Sedation Dentistry
Stress Free Dental Visits with Sedation Dentistry in Tyler, TX
Discover how Smith Dental Care helps patients overcome dental anxiety with safe and effective sedation solutions.
Calm and Less Stressed Dental Visits are Possible with Smith Dental Care
If the thought of walking into a dental office or sitting in a dental chair makes you anxious, you are not alone. Thousands of people in the United States suffer from dental anxiety and phobia – and far more are never diagnosed. Many people find themselves avoiding necessary dental care because of fear, discomfort, anxiety, or even past traumatic experiences. We understand these challenges at Smith Dental Care – and we are here to help.
Our sedation dentistry solutions in Tyler, TX, give you the ability to experience a calm and relaxing atmosphere so you can get the care you need. Our team prioritizes patient comfort, offering a range of safe sedation options to ensure you can come to the dentist and feel confident about your visit. We don’t just use sedation – we provide a calm and relaxing environment for every patient.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help clients feel more calm and comfortable during their dental procedure or visit. These solutions are not just used for complex treatments and surgeries; they can even be used for everything from dental cleaning to tooth extractions. What is used or provided will depend on your comfort level and unique needs.
When we use the term “sedation dentistry,” we don’t mean that we are putting you to sleep. The term simply refers to medication designed to help you stay calm and relieve fear or anxiety. In truth, most patients actually remain awake, conscious, and fully responsive. They are just in a deep state of relaxation.
At Smith Dental Care, our skilled team will walk you through your options based on your medical history, needs, and the type of treatment to occur.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is not for everyone, but it can be used for different patient needs as well as different types of procedures. These are some common scenarios for patients who might benefit from using sedation:
- Fear of needles or drills or the sounds the tools make
- Worry about pain or discomfort
- Dental anxiety or phobia
- Strong gag reflex
- Challenges sitting still long enough to get things done
- Highly sensitive teeth or gums
- Previous traumatic experiences
- Special healthcare needs or developmental conditions
- Multiple procedures in one visit
These are common scenarios in which sedation might help. Our team will always ensure you are heard, supported, and cared for with compassion.
Types of Sedation Offered at Smith Dental Care
We offer a range of different sedation options to match the comfort level, procedure type, and needs of each patient. Every method is expertly administered and carefully monitored following strict protocols. These are the different types of sedation we utilize:
- Nitrous Oxide: also known as laughing gas, this is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. It will reduce anxiety and make you feel calm and relaxed. It can even make you feel silly or euphoric. The effects wear off shortly after the mask is removed, and patients can drive after use. You will be awake and alert the entire time.
- Oral Sedation: this method takes some pre-planning, as you will need to take a prescribed pill prior to your appointment time. That pill will help reduce tension and fear, but you also stay awake and conscious. The pills typically make you drowsy, and you might even experience some memory gaps. Be sure to bring someone to drive you, as the effects can linger.
- IV Sedation: administered through an IV that is placed in a vein and provides continual medication directly into your bloodstream. This method is generally reserved for complex procedures or extreme anxiety and challenging needs. You will be conscious, but you may fall asleep and not even remember the procedure. You are closely monitored for safety the entire time. Again, you will need a driver as you will likely be drowsy for some time.
To select the right option, we consider your needs, the scheduled procedure, safety, and your medical history or background to ensure you are provided the solution that is right and safe for you.
At Smith Dental Care, we take a comfort-focused approach. Sedation is just one part of our commitment to making your visit comfortable. From the moment you walk in our doors, you will find yourself in a warm and welcoming environment and handled by a compassionate and caring team.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation dentistry is considered extremely safe when administered by trained and qualified professionals. At Smith Dental Care, we follow strict guidelines and monitoring processes to ensure your comfort and well-being from start to finish.
We will review your full medical history, discuss current conditions and medications, answer any questions you may have, and provide clear instructions for before, during, and after sedation. While you are using sedation, we closely monitor you to ensure safety and results.
What to Expect with Sedation: Before, During, and After
Before your appointment, you will need to follow any instructions provided, assuming you know that you will be using sedation ahead of time. Nitrous oxide does not typically take extra prep work, but it’s always good to plan ahead. If you are using oral or IV sedation, don’t forget you need someone responsible to drive you.
During your procedure you should feel calm, relaxed, and possibly drowsy. We keep you advised and monitor you continuously. When the visit is complete, we ensure you know what to expect and whether there are any restrictions to follow for aftercare.
Why Choose Smith Dental Care for Sedation Dentistry in Tyler, TX
We are so much more than just dentists at Smith Dental Care. We are your partners in oral health, and we want you to feel comfortable and at ease for every need. Our patients choose us for these reasons:
- We specialize in gentle and anxiety-free care
- Our team is trained and experienced in safe sedation practices
- We treat every patient with dignity, respect, and empathy
- We rely on modern technology to make every procedure more comfortable and efficient when possible
- We are a convenient, welcoming, and family-friendly dental office
Sedation Dentistry with Smith Dental Care
Whether you have high dental anxiety or you’ve had a traumatic experience, Smith Dental Care has sedation dentistry solutions that are tailored to your needs. Experience comfortable and stress-free dental in a relaxed environment. Contact us today to learn more!