Sedation Dentistry
Alvin, TX Dentist
Providing you relaxing dental treatment and eliminating the fear
Does the thought of sitting in a dental chair make your heart race? Do you start panicking during an appointment? For many people, the fear is so much that they endure the agony of a toothache than schedule an appointment with the dentist.
At Alvin Smiles, we want you to know that you do not have to feel embarrassed about dental anxiety. When you are open about how you feel, our dentists can figure out how to give you the proper care you need with minimal discomfort.
We offer Sedation Dentistry that helps you relax during your dental appointments, conquering your dental phobia.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medications and methods to help you relax during the dental procedure for a better dental care experience. Also, you receive the high-quality dental care you need.
We use sedation dentistry for patients who:
- Suffer from dental fear and anxiety.
- Need complex or multiple treatments in a single sitting.
- Undergo oral surgery.
In every case, the sedation is carefully checked by experienced dental professionals to make sure you are safe and comfortable.
Types of Sedation Dentistry We Offer?
We provide three types of sedation dentistry. Nitrous Oxide, Intravenous (IV), and oral sedation.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas is a mild dental sedation medicine, we use at our dental office to make your dental treatment more relaxed and stress-free. Our experts place a mask on your nose allowing you to inhale the medicine to induce a state of mild relaxation and reduce sensitivity to pain. The sedation solution is also known to reduce saliva flow and gag reflex. Nitrous Oxide is non-allergic, non-irritating, and safe for virtually every patient, regardless of age. After the procedure, we use oxygen to neutralize the effects of the nitrous oxide and you can drive home shortly thereafter.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Intravenous Sedation or IV Sedation is used for shorter treatment sessions and is the highest level of conscious sedation. The sedation does not put you to sleep but makes you less aware of your surroundings. You feel as though you slept through the treatment. The sedation is administered through the veins in your arm or wrist. Strong sedatives in a controlled manner are allowed to pass through the IV to achieve a mode of an ideal state of sedation. This level of sedation dentistry is used for difficult or complex surgeries or people with extreme dental anxiety.
When the IV is stopped, you may feel groggy, but this will fade over the next few hours. For this type of sedation, you will need to bring someone to escort or drive you back home. It is important because the effect of the sedative can take up to 24 hours to diminish. Please let us know at the time of scheduling the appointment that you are interested in IV sedation.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation dentistry works well for people with mild anxiety or for shorter appointments and is also given to children who are nervous about the dental procedure. This type of sedation makes you a little drowsy and keeps you relaxed and calm during the dental treatment.
Oral sedation medication starts to work within 20 minutes. Thus, you are given medicine once you arrive at the Alvin Smiles dental office. When you want to have oral sedation, ensure that you do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your appointment.
The sedative medication we give is FDA-approved and is safe for use.
You stay responsive and awake during the treatment, but in a comfortable, relaxed state. However, you will remember very little about your visit.
More About Sedation Dentistry
Your safety is of utmost priority at Alvin Smiles. Therefore, at your appointment, let us know whether:
- You take any prescription or over-the-counter medications
- You use any herbal or nutritional supplements
- Allergies you might have, particularly due to medicine reactions
- Any health conditions you have
- Any issues or concerns you may have about your dental treatment or sedation dentistry
For more information about using sedation dentistry with your dental treatment, contact Alvin Smiles now at 281-824-4270.
