About Our Office

At Smith Dental Care, we understand that visiting the dentist can cause anxiety for many people. Whether it’s due to a previous negative experience, a fear of needles or drills, or simply the sounds and smells of a dental office, dental anxiety is real—and it can keep patients from getting the care they need. That’s why we’re proud to offer a range of Tyler, TX, sedation options to help patients relax and feel comfortable during their visits.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calm and at ease during dental procedures. Depending on your needs, sedation can be as mild as taking a pill to take the edge off, or as deep as entering a sleep-like state. At Smith Dental Care, we tailor each sedation plan to the individual, ensuring your comfort and safety at every step.

Many patients choose Tyler, TX, sedation dentistry if they:

• Experience dental anxiety or fear

• Have a strong gag reflex

• Need multiple procedures in one visit

• Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
• Have sensitive teeth or trouble getting numb

Types of Sedation Offered at Smith Dental Care

Let’s explore the levels of sedation we offer, from the lightest to the deepest form.

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) – Light Sedation

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild and fast-acting sedative that’s inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. It creates a sense of calm and light euphoria, helping ease nervousness during dental procedures. One of its biggest advantages is that the effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed, so you can typically drive yourself home without delay.

This form of sedation is ideal for patients with mild dental anxiety or those who simply want to feel more relaxed during routine treatments like cleanings or fillings. It’s also a safe and reliable choice for both adults and children. At Smith Dental Care, nitrous oxide is one of the most frequently used Tyler, TX, sedation options because it’s easy to administer, highly effective, and carries minimal side effects.

• Oral Sedation – Moderate Sedation

Oral sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide and is taken in pill form about an hour before your appointment. The medication, typically a benzodiazepine like Halcion or Valium, helps calm your nerves while allowing you to remain awake and responsive during your procedure. Most patients feel drowsy and detached from their surroundings and may not remember much of the treatment afterward. Because oral sedation can affect alertness for several hours, you’ll need a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you until the effects fully wear off.

This option is well-suited for patients with moderate dental anxiety, those undergoing longer or more involved procedures, or anyone looking for a more relaxed, low-stress dental experience without being fully sedated.

• IV Sedation – Deep Sedation

IV sedation, also known as twilight sedation, provides the deepest level of conscious relaxation available in our office setting. Administered through a small IV line, this form of sedation takes effect quickly and can be precisely adjusted throughout your visit to maintain your comfort.

Although you’ll remain technically conscious, most patients enter a sleep-like state and have little or no memory of the procedure. You won’t feel pain or anxiety, and our experienced team will monitor you closely to ensure your safety from start to finish.

IV sedation is ideal for patients with high levels of dental fear, those undergoing surgical procedures such as wisdom tooth extractions, or anyone who prefers to complete multiple treatments in a single visit with minimal stress or awareness.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Yes—when administered by trained professionals, sedation dentistry is extremely safe. At Smith Dental Care, we take your health seriously. Every sedation plan begins with a detailed consultation, where we review your medical history, current medications, and level of anxiety to determine the best and safest option.

Our Tyler, TX, sedation team, including a board-certified anesthesiologist, monitors you closely throughout your procedure, using advanced equipment to track your heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and comfort.

What to Expect Before and After Sedation

Depending on the level of sedation you receive, you may need to:

• Fast for several hours before your appointment

• Arrange transportation to and from our office
• Have a responsible adult stay with you for a few hours afterward

We’ll give you clear pre- and post-op instructions, so you know exactly what to do before your appointment and how to recover comfortably at home.

Most patients report feeling calm, rested, and relieved afterward. Sedation often makes it possible to complete procedures that would otherwise be difficult due to anxiety or discomfort.

Why Choose Smith Dental Care for Tyler, TX, Sedation?

At Smith Dental Care, we commit to making every patient feel at ease. Whether you need a simple cleaning or a full-mouth restoration, your comfort matters to us. We offer state-of-the-art sedation options in a warm, welcoming environment. This means you can get the care you need without fear or stress.

We’ve helped hundreds of patients in Tyler, TX, overcome dental anxiety and regain their confidence. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist out of fear, we invite you to come in for a consultation. Let’s talk about your concerns and create a plan that helps you feel calm and safe.

Ready to Relax? Tyler, TX Sedation 

Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from a healthy smile. With customized Tyler, TX, sedation options at Smith Dental Care, you can finally experience stress-free dentistry on your terms.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a more relaxed, comfortable dental experience.