Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Kansas

Can sedation dentistry help patients with disabilities?

Yes! Sedation dentistry is an excellent method to help patients who have intellectual or physical disabilities have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience with the dentist. Oftentimes, these disabilities can also lead to an increased risk in certain oral health problems, which is why we encourage our patients who have special needs to visit us regularly. If you have questions or would like to learn more about this, contact our dental office!

Does nitrous oxide have any side-effects?

It’s very rare that nitrous oxide sedation causes side-effects, but in certain cases, such as if you eat a meal directly before your appointment, you could experience nausea or vomiting after the effects wear off. Some patients also report that they experience headaches, lingering fatigue, or shivering. However, all of these effects are temporary.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes! Each patient who receives sedation dentistry will be monitored throughout the entire treatment by one of our experience team members to make sure that no complications arise. In addition, both of our sedation dentists are specially trained to administer oral conscious, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation.

How long will it take for me to recover from IV sedation?

We recommend that patients who receive IV sedation take the day off of work because the effects can linger for up to eight hours past the treatment. We’ll also provide you with post-op instructions to help you make a speedy recovery.

Can I receive sedation for a routine checkup and cleaning if I have severe dental anxiety?

Yes. Dental anxiety and nervousness are common reasons for countless people to skip out on their important, routine checkups and cleanings, leading to declining oral health. Depending on the severity of your anxiety, we may suggest either nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation.

Do sedation dentists need a special certification?

While it’s not required for dentists who offer sedation to have a certification, Dr. Heck does. He’s certified in Level 1 Sedation, and Dr. Beshore has also taken advanced education courses on sedation dentistry to be able to provide safe and effective care.