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Is dental sedation something that you should consider? If you’re looking for sleep dentistry or cosmetic dentist (Conroe) who can help you relax during your next procedure, then it’s time to learn more about the types of sedation available.

Why Sedation Dentistry?

When you’re able to feel calm, relaxed, or even nap through a dental appointment, you can enjoy:

• Fewer trips to the dentist
• Not having to remember anything about the visit
• Improved efficiency for your dentist (to complete the procedure in less time)
• Knowing you’ll feel comfortable
• Overcoming anxiety that gets in the way of your care
• Multiple procedures in one visit (including teeth in a day)

Depending on the type of sedation or anesthesia that you choose, you can be fully conscious (but relaxed) or even to the point that you’re not aware of what’s going on around you. Of course, the deeper the sedative is, the drowsier you’ll feel afterward. It’s important to have a friend or family member accompany you to our Conroe sleep dentistry office!

Choosing the Best Dental Sedation

More often than not, most dentists tend to only offer one or two types of sedation or analgesia in their office. But when you see a specialist, you have access to onsite, safe sedation dentistry at varying levels. You can choose the one that’s best for you, as opposed to having to be restricted to the only one that the practice offers.

Here are the three most common types of sedation dentistry, each of which is offered by our expert dentist in The Woodlands:

Nitrous Oxide — Inhalation sedation (aka “laughing gas”) is a light analgesic sedative that tends to reduce your sensitivity and perception to discomfort. When you opt for laughing gas, you’ll still be fully conscious and able to respond to instructions or questions. It’s similar to having a couple of glasses of wine but fully reversible in a matter of minutes.

Oral Conscious Sedation — For a deeper level of sedation where you’re still conscious (but will experience some amnesia afterwards), a medication can be taken by mouth just prior to your appointment and sometimes even the night before. This type of sedative lasts for several hours, so it won’t fully wear off until after you get back home.

IV Sedation — Visiting anesthetist will deliver a deeper level of anesthesia medication via a small IV line in your arm or hand. The medication starts working very quickly and can be turned off just as fast. You’ll be a bit drowsy afterwards, but the sedative is deep enough that you likely won’t remember a single thing about the procedure.

Are You Putting Your Treatment Off?

It’s fairly common to have some anxiety or hesitation about any dental procedure, but especially if you have a complex case. Why not put your mind at ease and access the care you deserve? Schedule your consultation with a specialist who offers in-house, safe dental sedation in The Woodlands and Conroe. Contact us today to request your sleep dentistry consultation and custom treatment plan.