Sedation Dentistry

Over 40% of Americans fear the dentist to some degree. Being a “dental chicken” is much more common than one would think. Fortunately, Dr. Roy has taken the necessary steps to become a leader in sedation dentistry here in Maine. He is certified in moderate sedation (only 3% of general dentists in the state have this distinction), which makes having a comfortable dental appointment entirely possible, even for those extreme “dental chickens.” Just see our sedation testimonial section for patients that have been helped successfully with sedation dentistry at Saco River Dentistry.

Our skilled dental team is dedicated to putting you at ease while providing gentle, exceptional treatment. Our state-of-the-art techniques are designed to soothe nerves and minimize discomfort during a variety of procedures, from dental crowns to dental implants. We encourage you to discuss what elements of dentistry make you apprehensive, and our extensively trained cosmetic dentists will make every effort to enhance the experience for you. You can learn more about our sedation dentistry methods below, or you can give us a call to schedule a sedation consultation appointment.

• What Is Sedation Dentistry?
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Pill)
• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
• Compassion-Based Dental Care
• Sedation Dentistry FAQs

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry techniques are designed to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during dental treatment. These techniques can dramatically reduce anxiety among patients who have “dental phobia,” and ultimately create a more pleasant experience overall. The two major types of sedation dentistry we offer at our practice are oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. Neither of these options require intravenous medication or invasive techniques, and they are not designed to place patients in a state of total unconsciousness during the procedure. Oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide are primarily designed to relieve anxiety and help patients feel calm and comfortable.

Oral Conscious Sedation (Pill)

For individuals with significant dental anxiety, oral conscious sedation may be able to alleviate your fears. This method uses oral medication to place you in a relaxed state; however, you can be easily roused for questions and simple requests. In the past, the only sedation available was administered by surgeons through the use of an IV.

Today, it can be as simple as taking a pill. In addition, most people do not remember the procedure, and it is often referred to as being “knocked-out,” but actually, it just appears that way as there is little to no memory of what happened during the appointment.

Our team will review your level of anxiety, medical history, and other factors to determine the appropriate amount of medication to provide. You will also be carefully monitored throughout the treatment to ensure the highest levels of care, comfort, and safety possible.

Once your treatment is complete, we will keep you comfortable in our office until some of the effects of the medication have subsided and to confirm there are no developing concerns. Even then, however, you will need a ride home as the medication may leave you a bit drowsy. Again, your care and comfort are our top priorities, and we will discuss the procedure with you in advance to ensure you have a full understanding of what to expect.

What makes Saco River Dentistry different with Oral Conscious Sedation? Dr. Roy is one of the 3% of Maine general dentists who have a moderate sedation permit from the State of Maine Dental Board. As a result, he can customize a sedation plan through multiple medications in an effective yet safe manner.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

More commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a type of sedation method that allows you to remain fully conscious and in control of your faculties while enhancing relaxation. This approach causes a temporary soporific effect that should quickly subside once you discontinue use. When you arrive and sit comfortably in one of our chairs, one of our skilled team members will place a small mask over your nose. Through this mask oxygen and nitrous oxide will begin to flow while you continue to breathe normally. You should primarily feel calm, but you may also feel extra cheerful or even giggly—thus the term “laughing gas.” Once the treatment is finished, we will remove the mask and within a few moments you should be able to return to routine activity.

Dr. Roy has the training and experience to administer nitrous oxide in addition to other medications, which is what makes the difference between a negative and positive dental appointment.

Compassion-Based Dental Care (Not Your Parent’s Dentistry)

If you are over the age of 30 and you have dental fear, you probably had a negative experience with a dentist as a child. The previous generation of dental care was one that focused more on getting the procedure done and less on completing it with compassion and care for the patient in the chair. This is especially true for the “Baby Boomer” generation. Dentistry in the 1940s to the 1980s often left the patient feeling traumatized. The result is often severe dental disease, arising from years of dental neglect due to the fear created at an early age. There is no need for this to continue.

If you are a parent who wants to avoid having your child or grandchild endure the same barbaric experience, or you still have a deeply rooted personal fear that has yet to be resolved, Saco River Dentistry hopes to give you an experience that your parents never had—a good dental appointment!

If you want to hear more about what we can do to help, give us a call and come in for a sedation consultation. And no need to worry, a consultation is just that: no needles, no pokey things, and no discomfort. It is simply a conversation to see how we can help you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

How safe is sedation dentistry?

When performed by qualified dental professionals who make the safety of patients the top priority, sedation dentistry can be a very safe option for individuals suffering from dental anxiety. Dr. Nicholas Roy at Saco River Dentistry has the distinction of being one of the few general dentists in Maine who is certified in moderate sedation, and our dental team is highly experienced with multiple types of sedation. Before any technique is administered, patients are evaluated to determine whether they are a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Once sedation is administered, our team very closely monitors each patient to ensure the process is running smoothly. Safety and comfort for all individuals is absolutely paramount at our practice.

Who can perform sedation dentistry?

Dr. Roy oversees our oral conscious sedation program. He is extensively trained in these techniques and has obtained the qualifications necessary for a state permit to administer moderate sedation.

Is sedation dentistry safe for children?

Sedation dentistry has been utilized in pediatric dental care for many years, and is considered to be a safe option when conducted by dental professionals who are experienced and qualified to provide sedation techniques. Children will be evaluated before treatment to ensure they are good candidates for sedation dentistry, and the option that is best for their needs will be determined by our dentist. Nitrous oxide is often the preferred choice for smaller children, while older children and adolescents may be eligible for oral conscious sedation. Dr. Roy can talk more with you about the ideal technique and answer all of your questions. Just like our adult patients, children will be strictly monitored throughout the procedure.

How much does sedation dentistry cost?

The cost of sedation dentistry can vary among patients based on the type of sedation selected and other factors. Once your customized treatment plan is developed, a friendly member of our team can provide you with a cost estimate of the entire procedure that includes the expenses associated with sedation and all other elements of treatment. Saco River Dentistry accepts a comprehensive array of payment methods to make the process as easy as possible for our patients. We also work with companies such as LendingTree^® and CareCredit^®, which provide qualified applicants with convenient and affordable dental financing plans that can make the cost of treatment suitable to a variety of budgets.

Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?

Insurance coverage for sedation dentistry varies greatly for each patient based on the specific insurance provider, plan, and policy. Please keep in mind that not all insurance companies offer benefits for sedation assistance so it may be most beneficial to have a discovery call with your provider to clearly understand your options. At Saco River Dentistry, our team will be happy to review your potential insurance coverage details confirmed by your provider and estimate any of your remaining out-of-pockets costs for the option. Please see the cost section above to learn more dental financing options available at our practice as well.

What are the health consequences of dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety can lead to serious consequences when it prevents people from visiting the dentist regularly. Avoiding routine checkups increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and infections that could require more invasive (and expensive) treatments later on. Without professional cleanings, plaque buildup can lead to cavities and the need for more extensive dental work, such as root canals or extractions. Ignoring dental issues also allows them to worsen, potentially causing pain, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems like heart disease. In addition, dental anxiety can create a cycle of fear, where worsening oral health makes more complex treatments necessary, further fueling the patient’s stress.

However, even if you have been putting off visits to the dentist for a long time, it is never too late to resume quality dental care and start practicing good oral hygiene. Our friendly and compassionate team will work with you at every stage of the treatment process to help manage your anxiety so you can receive the care you need and protect your smile over the long-term.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation here at Saco River Dentistry, please contact us today.