Questions about Sedation Dentistry

San Antonio,Texas

Many people do not go to the dentist because they are afraid or they have dental phobias. This is a major concern as the patients health can be at risk. Sedation dentistry, quite simply, makes the patient relaxed and comfortable during their visit to the dentist.

What kinds of Sedation Dentistry are available?

The most popular forms of sedation dentistry are oral sedatives (pill form), and nitrous oxide(also known as laughing gas).

• Oral sedatives are usually given about an hour prior to the procedure and when they take effect the patient will feel calm, relaxed and still be able to communicate with Dr. Hale. A local anesthetic will be given as oral sedatives do not provide pain relief. After the visit the patient should be able to drive home.
• Nitrous Oxide is given through a mask and takes effect immediately. Like oral sedatives a local anesthetic will be administered. The patient will have a pleasurable feeling throughout their body, relieving them of the stress of the procedure. There can be some visual or auditory side effect as well. The gas can be administered for the exact time period it is needed for, which makes coming down from the “high” very easy. The patient will be able to drive home after the visit.

Other forms of sedation dentistry include an IV sedation and general anesthetic. IV sedation is like oral sedatives but takes effect more quickly and wears off slower. General anesthetic is sometimes not referred to as sedation dentistry but as sleep dentistry. The patient “goes under” for a period of time and will have no recollection of the procedure. With general anesthetic the patient will need help getting home and may feel drowsy for a few hours.

Who is a good candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Not all people are open to sedation dentistry, but those who are usually do so because of several reasons:

• They have had a traumatic dental experience in the past.
• They have some sort of dental phobia or anxiety
• Embarrassed about their teeth
• Need a lot of dental work done at once
• Difficulty getting numb
• In denial of your dental problems
• Extremely sensitive teeth
• Need complex dental work or surgery
• Fear of the dentist

If you live in the San Antonio, Texas area and you think you are a candidate for sedation dentistry or would like to learn more, please contact Dr. Brain Hale, where he and his team can take care of all your cosmetic and general dentistry needs.