Exploring East Texas Sedation Dentistry: What Is It?

A trip to the dentist is often easier than it sounds. For many people, this triggers fear and anxiety that is hard to overcome. That is why knowing the options for East Texas sedation dentistry is so important. You don’t have to go to appointments stricken with fear and unable to relax. There are plausible solutions to help a patient relax and remain calm throughout their visit. 

With our services in East Texas, we provide a wide variety of sedation dentistry. Below, learn more about what it is and how it can help you. 

What is Sedation Dentistry, Exactly? 

Let’s start at the beginning. Sedation dentistry ultimately refers to the use of some form of medication to sedate or calm a patient. Whether the patient experiences anxiety struggles or they have a history of dental anxiety, these solutions are meant to help calm them and help them to relax so they can maintain their oral hygiene. 

Sedation solutions can be used for anything from a simple cleaning or checkup to more detailed procedures. The type of sedation used should be considered carefully and then chosen to meet the patient’s needs as well as the procedure taking place. 

Sedation levels range from mild options like nitrous oxide to deep sedation through IV or even general anesthesia. 

Here is a quick overview of the common types of sedation: 

• Nitrous Oxide - also called laughing gas, this is breathed in through a mask over your nose. It provides a sense of euphoria and happiness, helping keep you relaxed and at ease. 
• Oral Sedation - uses a pill that is prescribed and taken prior to the appointment. The pill helps to calm anxiety before you even arrive at the dental office and hopefully lasts throughout the appointment. 
• IV Sedation - typically reserved for more complex procedures or for strong sedation needs. IV sedation generally results in relaxation and potentially even falling asleep. 

The Benefits of East Texas Sedation Dentistry

The benefits of using these techniques apply to both anxious patients and the providers who see them. 

The overall goal of sedation is to help reduce anxiety during a dental visit. When anxiety is reduced, the patient is calm and relaxed. They can feel at ease during an event that might otherwise be scary to them. 

Sedation can help manage pain or the fear of pain. It can also reduce general discomfort. When the patient is calm and at ease, it allows the provider to better manage the things they need to complete while the patient is in their care. 

Who Can Use Sedation Dentistry? 

Technically speaking, any adult can use various forms of sedation for their dental care. Laughing gas is often even available at routine cleanings for those who need it. There are many individuals who can benefit from using sedation solutions:

• High anxiety
• Past dental trauma
• Low pain thresholds
• Special-needs patients
• Extensive dental work 

Count on Smith Dental Care for East Texas Sedation Dentistry

Whether you have dental anxiety or you need a procedure done that requires a more complex approach, we can help. At Smith Dental Care, we are proud to offer sedation solutions in East Texas. Our solutions can help reduce anxiety, manage pain, and improve overall comfort for any patient. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!