Sedation Dentistry

If you feel anxious about seeing the dentist, AB Dental & Oral Surgery offers sedation dentistry to help you relax and feel comfortable. Anthony D. Osei, DDS, PhD, has extensive clinical training and can administer sedation in several different ways at the office in San Antonio, Texas. Call today to schedule an appointment and learn more about this technique, or book through the online reservation system.

What is sedation dentistry?

Undergoing an important medical procedure can induce anxiety. Moreover, certain people are simply prone to higher levels of anxiety. Sedation dentistry offers a way to maximize comfort and leave you anxious-free during a dental procedure. This enables your dentist to perform optimally without interference. 

Though you’re awake while under the effects of sedation, you won’t feel any pain.

What are the types of sedation dentistry? 

The team at AB Dental & Oral Surgery offers three types of sedation dentistry that include:

Nitrous oxide

Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide enters your system through a mask or nosepiece. You experience the effects of nitrous oxide within 3-5 minutes. After administering nitrous oxide, your dentist flushes your system with oxygen, rendering you free to drive home without complication.

Oral conscious sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves taking medication, often in the form of a pill, about an hour before your appointment. Liquid forms of medication may be supplied to children. 

Oral sedation may feel a bit more intense than nitrous oxide. You might fall asleep, but your dentist can nudge you awake. Following a procedure using oral conscious sedation, you need a friend or family member to drive you home.

Intravenous (IV) sedation

IV sedation is the strongest of the three most common types of sedation dentistry. This form delivers sedative medication directly to your bloodstream. It’s extremely common to fall asleep when undergoing IV sedation and may be recommended if you have severe anxiety. 

Before you have any dental work done, your dentist evaluates several factors, such as your anxiety levels, health history, personal preferences, and type of procedure, before determining the best option for you. 

Is sedation dentistry safe?

At AB Dental & Oral Surgery, the team values your experience and safety. Sedation dentistry requires specialized training to ensure the medications are delivered safely, which they have the expertise and experience to provide.

Additionally, your dentist adjusts dosage levels accordingly while undergoing the procedure and carefully monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to manage your care.

To learn more about sedation dentistry, call the San Antonio office today to schedule an appointment or book online.