

Morgan,

Yes, it is generally safe to use sedation dentistry on children, as long as they don’t have any allergies to the medication used.  Your dentist can go over all of that with you to make sure your child is a good candidate.

It’s great you’re being proactive about your son’s experiences.  Fortunately, sedation dentistry can completely change the way people respond to going to the dentist.

A few good appointments and you’re son will start looking forward to his teeth cleanings.

This blog is brought to you Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Anti-depression medication and sedation dentistry

If I’m on anti-depression medication. Is it still possible for me to use sedation dentistry?

Laura K. –  Lawrence, Kansas

Laura,

It will depend on what type of anti-depression medication you’re on. Some classes of anti-depressants can interact with the sedative agents. If yours doesn’t interfere, then you can continue taking them as normal.

If yours does have some counter indications, you can still have dental sedation, but you may need to stop taking it for a day or two.

Make sure you speak to your dentist before you schedule the procedure. Also, let your dentist know everything else you’re taking including any over-the-counter medication.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Bulimic who’s scared of the dentist

I’m bulimic and I need to go to the dentist. Something is wrong with my teeth. I think it is because of how much I purge. I know it’s important, but I am terrified of the dentist.  What I really want to do is not go, but my mouth is hurting. Is there a way to home treat this?

Brittney – Alabama

Brittney,

I’m sorry you’re hurting. You’re probably right that the purging is causing problems in your teeth.  The acid from the vomit will eat away at the enamel on your teeth. That leaves you susceptible to decay, gum disease, and infection.

I realize that you are scared of the dentist, but to protect your teeth, you’ll likely need some dental crowns.  However, there is a way you can get the treatment you need without having to worry about pain.

See if your dentist is a sedation dentist. If not, then you can do an internet search for a dentist who uses sedation. They can give you a pill that will make you sleepy and you can have all your work done without feeling a thing.

Be sure to let your dentist know about the bulimia. It will help him no how to help you.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Child scared of the dentist

My nine year old daughter had a bad experience at the dentist last year. Since then, she hasn’t wanted to go.  In fact, she’s terrified.  Is there a way to help children with this?

Elaine D. –  South Dakota

Elaine,

What will help her the most is a series of good experiences at the dentist, but I realize you have to get her there calmly first.  There is sedation dentistry. It is safe for children.

There are different levels of sedation: nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation,  and IV sedation.  I would discuss what is going on with your dentist and decide which option is better. If he’s not compassionate with your daughter’s fear, then you need to find a different dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

I want to get knocked out for dental work

I need a significant amount of dental work done. I was hoping that I could get knocked out to have it done. Is that possible? Like anesthesia?

Bennie B. – Oregon

Bennie,

While it is possible to get anesthesia, you have a much more affordable option. I suggest you look for a sedation dentist who performs IV sedation.

This is a little different from anesthesia. Think of it as conscious sedation. You’ll still feel “knocked out”, but you’ll retain all your reflexes and muscle control.

Most patients who do IV sedation don’t even remember the appointment. The additional benefit is it will be significantly cheaper.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Can I get all my teeth pulled?

I absolutely hate going to the dentist. Like HATE it. Every time I go in, he causes me more pain than I was in when I got there. Do you think the dentist will just take out all my teeth and give me dentures? I think it will solve a lot of problems.

Elizabeth M. – Tennessee

Elizabeth,

You may find a dentist willing to do that, but I don’t think it will solve your dental problems. Instead you will find every day difficult, instead of just dental visits.   Even the best dentures drop your chewing efficiency to about twenty percent.

Plus, they are uncomfortable and will eventually start to slip and slide because your jawbone decreases the longer you wear them.  Your other option would be to spend thousands and thousands of dollars getting dental implants. That will solve many of the above mentioned problems, but they’re still not the same as having your own teeth. Plus, it will require surgery and months of healing.

There is a simple solution to your problem. Have you considered sedation dentistry?  That will enable you to get your teeth worked on in a pain free way. It will also allow your dentist to do more work in one sitting. It will let you catch up on any dental work you’ve neglected out of fear.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Can a hospital do my extractions?

If I need full dentures, can a hospital do my extractions? I can’t deal with dentists very well.

Justine M. -Oklahoma City, OK

Justine,

While it is possible to go to the hospital to have your extractions done, it will be extremely expensive.  There are ways to have your teeth removed without pain. It is called sedation dentistry. Because I suspect you are looking for some deep sedation, I will recommend two of the strongest levels of sedation:

1. Oral sedation: With this, you’ll take a pill before your appointment.

2. IV Sedation: This requires an anesthetist.

Both methods require you to have someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Every dentist is different as to what types of sedation they offer, so you’ll need to call around.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

How much dental work in one sitting?

I haven’t been to the dentist in ages. I finally went in last week and found out that I needed quite a bit of work done. That is not a huge surprise, but it is disappointing. I don’t want to live at the dentist’s office. I wondered how much dental work can be done in one sitting?

Brian L.

Brian,

You haven’t mentioned what type of procedures you need. Is it just fillings? Or maybe you need some crowns and root canals?

How much can be done in one sitting depends on two things: 1. What type of procedures you need, and 2. Your tolerance in the chair.

Some people can handle a few hours, but it gets hard holding your mouth open.  I will tell you, that you could handle a lot more time in the chair if you used sedation dentistry. My suggestion would be either oral sedation dentistry or IV sedation. That will enable you  to get the most work done, with the least amount of discomfort to you.

If you go with sedation, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

The BEST way to go to the dentist

Here is a letter a colleague of mine received. I can’t think of a better endorsement for sedation dentistry anywhere.

For years I have avoided the dentist (sorry about that), but not anymore. I have found the best way to go to the dentist. If you have any other chicken patients maybe you can tell them my story and they will find the help I did.

Dear Fellow Dental Chicken,

I understand how you feel. Whenever I thought about going to the dentist my whole body would tense up.  Who wants to pay for that kind of pain? The problem was I was starting to be in pain all the time.  I was getting cavities. Those cavities turned into tooth infections.

Even with the infection, I was still finding excuses to avoid the dentist. One evening, when I was in an abundance of pain, my friend Terri told me that if I didn’t take care of my tooth infection that it could spread. In a worst case scenario, it can even spread to my brain!

I don’t have to tell you that she put me in a little bit of a panic.  She told me about sedation dentistry and my life hasn’t been the same since.  I took a pill before my appointment. It relaxed me completely. To be honest, it relaxed me so much I don’t remember a whole lot about the dental appointment.  What I do know is that my infection is gone and I felt NO pain during my appointment.  Since then, I’ve been back twice to take care of all that dental work I have neglected over these years.

I hope this helps.

This blog has been brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.