Sedation Dentistry

Do you or your child avoid dental visits because of fear or anxiety? You're not alone.

The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that 40 million Americans postpone dental treatment because of dental phobia. We offer Oral Conscious Sedation and Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) to help you or your child relax and overcome the fear/anxiety so that you can keep your oral health in checked.

Nitrous Oxide
Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that promotes a stress-free experience. Patients inhale nitrous oxide through a face mask. The amount of nitrous oxide you receive is controlled to ensure your comfort and safety. You will begin to relax and not recognize pain, so our doctors can perform treatments while you remain comfortable. Nitrous oxide is safe for patients of all ages and effects subside immediately so you can resume your normal activities right after you leave our dental office.

Oral Conscious Sedation

What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is the use of oral medication in combination with nitrous oxide to achieve an appropriate level of relaxation so that a fearful patient can calmly receive the dental care he or she needs. Most states require board-certification, which involves additional training in dosage, monitoring, and safety. Our sedation team of doctors and staff are trained and certified with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

At your first appointment, we will discuss with you your overall health and medical history. If you feel comfortable, we will take X-rays and examine your teeth and supporting tissues. This will give us the information we need to determine which dental treatments will restore your smile. Before you leave the office, we will schedule your next appointment and prescribe an anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety, medication.

We will advise you as to when you should take the medication, usually the night before your dental appointment. Accompanied by a responsible friend or family member, you'll arrive at the dentist's office more rested and relaxed. We will gauge your anxiety level when you arrive for the appointment. If needed, nitrous oxide will be given to further relax you, and our experienced sedation dentistry team will monitor your vital signs during the procedure. Your friend or family member will accompany you home once your dental work is complete. The effects of the sedative should subside by the following day. It is wise to have a friend or relative stay with you until the medication wears off.

Although your dental procedures may take hours, you will feel as if they take only minutes. Some patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep in the dentist's chair. Sedation medications have an amnesic effect, so you’ll have few, if any, memories of the visit. You can immediately enjoy your improved smile.

Who should consider oral conscious sedation?

You may want to consider oral sedation if:

  • You are fearful or anxious of dental treatment and dental instruments
  • Local anesthetics do not have a numbing effect on you
  • You have a sensitive gag reflex
  • You suffer from any health issues, such as neck or back pain, which could lead to discomfort while sitting in a dentist's chair

Oral conscious sedation can give you the peace of mind you need in order to undergo dental work. You may enjoy better overall health, an improved self-image, and better quality of life with a healthy, beautiful smile.

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