Sedation Dentist – Alice, TX
How We Soothe Dental Anxieties
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most used during extensive procedures, for dentistry patients with dental phobia, or for dentistry patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, and oral sedatives.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a dental patient to general anesthetics used to put dentistry patients to sleep. Dental patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps, or strong gag reflexes may require sedation dentistry. Procedures like fillings, dental crowns, bridges, root canals, tooth extractions, cosmetic procedures, and periodontal treatments often require some sort of dental sedation.
It is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many dental patients comfortable during their dental visits. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell our sedation dentist in Alice, TX about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Your dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation dentistry and provide any necessary instructions.
Why Choose Advanced Dental Care of South Texas for Sedation Dentistry?
- IV Sedation Available
- Advanced Dental Facility
- Team That Simply Cares
Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry
If you choose to have oral conscious sedation performed at your next appointment, you’ll be given a small pill to take at a set time beforehand. Once the pill takes effect, you’ll be extremely relaxed, but you won’t be unconscious; you’ll still be able to answer our questions, and we can wake you up easily if you happen to fall asleep. It will take a while for the effects of oral conscious sedation to fully wear off, so make sure there’s someone who can drive you home afterward.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as “laughing gas,” is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for 5-10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre-and post-sedation instructions.
IV Sedation Dentistry
IV sedation is the strongest form of dental sedation available; we tend to recommend it for those with moderate to high dental anxiety, or anyone who needs particularly extensive work done. The sedative is delivered straight into your bloodstream, so it will take effect quickly; you’ll feel highly relaxed, and you won’t be aware of anything else going on around you. Many patients don’t even remember anything that happened while under the effects of the sedative.