At Radiant Dental Care in Pasadena, TX 77505, we acknowledge that some of our patients may not be comfortable with the thought of undergoing dental procedures. Some people experience panic attacks, usually originating from a fear of pain. If this is the case, sedation or sleep dentistry may be of help to you.
At our office, we offer sedation dentistry because we want our patients to have a relaxed experience during their procedures. To provide more comfort and relieve anxiety during treatments, we could recommend nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or in rare cases, general anesthesia. We will recommend the type of sedation to best match the treatment you need and your level of anxiety.
Who Would Need Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation will be beneficial to all patients healthy enough to undergo dental treatments. The sedatives are formulated to help fearful or anxious people become calmer during procedures. We use various sedation techniques for any procedure, from routine cleanings to complicated oral surgeries. Higher levels of sedation, such as IV medications, are usually reserved for extensive, more invasive procedures.Â
- Nitrous Oxide
The most standard form of dental sedation is nitrous oxide. It offers a safe, effective, and cost-effective way to relax anxious patients. Patients often report feelings of jubilation and serenity once the gas takes effect. During treatment, a face mask attached to a tank administers nitrous oxide and oxygen through your nose. Once the procedure is completed, its effects wear off immediately.
- Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is available in the form of a pill or liquid. You will be instructed to take this medication orally about an hour before the procedure. Oral sedation relaxes you throughout treatment while you stay conscious.
Oral medication may be a good choice because it can produce marginal to moderate levels of sedation, depending on the dose. Taking larger doses might induce some patients to fall asleep during their procedure.
- IV Sedation and General Anesthesia
Intravenous sedation gives medications directly into the bloodstream through a needle. This form of sedation is usually used for patients with severe anxiety or those in need of complicated procedures. IV sedation puts you in a situation somewhere in between being awake and unconscious.
General anesthesia is used during more complicated surgeries on the teeth, mouth, and face. Both IV sedation and general anesthesia have to be administered or at least be supervised by a licensed anesthesiologist. As a result, these sedation methods are less regular than oral medication and nitrous oxide.
If you want to know more about our sedation options, visit our office, Radiant Dental Care in Pasadena, TX. You can also reach us at (281) 991-6530 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Deborah Sprott.
