Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Interested in sedation dentistry? With sedation dentistry, we use different medications to help our patients completely relax while they’re in the dentist's chair. Sedation is a great solution for patients who struggle with dental anxiety or pain management. Our team at North Richland Hills Dentistry can help you decide if dental sedation is a good fit for you.

Types of Dental Sedation

We offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation and general anesthesia at our office. Nitrous oxide is a good choice for mild or moderate anxiety. It is administered through a mask and the effects wear off immediately. Oral conscious sedation is administered through oral medication taken before the treatment. IV sedation is administered intravenously in the office. In most cases, patients will remain conscious, just in a deeply relaxed state. Where general anesthesia is used, the patient is unconscious and feels nothing at all throughout the treatment.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Depending on the level of sedation offered, various certifications and training are required on the part of the dental professionals administering sedation. Therefore, all of our staff members who are involved in administering sedation are highly trained and experienced in this area. Additionally, we’ll go over your allergies, medical history, and any other concerns before any sedation is administered. Sedation is safe, and it’s commonly used at our practice.

Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

Since there are different levels of sedation dentistry available, sedation is a fit for a variety of different types of patient concerns. For example, dental phobia or anxiety, a low tolerance for pain, extreme tooth sensitivity, bad gag reflex, fidgeting, or simply an extensive procedure are all potential reasons why a form of sedation may be a good fit for you. Talk to us about it at your next visit.

Sedation Dentistry in North Richland Hills, TX

Looking for a trustworthy dentist where you can access sedation dentistry? Dr. Desai and the team at North Richland Hills Dentistry have you covered. Our highly trained and comforting staff has extensive experience with various forms of sedation in the dental setting. And if you have questions about sedation dentistry, or if you just want to book your next appointment, we’re just a call away.

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Is Going to the Dentist Expensive?

Are you considering skipping a visit to the dentist because it’s too expensive? While we understand budget concerns, we wouldn’t recommend it. It can be much more costly in the long run to avoid the dentist than it is to get a biannual dental examination. We gathered some of our top tips to make a dental visit affordable.

Maximize Insurance Benefits

Dental insurance is one way to cover the costs of visiting a dentist. It will be more affordable to choose a dentist that is within your network. North Richland Hills Dentistry accepts insurance from a long list of providers. You can check our financial webpage to see if your insurance is listed or call our office for more information.

Check Out New Patient Specials

Some dental offices have special offers for first-time patients. Special offers include affordable dental exams and cleaning, free teeth whitening, and other options. If you are new to an area or are considering switching dentists, this is a great way to determine if you like a dentist. At North Richland Hills Dentistry, new patients can choose from four different new patient specials, depending on your circumstances!

Consider In-House Financing

In-house financing lets you break up your dental payment over several months. Monthly payments are an affordable option for many people. You may find that in-house financing is cheaper than putting the charge for treatment on your credit card. Not all dental practices offer this type of financing. Talk to our dental team if you are interested in this option.

Dental Savings Plan

In-house savings plans are a lot like dental insurance - except without the hassle of dealing with another company. There’s no annual maximums, waiting periods, or deductibles. You may end up saving hundreds of dollars each year on dental services with a savings plan. Our NRH Dental Savings Plan has a monthly membership fee of only $40 which covers two annual cleanings, exams and X-rays. Plus, members get a 20% discount on most other treatments.

Look for Discounts

Not every office offers discounts for dental visits. But there are a few that offer discounts for seniors and military members. You may also discover that some places offer discounts for paying in cash. North Richland Hills Dentistry offers discounts for cash, seniors AND military members.

Ready to See a Dentist?

At North Richland Hills Dentistry, you can count on receiving trusted, quality care. We never want financial barriers to get in the way of patients receiving the dental services they want and need. Our office accepts a variety of insurance plans, we offer in-house financing and savings plans, and we offer special discounts. Additionally, we accept CareCredit, the healthcare credit card. Please contact us to determine which option is best for you.

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Emergency Dentist During COVID-19

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, our North Richland Hills Dentistry, North Richland Hills, Texas, dental office is operating under limited hours for emergencies only. The safety and health of our patients, our employees, and our community are our top priorities. We will let you know when we are once again able to provide our patients with the quality care and the safe environment that is a hallmark of our practice.

North Richland Hills Dentistry adheres to the strict safety standards recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We have always been extremely mindful of our patients' health and safety and will be even more vigilant in the future. Rest assured when we do welcome you back that our office and equipment will be thoroughly disinfected.

Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones

We encourage all of our patients to protect themselves and their families by following the recommendations from the CDC. For example:

Practice social distancing. Stay home as much as possible.
When it is necessary to go out, keep at least six feet away from others.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating.
Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have just washed your hands.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then dispose of it.
Disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
Do not share dishes or utensils.
Get adequate rest and eat a healthy diet.
Take extra precautions if you are sick to reduce the spread of the disease.
Even if you feel healthy, be mindful of the health of others. Some people are asymptomatic when they have the disease and can unknowingly spread it to others.

Keep Brushing & Flossing!

We recognize that many of you are experiencing unprecedented upheavals and challenges in your daily lives and routines. Please take good care of your mental health as well as your physical health and your oral health. We encourage everyone to take some time for positive, uplifting activities to help relieve stress.

North Richland Hills Dentistry thanks you for your loyal patronage and regrets the inconvenience our temporary closure will cause to those with scheduled appointments and plans for smile improvements. Our team looks forward to welcoming you again to our office as soon as this crisis has passed.

Emergency Dentist in North Richland Hills, Texas

If you experience a dental emergency, call us at 817-656-2945 for a same-day appointment!

Will Teeth Whitening Work for Me?

Few accessories can have an immediate impact on appearance and confidence the way a whiter smile can. If you’ve been hiding your smile for years because you’re embarrassed about unsightly stains on teeth or other discoloration, you’re a great candidate for the in-office whitening treatment we offer at North Richland Hills Dentistry.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Our professional in-office teeth whitening services can whiten your teeth several shades in just a few hours. We use professional grade bleaching gel and closely monitor our patients during the procedures to ensure that you get the results you want. Whether you’re looking to cover up years of coffee stains or you’ve recently quit smoking and are looking to restore the appearance of your smile, our whitening treatment is versatile enough to fit your goals. During your consultation for teeth whitening, we will work with you to create a custom whitening plan that helps you meet your goals.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

While teeth whitening can gradually fade over time, your results can last for years with proper care. You can preserve your white smile through good oral hygiene and avoiding foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Due to the strength of the bleaching agents used during the tooth whitening process, patients can occasionally experience some tooth sensitivity after whitening teeth. However, this sensitivity typically goes away after just a few hours. If you are worried about tooth sensitivity, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help ease symptoms.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of our professional in-office whitening treatment depends on your goals for your smile. During your initial consultation, our team will work with you to come up with a whitening plan that fits your goals and your budget. To learn more about our professional teeth whitening services or to schedule your next appointment, call our office today!

Suffer From Chronic Snoring? Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Help!

Has anyone ever told you that you’re a major snorer? Or maybe your partner is currently being driven crazy by your chronic snoring. If that’s the case for you, you might want to consider getting diagnosed for sleep apnea. While snoring doesn’t definitely mean that you have sleep apnea, it is a common symptom of those with the condition. Sleep apnea treatments won’t just help you sort out your snoring issues, but it’ll also ensure you don’t suffer negative effects from a serious health condition.

The Connection Between Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Snoring happens when your airway is partially blocked and this leads to vibration during breathing, which in turn causes the snoring sound. Obstructive sleep apnea is the form of the sleep disorder where your throat muscles relax to the point where your airway gets blocked and causes pauses in your breathing. This commonality of a blocked airway is why many people who have obstructive sleep apnea also snore.

Basics of Sleep Apnea Treatment

The goal of sleep apnea treatment is to stop your airway from being blocked so you can breathe seamlessly while you sleep. To do this, a dental professional can make you a custom mouthpiece that repositions your jaw and opens your airway. Opening your airway can also take care of the cause of your snoring! Getting to enjoy uninterrupted sleep and no more snoring sounds like a win-win to us!

If you’re curious to know more about sleep apnea treatment, or you’d like to get started on your own treatment, contact North Richland Hills Dentistry today. We are happy to answer any and all questions you have, and we can provide our patients with sleep apnea relief.

How Can I Reduce Waste While Caring for My Smile?

At North Richland Hills Dentistry, we believe in reducing waste whenever possible. Often, our patients are surprised to learn just how damaging to the environment oral healthcare can be. With the health of our planet in mind, we’ve put together the following tips on how to you can care for the planet while also caring for your pearly whites.

Conserve Water

Did you know that letting the tap run while brushing your teeth can waste up to 200 gallons of water each month? There’s no need to let that precious water run while you’re brushing your teeth, so turn the tap off until you’re ready to rinse. If you have kids, make sure they learn to turn off the faucet, too. Your water bill and the planet will thank you!

Use Natural Materials

At your local natural store, you’re bound to find toothbrushes made from bamboo, toothpaste made from mint, and other products designed with the environment and your health in mind. For example, instead of using floss made from nylon that is not biodegradable, choose silk floss that can be composted. You’ll avoid using plastic and chemicals while getting the same quality of oral care.

Recycle

If you’re not ready to take the plunge to natural dental products, consider recycling your plastic products when you’re finished with them. Plastic toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, floss containers, and packaging can be recycled through programs like Terracycle. While you’re at it, why not repurpose your old toothbrushes to clean hard to reach areas or unusually shaped items around the house?

Dr. Desai and the rest of our team are committed to using highly efficient dental technology to cut down on waste and provide you and your family with the highest quality dental care. To ask our team any questions or to schedule your next visit at our office, contact us today.

Why Am I Afraid of the Dentist?

If you’ve been putting off a visit to Dr. Desai because you’re afraid of the dentist, you’re not alone. Some studies show that around 15% of Americans avoid visiting the dentist because they are afraid or anxious. Today, we want to identify a few common causes of dental phobia and share some knowledge that may help you overcome it so you can get the care you need to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Common Causes of Dental Fear:

1. Pain

Often, our patients mention that they are afraid of getting their teeth examined or undergoing certain procedures because they believe it will hurt. Whether this belief is the result of some previous traumatic experience at the dentist or based on depictions in the media, our team will reassure you that we take every precaution to make sure that your visit is as comfortable, pain-free, and stress-free as possible. Moreover, ask us about our dental sedation options that can help you remain relaxed throughout your visit!

2. Helplessness

We understand that the dentist’s chair may feel like a vulnerable place to be. For that reason, we encourage our patients to familiarize themselves with our team and our office, and to ask questions before, during, and after their appointment. We will take extra time to explain exactly what will occur during any given procedure, and we can help you figure out the best payment options for your unique situation.

How to Manage Dental Anxiety:

There are many things you can do to help ease your fear of the dentist:

1. Choose North Richland Hills Dentistry as your dentist, because we understand your worries concerning feelings of pain and helplessness. We hope that after meeting Dr. Desai, making yourself at home in our welcoming office, checking out our patient amenities, and receiving quality care from our compassionate team, you'll feel less dental anxiety.

2. Try breathing and relaxation techniques.

3. Listen to soothing music.

4. Get a good night's sleep the day before your appointment so can you feel alert and refreshed.

5. Bring a friend to help you feel more comfortable during your dental treatment.

We Want to Help You Get the Dental Care You Need!

Do you have any other strategies you’ve used to help overcome your fear of the dentist? We want to hear from you! To learn more about how our team will help you feel safe, comfortable, and confident during your next dental appointment or to schedule a visit to our office, contact us today.

Relax at the Dentist with Dental Sedation

Does the thought of a dental appointment make you nervous? You’re not alone. Dental care has come a long way, and it’s more comfortable now than ever to receive a dental treatment. That being said, dental anxiety is a real issue, and it can prevent you from having a beautiful, healthy smile. Dental sedation allows you to have a relaxed, stress-free visit so that you can reap the benefits of top-notch dental treatment without the fear. Here is a handy guide of 3 types of dental sedation so you can determine which can best help you.

1. Nitrous Oxide

Commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide allows you to feel completely at ease yet conscious during your procedure. With this sedation technique, a small mask will be placed over your nose so you can inhale the nitrous oxide. Once your procedure is over, the effects of nitrous oxide dissipate quickly so you won’t need someone to drive you home and you won't feel groggy hours later.

2. Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation helps you feel restful during your procedure while also allowing you to be conscious and awake. All you have to do is take a prescription medication one hour before your treatment to feel the effect. It does take a few hours to wear off after your treatment is over, so make sure to set aside time to rest and recover after your treatment and arrange a ride home beforehand.

3. IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation dentistry is great for those who aren’t scared of needles. It’s a very powerful form of dental sedation, and many patients don’t realize how much time has passed from the moment that they receive sedation to the moment that they wake up! If you’re worried about how much pain you will experience during your treatment, then this is a great option for you.

Visit Our Comfortable Office!

It’s our priority to deliver comfortable, expert care here at North Richland Hills Dentistry, so dental anxiety and the fear of discomfort don't hold you back from taking care of your oral health. We encourage you to visit our office, ask questions, and take advantage of our wonderful amenities. Don't forget to take a look at our patient specials. To schedule your next appointment or to ask our friendly team questions about our dental sedation options, contact us today!