Sedation Dentistry
If fear or anxiety has been keeping you or your loved one from seeing a dentist, then we may have the solution. With sedation dentistry, you’ll be able to relax comfortably while our team of highly trained staff complete the necessary dental treatment. We have a few options to choose from:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas)
Nitrous oxide is a clear, odorless gas inhaled through a nasal mask. It is often called "laughing gas" due to calm, somewhat euphoric feeling it creates. It can calm a mildly nervous child or adult. It is mixed with oxygen for the administration. Once the procedure is complete we administer pure oxygen, which quickly clears the nitrous oxide out of the body. It leaves no aftereffects, and you may drive yourself if you feel comfortable.
Oral Sedation
For those patients who are quite fearful of the dental experience and don't believe that nitrous oxide will be a good option for them, a prescription sedative can be taken about an hour prior to the treatment. We normally combine this with the nitrous oxide gas to further enhance the relaxation experience. Patients often later report they do not remember much of the procedure.
You will need to have a driver to and from the office with this sedation option.
The dentist will need to discuss your medical conditions in detail prior to prescribing the sedative to ensure that you are medically stable and can maintain your airway while sedated.
IV Sedation
In some situations IV sedation with a board certified anesthesiologist is necessary. In this instance, a combination of sedatives are delivered intravenously (into a vein). The patient feels like they are sleeping, but is actually in a state of what is called twilight consciousness. However, the patient most likely will not be able to recall any part of the procedure once the sedative wears off. A driver is necessary to take the patient to the appointment and back home. A caregiver should be present with the patient for the remainder of the day and the first night.
Hospital General Anesthesia
For patients with special needs – those who are physically or intellectually disabled, or medically compromised – our team is available at Medical City Hospital in Dallas. At this location, we can safely complete necessary dental treatment under general anesthesia with an anesthesiologist in the hospital operating room.
People with special needs tend to experience substantially higher levels of oral disease including: gum disease, cavities, bad bite problems, accelerated tooth wear, tooth erosion, and damaging oral habits. They often have extra barriers to accessing proper dental care. Home care is often difficult as well, so these problems become even larger issues over time. Dr. Anna Willison is here to help.
To learn more about how sedation dentistry can help you or a loved one receive necessary dental care, call the Dallas, TX, office.