Relaxing Dental Sedation
Relaxing Dental Sedation in San Antonio, TX
Dental anxiety can make dental visits, even routine ones, feel completely nerve-wracking. In other cases, patients have to undergo more complex procedures and want a way to make their appointment feel like it flew by. No matter the reason you want to add dental sedation to your treatment plan, our team can help you find a sedation option that will work well for you. To learn more about our sedation services or schedule your next appointment, please contact our office!
Contact UsNitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a blend of gases that smell faintly sweet and are administered through a comfortable nose mask that is worn for the duration of the treatment. It’s more commonly known as laughing gas, and it can help patients feel content and relaxed during dental treatments. Patients often use nitrous oxide for mild to moderate dental anxiety and for more minor dental treatments to feel calm and make time seem like it is passing quicker. Another great benefit is that it starts and stops working within minutes, and patients can drive themselves home after using it.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation requires the patient to take a prescription medication at a certain time before their dental appointment for the effects to begin working in time. During treatment, patients feel sleepy and are less aware of what is happening around them, but they are still able to respond to questions. The reflexes are also slowed, which helps patients with strong gag reflexes. It will take a few hours for the medication to wear off, so patients should plan to have a friend or family member wait in the lobby and drive them home to rest after their visit.
IV Sedation
IV sedation works quickly because after a thin needle is placed in the patient’s vein, the sedative is administered directly into the bloodstream. The amount of sedative that a patient receives can be controlled by our team, and we are always carefully monitoring and adjusting the sedative based on what the patient needs. This form of sedation is sometimes called twilight or sleep dentistry, but the patient is not rendered unconscious, they are just put into a dream-like state of consciousness that may cause them to fall asleep during treatment.
Want to learn more about our sedation services? Feel free to contact us!
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Sedation FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
At South Texas Smiles, patient safety is always the top priority. We never recommend services that we believe will not ultimately benefit the patient. Before dental sedation is recommended or administered, we always review the patient’s medical history, treatment plan, and current health status to determine which sedation option is right for them, if any. If you have any questions or concerns for our team, please don’t hesitate to ask, and we will provide you with everything you need to know about your treatment.
Does dental sedation come with side effects?
Many patients feel a little tired and worn out after undergoing a dental procedure, even if dental sedation is not used. Some additional mild side effects that can occur after utilizing dental sedation include headache, dizziness, nausea, and dry mouth. These side effects should wear off within a few hours, and most patients feel completely back to normal within 24 hours. If you develop a fever or experience side effects that last longer, please contact our office right away so that we may assist you.
Will I feel any pain with sedation dentistry?
If you are receiving dental sedation for a restorative procedure, a local anesthetic will be used in conjunction with the sedation for a virtually painless and comfortable experience. Your teeth and gums will be completely numb during treatment, and the sedation will also put you in a relaxed state where you will be less aware of what is happening and much more at ease. We will provide you with aftercare instructions to manage any pain or discomfort that may occur once the sedation and anesthetic wears off.
