Sedation Dentistry

Richardson, TX Dentist

Sedation Dentistry uses medication to help you relax and have a better dental care experience. Sedation dentistry can even help patients with severe dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry offers many benefits to meet your individual needs. Sedation allows your body to relax more completely. This increases the effectiveness of local anesthesia. Sedation dentistry reduces the sensation of passing time. This can be very useful if you need complex or multiple treatments in a single sitting. It also prevents your muscles from stiffening or becoming sore due to spending extended periods of time in one position.

To ensure we provide the best fit for each patient, we offer several different types of sedation dentistry: Nitrous Oxide, Anxiolysis, Oral Conscious Sedation, and Intravenous Sedation. In every case, your sedation is closely monitored by experienced dental professionals to ensure your safety and comfort at all times.

Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild dental sedation medication. Once inhaled, it induces a state of mild relaxation. It also reduces sensitivity to pain. Nitrous Oxide is safe for virtually every patient, regardless of age. Following treatment, oxygen is used to neutralize the effects of the nitrous oxide. Once this is complete, you will be fully alert and able to drive yourself home.

Anxiolysis is a form of oral sedation using a light sedative, such as valium. It is not as strong as oral conscious sedation, so it is recommended for those with mild to moderate anxiety. You will remain conscious during treatment, but any tension and anxiety will fade away. You will be able to talk and breathe normally, but will remain in a relaxed state. Since anxiolysis is a light sedative, you will even be able to drive yourself home afterward.

Oral Conscious Sedation, or OCS, provides a stronger level of sedation than nitrous oxide or anxiolysis. Many patients choose OCS for the deep relaxation it provides.  Though you are still able to stand, walk, or answer questions, you remain calm and drowsy throughout the treatment. With OCS, many patients have found they have little memory of the procedure after the fact. For patients with dental anxiety, this can be a great benefit.

Intravenous Sedation, or IV Sedation, is generally used with shorter treatment sessions. An anesthesiologist comes in to assist Dr. Lide with your sedation in this case. The effects are immediate and may cause you to feel as though you slept through the treatment. You may feel groggy when the IV is stopped, but this will fade over the next few hours.

Unlike with nitrous oxide and anxiolysis, if you choose oral conscious or IV sedation, you will need someone to provide your transportation on the day of your procedure. While there are no lingering aftereffects, the sedative effects of these options can take up to 24 hours to fully diminish.

Your safety is our top priority. At your appointment, be sure to tell us:

  • Any prescription medications or over-the-counter medications you are taking
  • Any herbal or nutritional supplements you are using
  • Any allergies you have, particularly medication reactions
  • Any health conditions you have
  • Any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment or about sedation dentistry

For more information about using sedation dentistry with your next treatment, contact our office.