Sedation Dentistry

If you feel extreme levels of anxiety or fear at the prospect of having dental work, you are not alone. In fact, millions of Americans do not have necessary dental procedures because they are too nervous about the actual treatment process. The good news is, Houston dentist Wayde Fawcett, DDS offers innovative dental techniques to help relieve you of dental anxiety and experience a comfortable, even pleasant, dental treatment.

• What Is Sedation Dentistry?
• What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
• Who Is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
• Which Sedation Options are Available?

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medications to reduce anxiety, induce relaxation, and/or put patients to sleep during dental treatment. Depending on an individual’s unique needs, nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and general anesthesia are available to facilitate oral care while maximizing comfort.

What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry provides many advantages to patients seeking treatment from Dr. Fawcett. Sedation techniques performed by a trained dental professional can:

• Reduce fear and anxiety associated with dental treatment
• Make dental procedures easier to perform on sensitive patients
• Allow multiple procedures to be performed during one visit
• Ease or eliminate discomfort during complex procedures

When sedation methods are administered in a safe, controlled environment—as they are at our practice—patients can feel confident about their experience. At every stage of the sedation process, our team is attentive to each individual’s needs and focused on delivering the highest-quality care.

“Dr. Fawcett and his team are the best! They are extraordinarily “people” focused. Dr. Fawcett is always on the cutting edge of technology. I appreciate their care and attention to detail!”

Who Is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Individuals who are good candidates for sedation dentistry may seek these services for a variety of reasons. They may:

• Experience sensitivity during dental treatment (sensitive teeth and/or gums)
• Have a fear of the dentist and/or dental treatments
• Have a hyperactive gag reflex
• Have a difficult time with local anesthetics
• Want to complete several procedures at once
• Have disabilities that make dental treatment challenging

Determining if you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry requires an evaluation performed by Dr. Fawcett. During this appointment he reviews your medical history, notes any allergies or adverse reactions to medications, examines the condition of your dental health, and discusses the reasons you are interested in sedation. Once this comprehensive assessment is complete, he explains which sedation option(s) is the best fit for your needs.

When you have selected your preferred method of sedation, Dr. Fawcett will detail what to expect, as well as discuss any preparations you should make prior to your appointment.

Which Sedation Options are Available?

Sedation dentistry, also known as “sleep dentistry”, at our practice involves a simple and effective technique to help you relax during your dental treatment. For patients needing a little extra help relaxing, these methods can alleviate a lot of the anxieties you may be susceptible to.

• Light Sedation (Anxiolysis) – To reduce mild levels of anxiety you may have about undergoing treatment, nitrous oxide gas can be administered. This form of sedation is designed to soften apprehensions, calm your nerves, and allow you to relax during your appointment.
• Moderate Sedation – With a dose of sedative medication (oral conscious sedation), you will be placed into a state of deep, yet conscious relaxation. You will likely not fall into a deep sleep; however, you should be so relaxed that you may not even remember the procedure taking place once it’s complete. One of our team members will be monitoring your progress throughout the treatment to make sure everything is running smoothly.
• Deep Sedation – This level of sedation induces depressed consciousness, which is a state between conscious and unconscious sedation (general anesthesia). Deep sedation may be accomplished with either IV sedation techniques or anesthesia medications. You should feel no pain during treatment and will not be able to respond to either verbal, or physical prompts. Our team will closely monitor your vital signs to ensure that everything is proceeding smoothly while you are sedated. Upon awakening, you should have no recollection of the procedure. For both moderate and deep sedation techniques, patients will need to arrange a ride to and from the office as the effects of the medication will linger for a while.

Contact the Fawcett Center for Dentistry, P.A.

For more information on sedation dentistry and ways in which you can achieve a more comfortable dental procedure, please contact the Fawcett Center for Dentistry.