Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry makes it easier to relax if you have dental anxiety or need extensive dental treatment. At SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, general dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, provides several types of sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. Call SolidSMILES Dental to schedule a sedation dentistry consultation, or book your appointment online today. 

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you feel calm and relaxed during oral health care treatments. It’s an effective way to get the care you need if you’re one of the 36% of Americans who experience dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry typically doesn’t cause you to fall asleep, but it creates short-term amnesia where you don’t feel pain or experience anxiety.

Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?

You might be a candidate for sedation dentistry at SolidSMILES Dental if you have:

• Dental anxiety
• A fear of visiting the dentist
• An extremely sensitive gag reflex
• Extreme teeth sensitivity
• Feelings of claustrophobia
• A fear of needles

Sedation dentistry is safe for people of all ages. Your child might benefit from it if they have difficulty sitting still for extended periods or need extensive dental work.

Are there different types of sedation dentistry?

At SoldSMILES Dental, Dr. Patel provides several types of sedation dentistry, including:

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that causes you to relax and feel happy.

During this type of sedation dentistry, Dr. Patel places a mask over your nose and mouth. You breathe in and out, and the nitrous oxide’s relaxing effects begin to take effect within minutes. Throughout treatment, Dr. Patel adjusts the amount of nitrous oxide you receive, ensuring your comfort. 

Oral sedation

Oral sedation uses a prescription medication, like Halcion®, to make you feel sleepy and relaxed. 

You take the medication about an hour before your procedure, so it has time to kick in. Some people fall asleep under oral sedation, but if Dr. Patel needs you to follow instructions, she gently nudges you awake. 

Since the medication takes several hours to wear off, a friend or family member must drive you home.

Intravenous (IV) sedation

Dr. Patel recommends IV sedation if you have severe anxiety or need to undergo a lengthy procedure, like multiple extractions. 

This type of sedation is administered through a needle into a vein in your arm. Dr. Patel monitors your heartbeat and respiratory rate throughout treatment, adjusting the level of medication as needed.

Similar to oral sedation, you need a friend or family member to drive you home after treatment because it takes several hours for IV sedation to wear off.

Call SolidSMILES Dental to schedule a sedation dentistry appointment, or book your visit online today.