Do I Need Dental Sedation?

Posted by

We want our patients to enjoy a calm and comfortable experience when they visit the dentist. In order to make sure they do, especially for patients with dental anxiety, we may recommend dental sedation. How does sedation dentistry help our patients? What options do we provide?

When Do You Recommend Sedation?

We can suggest a calming solution for patients with dental anxiety, which can often make undergoing even routine treatments difficult. We can also use them to help young children undergo procedures. If you have a fear of the dentist, know that we understand your anxieties are very real. We want to help you feel comfortable and able to receive the care you need to maintain optimal oral health.

Our Treatment Options

We will look at your medical history, current health, age, and weight, among other factors, to determine which option works best for you. We have two different sedation options available:

  • Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this option is administered through the nose via a mask. The gas helps the patient enter a calm state. Patients remain conscious, but have little to no memory of the procedure. We can adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure and the effects wear off almost immediately once the procedure ends. In fact, you can return to work or school by yourself!
  • Oral Sedation: For patients with more serious cases of anxiety, we have oral sedation. The patient will take a pill in the hours prior to the procedure. We recommend avoiding a large meal or beverages other than water in the six to eight hours before the procedure. The patient enters a deeper state of relaxation. The effects take time to wear off, so you should arrange for a friend or family member to bring you home.

Do you have questions about our calming solutions? Interested in scheduling a visit? Then contact our team today!

Do You Have Dental Anxiety?

We can help people that have let anxiety stand between them and a healthier smile! For more information, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).