The fear of dental work keeps millions of Americans from seeking necessary care each year. For some, even the thought of a routine cleaning can trigger overwhelming anxiety. If you’ve canceled appointments or endured pain to avoid treatment, you’re not alone – and at Norman Family Dentistry, we’ve pioneered sedation dentistry in Norman that’s changing lives throughout Oklahoma.
Is Sleep Dentistry the Same as Sedation Dentistry?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, important distinctions exist that many patients don’t realize. Sedation dentistry encompasses multiple levels of consciousness-altering approaches, from mild relaxation to complete unconsciousness. At Norman Family Dentistry, we offer the full spectrum:
- Mild sedation: The patient remains awake but relaxed
- Moderate sedation: Formerly called “conscious sedation,” where patients remain awake but may not remember much
- Deep sedation: Patients are on the edge of consciousness but can be awakened
- General anesthesia: Patients are completely unconscious
What makes our Norman practice unique is our ability to provide true sleep dentistry through general anesthesia with Board Certified CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) – a service rarely available outside hospital settings. Our specially dedicated Fridays for general anesthesia cases allow us to transform dental experiences for even the most anxious patients.
How Much Does Sleep Dentistry Cost?
The investment in sleep dentistry varies based on several factors, including the complexity of your dental needs and your insurance coverage. At Norman Family Dentistry, we’ve created several pathways to make this life-changing service accessible:
- We offer VA community care for eligible veterans.
- We create custom payment plans tailored to individual financial circumstances.
- We work with medical insurance for certain procedures, particularly for our sleep apnea patients.
Unlike many practices that refer complex cases to specialists, our ability to provide comprehensive care under sedation often results in more cost-effective treatment. Our patients appreciate completing multiple procedures in a single visit while completely asleep, eliminating the need for repeated appointments.
What Are the Side Effects of Being Put to Sleep at the Dentist?
Safety is our foremost priority at Norman Family Dentistry. By partnering exclusively with Board Certified CRNAs, we maintain hospital-level standards in our in-office setting. These highly trained professionals monitor vital signs continuously throughout the procedure.
Typical side effects may include:
- Temporary grogginess upon waking
- Mild nausea (uncommon)
- Dry mouth
- Minor throat discomfort from breathing tubes
Our patients receive comprehensive pre-procedure instructions and post-operative care guidelines. We also conduct thorough medical history reviews to identify any potential risk factors before administering anesthesia.
What sets our approach apart is our integration of advanced technology to minimize post-procedure discomfort. Our exclusive Biolase Waterlase system – the only one in the OKC metro area – allows for less invasive procedures, reducing recovery time even for complex treatments performed under anesthesia.
Who Is a Good Candidate for General Anesthesia in Dentistry?
At Norman Family Dentistry, we’ve helped countless patients who never thought comfortable dental care was possible. General anesthesia might be right for you if:
- You experience severe dental anxiety or phobia
For many of our patients, previous traumatic dental experiences have created overwhelming fear. One recent patient shared: “Honestly- the best dental visit I think I’ve ever had… Highly recommend if you have avoided the dentist for almost a decade due to dental related anxiety and poor treatment in the past!” - You need extensive dental work
Completing multiple procedures in one visit while asleep can be more comfortable and efficient. - You have special healthcare needs
Patients with certain physical, cognitive, or behavioral conditions may benefit from treatment under general anesthesia. - You have difficulty getting numb
Some patients have anatomical differences that make local anesthesia less effective. - You have a strong gag reflex
A hypersensitive gag reflex can make even routine procedures extremely difficult.
As a dentist who completed a General Practice Residency at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC, Dr. Venk has extensive training in managing complex cases. This advanced hospital-based training – completed by less than 5% of general dentists in Oklahoma – provides our patients with an exceptional level of expertise.
Don’t let fear keep you from achieving optimal oral health. If dental anxiety has prevented you from getting necessary care, Norman Family Dentistry’s general anesthesia services might be the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact our office to learn how we’re transforming dental experiences for patients throughout Norman and the greater Oklahoma City area.
Ready to explore whether sedation dentistry is right for you? Call Norman Family Dentistry at (405) 321-6506 to schedule your consultation today.
