Sedation Dentistry: A Stress-Free Solution for Anxious Patients

At the practice of Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, we believe that dental care should never be nerve-wracking. Patient comfort is one of our top priorities, and we offer sedation dentistry options to ensure that even the most anxious patients enjoy a relaxing appointment.

This blog breaks down the essential information about sedation dentistry as a solution for dental anxiety and how it can help you feel more comfortable and confident about dental procedures.

Understanding sedation dentistry

A variety of medications can help patients relax during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry is often a go-to option for very patients who need root canals, tooth extractions, dental implants, or other major procedures.

In cases of extreme dental anxiety, sedation is even a great choice for less complex procedures, such as fillings.

Nitrous oxide for quick, light relaxation

Using nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is a simple process. Dr. Wilmore places a small mask over your nose. You can breathe normally, inhaling a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. It has near-immediate effects, bringing on a relaxed, sometimes euphoric, state.

Effects dissipate very quickly after Dr. Wilmore removes the mask, and most patients don't even remember their procedure afterward.

Nitrous oxide is safe and reliable. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry explains that it's safe for children as young as toddlers.

Oral conscious sedation for deeper calm

This option involves taking a pill at least an hour before your procedure. This allows the medication time to take effect and helps you start your appointment already feeling relaxed.

The medication causes drowsiness, and many patients doze lightly during the procedure. If you choose this option, a friend or loved one should drive you to your appointment and home afterward — you may feel groggy for up to eight hours after your office visit.

Oral sedation is safe and dependable for older children and adults. The American Dental Association doesn't set strict age limits for oral sedation but emphasizes safety and proper dosing for all patients based on weight and overall health.

Dr. Wilmore monitors you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety. With oral sedation, you're alert enough to respond to the dentist or hygienist but probably won't recall anything about the treatment afterward.

IV sedation for complex treatments

The deepest sedation option available in the office, IV sedation delivers medication directly into your bloodstream. It's usually reserved for complicated and lengthy procedures or for patients with debilitating dental anxiety.

For this procedure, a small IV in your arm or hand delivers the sedative, which works very quickly to relax you. With IV sedation, you're typically very drowsy but still able to communicate with Dr. Wilmore during the procedure if needed.

We monitor your vital signs throughout the use of IV sedation. After the procedure, you rest here in the office as the effects wear off before we release you to get a ride home with a trusted companion. Many patients have little or no memory of the procedure afterward.

When sedation dentistry may help you

Some patients need only local anesthesia during dental procedures, but many others need a blend of anesthesia and sedation. Sedation could help if:

• You have mild to severe dental anxiety
• You have a gag reflex that makes dentistry difficult
• You've had negative dental experiences in the past
• You or your child has special needs (physical, developmental, or emotional challenges)

If you’re an anxious patient, there’s a solution for you. Book your appointment for stress-free dental care with Dr. Wilmore today. You can phone our office, conveniently located in the Galleria area in Houston, Texas, at 713-266-4222.