As a general rule, people do not like going to the dentist. It’s not really much fun to hold your mouth open for an extended period of time while someone pokes, prods, and scrapes your teeth. Not to mention the fear that they will find something wrong, and you will have to pay for it.

These are normal fears that everyone encounters, but fear sometimes goes even further. Fear keeps people away from our Houston, TX, dental office completely. Studies have found that a significant percentage (10-20%) of people will not see a dentist unless they are in excruciating pain.

Over the past few decades, the dental community has been able to take strides toward better experiences for patients. There is nothing to fear because you have the ability to be completely comfortable in the dental office, regardless of how afraid you are. We can help you feel relaxed and at ease with the help of dental sedation.

What is Sedation?

Sedation is a way to help your mind and body relax despite the feeling of fear. Through the use of medication, we can calm your heart rate and the anxiety running through your body, which will help you have a much easier dental appointment. Your work is completed while you rest comfortably. Once your work is complete, you are often ready to return to your daily life. Let’s take a look at your options for sedation dentistry.

Nitrous Oxide – Nitrous oxide gas is used in most dental offices around the world. It is also known as laughing gas, and most patients have experienced it at some point. Unfortunately, nitrous oxide doesn’t work for everyone, and it is not strong enough for others.

Oral Conscious – The next level of sedation comes in a pill form. We call it oral conscious sedation because you will be more deeply sedated than nitrous, but you are still conscious. Many patients actually fall asleep during their work, but we easily wake them when needed. Oral conscious sedation does last beyond your appointment, so you will need someone to drive you to and from the office.

IV Sedation – The deepest level of sedation offered here at Antoine Dental Center is IV sedation. Most offices do not offer this deep sedation because it requires special certification, but we believe it is best for some patients. IV sedation can actually allow you to sleep through your entire procedure.

Isn’t That Just for Fearful Patients?

Many people believe that sedation isn’t for them because it is just for patients who are afraid. While it is true that fearful patients often take advantage of sedation more than other groups, they are not the only demographic who is helped! Take a look below to get an idea of how dental sedation can benefit many, many people!

Gag Reflex – Your gag reflex is triggered when your put something near the back of your mouth. For most of us, the gag reflex works when it needs to and nothing more, but for some patients, the gag reflex is so sensitive that it keeps them from getting care! Imagine trying to have your teeth cleaned with a super sensitive gag reflex! Sedation helps to relax those throat muscles so that these patients can have a relaxed, calm dental procedure with no gagging!

Special Needs Patients – A demographic of patients often get overlooked: special needs patients. Patients who are unable to understand what is happening in a dental office are often frightened by the lights, masks, and tools. Many special needs patients suffer with extremely poor oral health because of this. Sedation allows these patients the ability to relax completely in the office. They can sleep through their appointment and wake up with a fresh, clean smile.

Busy Patients – You might not be afraid of the dentist, but we can almost guarantee that you have a full schedule of things to do. Who doesn’t? Fitting multiple dental appointments in is never easy, which is why sedation works so well to benefit patients. Rather than having to break up difficult procedures into multiple appointments, you can relax and get it all done at once!

Can Sedation Transform Your Appointment?

So whether you are afraid, too busy for multiple appointments, or have a condition that keeps you from the dentist, sedation dentistry may be for you! This simple technique is transforming dental appointments for patients across the country. Could it change the way you think about going to the dentist?

Learn More When You Call Today!

If you are ready to transform your dental experience, contact our office today. We would be happy to discuss your options for sedation dentistry. You, too, can have a great appointment with the help of dental sedation!