What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation can be defined as administering a sedative medication to produce a sense of calm or sleep. This is a way of making a patient more comfortable and at ease while undergoing a dental procedure – and it can completely transform how you feel about visiting the dentist.

Sedation dentistry involves moderate sedation, meaning you will still be awake (conscious) but feel at ease and have a strong sense of calmness. You may sometimes hear it referred to as “twilight sleep.” This is because this procedure causes amnesia over a short period, i.e., when you have a dental procedure. This enables you to remain conscious but not feel the effects of pain during your dental visit.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

This procedure provides numerous benefits. It can help dental patients that may experience the following:

  • Dental anxiety
  • Fear of needles
  • Difficulty controlling their body movements
  • Major tooth sensitivity
  • Sensitive gag reflex
  • Dental anxiety
  • Difficulty controlling their body movements
  • Fear of needles
  • Major tooth sensitivity
  • Sensitive gag reflex

Types of Sedation Dentistry

There are three different types of dental sedation used here at Barton Oaks Dental Group:

  • Oral conscious sedation – this type is administered in pill form at our office, doesn’t require an IV, and can quickly calm your dental anxiety. Oral conscious sedation allows the patient to continue answering questions and responding to their dentist but will have little memory of the visit after it is done.
  • Intravenous  – the deepest form of conscious sedation available, when a sedative medication is delivered directly into your vein through an IV. This delivery method enables our dentists to provide sedation more quickly and easily control the level to ensure you stay comfortable.
  • Nitrous oxide – typically known as “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is administered to the dental patient through a mask, and its calming effects begin within 5 minutes or less.
  • Intravenous  – the deepest form of conscious sedation available, when a sedative medication is delivered directly into your vein through an IV. This delivery method enables our dentists to provide sedation more quickly and easily control the level to ensure you stay comfortable.
  • Nitrous oxide – typically known as “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is administered to the dental patient through a mask, and its calming effects begin within 5 minutes or less.
  • Oral conscious sedation – this type is administered in pill form at our office, doesn’t require an IV, and can quickly calm your dental anxiety. Oral conscious sedation allows the patient to continue answering questions and responding to their dentist but will have little memory of the visit after it is done.

You’re in Good Hands at Barton Oaks Dental Group

Sedation dentistry will help you feel more comfortable during your treatment. Our experienced dentists and team will ensure that your entire treatment is safe, and our team will carefully determine which type meets your individual needs.

Each team member is highly trained, and we will carefully monitor you during your visit – allowing for a stress-free dental experience. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout the procedure to prioritize your well-being. You will be very relaxed during your dental procedure and won’t feel any pain. You may even fall asleep! But you will still be able to react to touch and commands. Depending on your sedation option, you may need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment.

Sedation dentistry is the perfect choice for those seeking an anxiety-free dental appointment under the care of the best dentists in Austin.

Need Dental Sedation in Austin, TX?

If you suffer from dental anxiety in Austin and want a pleasant experience at your next appointment, we may be for you. You will receive the best, most professional sedation dentistry at Barton Oaks Dental Group in Austin, TX. You can call us at (512) 327-6947 to schedule an appointment today. You can also make an appointment online.