east Texas sedation dentistry

Going to the dentist should be an unquestionable part of your regular healthcare. But for a lot of people, those visits to the dentist incite feelings of fear or uneasiness. Many times, they can’t even explain why they have those feelings, but it makes them no less significant. Whether it comes from the sounds in the office, the anticipation of discomfort, past traumatic experiences, or something entirely different, many Americans avoid dental care because of anxiety or fear.

With East Texas sedation dentistry, you can experience a whole new approach to your dental care. There are multiple solutions, each of which can be tailored to your unique needs. Here in this guide, we will explore more about sedation dentistry, who it is for, and just how it can transform your dental care experience. 

East Texas Sedation Dentistry: What Is It?

The term “sedation dentistry” simply refers to using medication designed to help patients relax when they are at the dentist. You might also hear this referred to as sleep dentistry, relaxation dentistry, or other names, but they all mean the same thing. 

These sedation techniques provide the patient with relaxation. There are different levels of sedation available which will likely depend on your needs or your procedure, but they all come down to helping you remain relaxed and free from anxiety for whatever you need done at the dentist’s office. 

In most cases, general anesthesia is not part of the typical sedation dentistry process. While it may be offered in some places, this is typically reserved for complex procedures, surgeries, and other similar needs. 

Types of Sedation Dentistry

There are three primary types of sedation used in most dental offices. Here is a breakdown: 

• Nitrous oxide, often known as laughing gas, is the mildest and most common form of sedation. This is inhaled through a mask on your nose, and it will make you feel relaxed and euphoric at the same time. It wears off very quickly, and you can typically resume your normal activities immediately after.
• Oral sedation is considered medium sedation. This is a pill that you will take before your appointment. The pill typically makes you feel calm but also drowsy.
  You will need to arrange for someone to drive you because of the drowsiness it can cause. 
• IV sedation is a higher level of sedation. While you stay conscious with IV sedation, it will provide a deep relaxation where you might fall asleep. Most people have no memory of the procedure when finished. You will also need a driver for this one. 

The type of sedation you use is going to depend on your individual needs, the complexity of your treatment, and your level of anxiety. 

Who Can Use East Texas Sedation Dentistry?

If your dentist’s office provides sedation dentistry solutions, you can likely use them as long as it is a good fit. They can be a game-changer for many different types of patients. Your dentist will need to know your medical history in order to ensure it is safe for you to use sedation.

These are some common reasons people choose sedation: 

• Moderate to severe dental anxiety or phobia 
• Strong gag reflexes 
• Sensitive teeth or a low pain tolerance 
• Undergoing oral surgery or complex procedures 
• Extensive dental work in one appointment 
• Excessive difficulty sitting still for a long period of time 

These are just a few common examples. The idea is that if you can reduce fear and discomfort, then patients can receive the dental care they need more easily. 

Understanding the Benefits

Curious about the benefits of using sedation? There are multiple benefits, and these benefits can often apply to your dentist as well as yourself. When you are calm, your dentist can complete the necessary work. 

Let’s take a closer look at some benefits: 

• Reduce fear and anxiety: Fear and anxiety can be substantially reduced or even eliminated with these methods. Patients don’t have to avoid the dentist because they’re afraid – now there are solutions 
• Painless procedure: Sedation will help dull the senses so patients experience little to no pain during their procedure. This can be especially helpful for those who have a low pain threshold
• Efficient treatment: When a patient is relaxed, the dentist can often perform more work and fewer visits. They are able to get things done more easily because they have a relaxed patient who is cooperative with their needs 
• Memory suppression: When they use medium or deep sedation methods, most patients do not remember very much of the appointment, if any at all 

East Texas Sedation Dentistry with Smith Dental Care

Overcoming dental anxiety starts with a conversation with your provider. If you do not have a provider, locate a dentist near you who offers sedation options. A compassionate provider is going to listen to your concerns, review your health status, and help you choose an appropriate sedation method to meet your needs.

At Smith Dental care, we are proud to provide multiple sedation options. We tailor the solutions to your unique needs. Schedule your appointment today.