Dental Anxiety

At Shepherd Dental P.C., we fully understand that some of our patients may suffer from dental anxiety. Some people experience anxiety linked with dental procedures, usually arising from a fear of pain. If this is the case with you, then sedation dentistry may be able to help. 

We provide sedation dentistry services because we want our patients to have a stress-free experience at our office. To deliver more comfortable care and reduce anxiety, we may recommend nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or in complicated cases, general anesthesia. The sedation methods we will be suggesting will be based on the treatment's complexity and anxiety level.

Who Can Opt For Sedation Dentistry?

Everyone healthy enough to undertake dental treatment should be able to qualify for sedation. Sedation dentistry is intended to help people who avoid dental procedures due to fear and anxiety. In the long run, it can help maintain your excellent oral health. We may employ sedation techniques for any procedure, from routine cleanings to complex oral surgeries. 

Intensive levels of sedation, like IV medications, are usually used for lengthier, more invasive procedures. Along with sedation, we also use local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is a medicine that numbs the teeth and surrounding tissues to remove pain and discomfort.

Types of Sedation

Nitrous Oxide

The most commonly used dental sedation type, nitrous oxide is a safe and effective way to relax anxious patients. A nose mask is attached to direct nitrous oxide and oxygen through your nose. The effect of the gas acts immediately and also wears off fast upon completion of your treatment.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is available in the form of pills. We will instruct you to take the drug orally a couple of hours before your procedure. It may be a good option and can yield minimal to moderate levels of sedation, depending on the dose. At more substantial amounts, some people may even fall asleep during their procedure.

IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation (IV) is given directly into the bloodstream through a needle. These sedatives help patients with severe anxiety or those in need of extensive procedures. 

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is typically utilized during complicated oral surgeries. Both general anesthesia and IV sedation need the supervision of a certified anesthesiologist. As a result, these sedation techniques are less common than oral medication and nitrous oxide.

If you need dental therapies but are anxious about the pain and discomfort, or want to know more about our sedation options, visit our office, Shepherd Dental PC at 235 E Hildebrand Ave #100, San Antonio, TX 78212, or call at (210) 820-0400 and schedule an appointment.