Relax During Your Appointment

Sedation Dentistry In Spartanburg, SC

What Are The Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a great way to feel more relaxed and comfortable during your appointment at Skylyn Dental. Using the latest sedation techniques, our Spartanburg team can provide you with your desired level of sedation and keep you feeling safe throughout your treatment.

Sedation dentistry helps fight back against dental anxiety, keeps you feeling comfortable during long appointments, and helps prevent feelings of pain and discomfort. It even helps with strong gag reflexes and the fear of needles, such as numbing needles. Contact us now to schedule an appointment and get started with sedation dentistry in Spartanburg.

sedation info being shared with patient

What You Can Expect From Sedation

Before you can be sedated at our office, you’ll need to discuss your health history, medications, and other information with Dr. Paul Gibas, Dr. John Dunbar, or Dr. Adam Brantley. This ensures that you’re a good candidate for sedation during your dental treatment and that we choose the right type of sedation for you.

During your appointment, your experience will vary depending on the type of sedation you choose. With laughing gas, you’ll remain fully conscious but disconnected from what happens around you. With oral, pill-based sedation, you will feel drowsy, and you may fall asleep or forget what happens to you. And with IV sedation, you’ll likely sleep through the entire appointment at our Spartanburg office.

Sedation Options

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

In this type of sedation, Dr. Paul Gibas, Dr. John Dunbar, or Dr. Adam Brantley will place a comfortable mask over your nose and face. Then, he will administer a mixture of pure oxygen and nitrous oxide, which will make you feel calm, happy, and euphoric. You will remain fully awake and responsive to commands, but you will not feel fear or anxiety.

IV Sedation

This method of sedation uses the same type of drugs as oral sedation, but they are delivered through an IV directly into your bloodstream. This means they take effect more quickly, and have a more intense effect. Most people who get IV sedation will sleep peacefully through their entire appointment.

See What’s Right For You

We offer a wide variety of options for sedation in Spartanburg, and with our New Patient Special, you can explore all of your choices, get the dental care you need, and feel calm and safe throughout your entire appointment at Skylyn Dental Associates.

Spartanburg sedation dentistry
Dental patient smiles

What To Expect After Sedation

If you choose nitrous sedation, you can drive back home or even back to work, and get back to your day-to-day routine right away. Its effects wear off after about 5 minutes and are very limited.

However, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation have longer-lasting effects. You will need to have someone drive you home, as you should not operate a car for at least 4-6 hours after your treatment. You should plan accordingly. If you do not have someone to care for you after your appointment, you will not be able to be sedated during your appointment at Skylyn Dental Associates in Spartanburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?

Navigating the world of dental insurance can often feel like deciphering a complex puzzle, especially when it comes to treatments like sedation. Coverage for sedation dentistry varies significantly depending on your insurance provider and the specific details of your plan. Many insurance companies consider sedation dentistry a medical necessity only in particular circumstances, such as for patients with severe anxiety, special needs, or extensive dental procedures that require sedation for patient comfort and safety. However, some plans may not cover it at all, viewing it as an elective or luxury option.

To determine if sedation dentistry is covered under your plan, it is essential to contact your insurance provider directly. They can provide detailed information on what is covered, any necessary pre-authorization, and whether there are any out-of-pocket expenses you might need to prepare for. Additionally, consulting with the experienced team at Skylyn Dental Associates can help clarify your options. They can assist you in understanding your benefits and even help communicate with your insurance company to ensure you maximize your coverage.

How long does dental sedation last?

The duration of dental sedation can vary based on the type of sedation used and the individual's response to the medication. There are several levels of sedation, including minimal, moderate, deep, and general anesthesia, each with different durations and effects.

For minimal sedation, such as inhaled nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas), the effects wear off quickly, often within minutes after the gas is turned off. This allows patients to recover rapidly and even drive themselves home after the procedure.

Moderate sedation, often achieved through oral sedatives, can last a bit longer. Patients may feel drowsy and relaxed during the procedure and may not remember much of the treatment afterward. The effects can linger for a few hours, so it's important to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you until you fully recover.

Deep sedation and general anesthesia are more intense and are typically reserved for complex procedures. These methods require more recovery time, and patients will need someone to drive them home and monitor them for the rest of the day.

The team at Skylyn Dental Associates in Spartanburg, SC, will provide detailed instructions and support to ensure a smooth and safe experience tailored to your needs.

Is sedation dentistry right for me?

Determining whether sedation dentistry is right for you involves considering several factors, including your level of anxiety, pain tolerance, and the complexity of the dental procedure. Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for individuals who experience significant dental anxiety, have a low pain threshold, have sensitive teeth, or require extensive dental work.

If you've been avoiding dental visits due to fear or anxiety, sedation dentistry can transform your experience by providing a relaxed and stress-free environment. It's also beneficial for patients with a strong gag reflex or those who struggle to sit still for extended periods.

Before proceeding with sedation dentistry, it's crucial to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any allergies with your dentist. This information will help them determine the safest and most effective sedation method for your specific needs. At Skylyn Dental Associates, Dr. Paul Gibas and his team are dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety, offering personalized care to make your dental experience as pleasant as possible.

What are the effects of sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is designed to create a calm and relaxed state, allowing patients to undergo dental procedures with minimal stress or discomfort. The effects of sedation vary depending on the type and level of sedation used.

With minimal sedation, patients remain awake and relaxed, often feeling a sense of euphoria or light-headedness. This type of sedation allows for quick recovery and minimal lingering effects.

Moderate sedation may cause patients to feel drowsy and less aware of their surroundings. Some may experience partial memory loss of the procedure, which can be beneficial for those with dental anxiety.

Deep sedation and general anesthesia result in a near-unconscious or fully unconscious state, where patients are unaware of the procedure. Recovery from these types of sedation takes longer, and patients will need assistance getting home and monitoring post-procedure.

Common side effects of sedation dentistry can include drowsiness, dry mouth, and mild nausea, which typically resolve within a few hours. The experienced team at Skylyn Dental Associates will provide comprehensive post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process, prioritizing your comfort and well-being every step of the way.