Debunking Myths about Sedation Dentistry

Dr. Heather Martinson • January 18, 2024

36% of Americans claim to live in fear of dental treatment. 12% of them have what would be considered extreme fear.

Although many people are afraid of going to the dentist, a lot of them are also fearful of sedation dentistry as well. Sedation dentistry can be a great solution for people who are scared of going to the dentist or simply those who want to minimize their pain during dental procedures. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about how it works.

Ready to learn more? In this guide, we'll debunk some of the most common myths surrounding sedation dentistry in Arlington, TX.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a type of dental care that utilizes sedatives to provide comfort to patients when undergoing dental procedures. It helps both children and adults relax and experience dental treatments in a pain-free way.

Sedation dentistry helps to remove stress from the equation when getting dental care by creating a relaxed feeling in the body. Commonly used sedatives include nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, as well as intravenous (IV) sedation and general anesthesia.

Anyone can benefit from sedative dentistry practices since they can help reduce dental anxiety and pain. Sedation dentistry can help ensure that a patient can get the dental care they need with minimal friction.

Common Sedation Dentistry Myths

So, what are the persistent myths regarding sedation dentistry? Here are the sedation dentistry myths that you should stop believing immediately.

You'll Be Completely Unconscious

One of the myths that people believe about sedation dentistry is that a patient will be unconscious. This is not always the case, and typically a person will remain conscious when sedated.

Although sedatives will make a person sleepy, they can still respond to anyone who asks them a question. You'll be able to communicate under sedation as needed.

There are various levels of sedation. Only in more complicated cases is it necessary for a patient to be at a higher sedation level and be completely unconscious. While sedation will make a patient very comfortable, it usually won't put them to sleep.

It's Only for Complicated Dental Procedures

Many people believe that sedation is only necessary when a procedure is particularly complex or extensive. However, sedation can be used for many minor procedures to provide a better experience to a patient.

Sedation can even be used for routine dental cleanings if necessary to provide patients with the comfort they need. It works well for any patient who has dental phobia and has trouble dealing with the stress of getting dental work performed.

Sedation Is Only Meant for Dental Phobia

Although sedation can be beneficial for those who suffer from dental phobia, others can benefit as well. It can help patients with only mild anxiety or anyone who wants to experience more comfort during their dental visit.

Some dental procedures can be painful, so sedation can help to promote relaxation. It helps ensure patients of all types experience minimal stress while getting dental work. Anybody can use sedatives for improved well-being and a quicker and less painful dental visit.

Only Adults Can Be Sedated

Many people mistakenly believe that sedation dentistry is only for adults, rather than children. This isn't the case. Nitrous oxide and other sedatives are often used to sedate children because they can help make them more comfortable and relaxed. They'll feel less worried about any treatments that they need to undergo.

General anesthesia is a bit less common for children. However, it will still be used for more intensive dental work.

Sedation Dentistry Is Dangerous

Perhaps the biggest misconception about dental sedation is that it's very dangerous. Fortunately, sedation dentistry doesn't live up to this expectation.

There's a minimal risk of complications during sedation and it's considered a safe practice overall. However, sedation must be administered by a professional who has been well-trained in how to sedate patients.

It's also possible that some people will experience side effects such as drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, and short-term memory loss while being sedated.

Dental Sedatives Are Addictive

A common myth that some patients believe about sedative dentistry is that medications are addictive. However, the truth is that the medications used for sedative dentistry purposes aren't addictive, unlike more powerful sedatives like barbiturates.

Drugs used in sedation dentistry aren't considered addictive and have a very low number of side effects. Additionally, with any sedation, the doses are carefully chosen and controlled. They're determined to meet a patient's exact needs and only the necessary amount is used.

When administered by professionals who know what they're doing, you can rest assured that you won't get addicted to any sedatives while getting dental work completed.

It's Not Worth the Cost

Another big misconception people have about sedation dentistry is that it's too expensive and not worth the cost.

While it's true that sedation will incur additional charges, many patients find that it is more than worth it. Sedation can help benefit patients greatly by helping them be more relaxed during dental treatments. They'll be able to get the general or cosmetic dental work they need while having a pleasant time at the dentist's office.

With so many people living in fear of the dentist and needing dental work done, sedation can be well worth the cost. It can help a patient prioritize their oral health more easily.

The Truth About Sedation Dentistry

If you are considering sedation dentistry, there is no need to be afraid. Ignore these myths to determine if it's right for you.

Unlike what some patients believe, sedation isn't dangerous or addictive and usually doesn't render you unconscious. It's also for more than just complicated procedures or those who have extreme dental phobia.

If you need dental work, consider visiting Dr. Heather Martinson. She has practiced cosmetic and restorative dentistry in Arlington for over 25 years and can help your family get great results at every visit.

Do you need sedation dentistry in Arlington, TX? Contact us today to set up your next dental appointment.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.