Relaxing Dental Sedation
in Cedar Park, TX
Dental anxiety affects patients of all ages, and many adults reschedule, postpone, and cancel dental appointments due to their fear of dental visits. At Vista Ridge Family Dentistry, we completely understand how debilitating dental anxiety can be. Our compassionate team always practices with patience and empathy, and we will never do anything that a patient is not comfortable with. Whether you always experience dental anxiety or you have a particularly nerve-wracking appointment coming up, please don’t hesitate to ask our team about our dental sedation options.
Contact UsNitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is the clinical term for laughing gas. A comfortable mask is placed over the nose before treatment begins, and a clear, faintly sweet-smelling gas is administered. The effects of laughing gas begin pretty quickly, and the patient may feel light-headed, relaxed, or giddy, like they feel like laughing. Laughing gas is great for relieving mild dental anxiety, and it is often used for minor procedures. Once the patient breathes normal oxygen for a few minutes, the effects will subside, and it is usually safe for the patient to drive themselves home.
Oral Conscious Sedation
An oral medication will be given in-office prior to the start of the appointment. The medication will put the patient into a sleepy, dream-like state where they are less aware of what is happening around them. Time may feel slower, and the patient’s reflexes are often slowed as well. The patient may fall asleep during treatment, but they will not be rendered unconscious. This option is often used for more complex treatments, and patients will need a friend or family member to wait in our office and drive them home after their appointment.
IV Sedation
A thin needle is placed into the patient’s arm and the sedative is administered intravenously. IV sedation can be used for any kind of dental visit, as the amount of sedative that is administered can be controlled by a dental professional. This kind of sedation is sometimes called “twilight” or “sleep” dentistry, but the patient is conscious during their treatment. Patients can answer questions from our team, but they may not remember much of their appointment. IV sedation requires a trusted adult to stay and drive the patient home afterward.
We always take a patients’ medical history and current health status into consideration before recommending or prescribing dental sedation. If you have any questions or concerns for our team, feel free to reach out to our front office.
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