Sedation Dentistry

Visiting the dentist does not have to be a stressful or anxiety-producing experience. But if the thought of dental work makes you feel uncomfortable, you are not alone. Millions of Americans experience some level of dental anxiety or fear. There is a solution in sedation dentistry. With laughing gas or oral conscious sedation, Dr. Guardiola can help you relax through your dental care. Learn more about the sedation dentist in the Wylie, Sachse, Murphy area below.

Why Dental Fears Develop

It’s one of the most common fears in American adults -- that of reclining in the dental chair. For some, it’s the sound of the tools in the office. For others, it’s the smell, or the mere loss of control in reclining and opening wide.

Why do these fears develop? Many have their beginnings in childhood. Perhaps a tooth didn’t get completely numb before a filling, or maybe a dentist just wasn’t as gentle as they should have been.

Whatever it was that caused you to dread the dentist, you should know that with current options in anesthesia and the latest advances in dentistry, receiving dental care has never been more comfortable.

Dr. Guardiola helps you ease your fear of the dentist with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. We also have options for IV sedation with a local anesthesiologist.

When Dental Sedation Used?

At the Maxwell Creek Family Dentistry, patients can relax at last. In addition to helping calm nerves, sedation dentistry is an excellent option for people with sensitive gag reflexes, or for those whose physical or mental disabilities prevent them from reclining in the dental chair for extended periods of time.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is an odorless gas you breathe in through a facial mask. Good for taking the edge off before and during minor procedures, the effects of laughing gas take over quickly and wear off as soon as the treatment is complete and the mask is removed. That means you can go on about your day without any lasting grogginess.

Oral conscious sedation is best for patients dealing with moderate levels of fear, or those undergoing longer, more complex procedures. To achieve this method of relaxation, you take an oral medication about an hour before your appointment. Its effects have taken over by the time you are settling into the dental chair. You remain awake and responsive throughout your time under oral conscious sedation, but you are unlikely to remember the details of your procedure.

Intravenous, or IV sedation is also available under the care of a local anesthesiologist.

Planning for Sedation Dentistry

Because the effects of laughing gas are mild and wear off almost immediately, you do not need to make any special plans before undergoing sedation with laughing gas. But if you would like to benefit from the extra relaxation of oral conscious or IV sedation, make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day, as you may feel groggy for several hours after treatment.

If you think you could benefit from sedation dentistry, we invite you to learn more by contacting Maxwell Creek Family Dentistry today!