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Sedation Dentistry

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Sedation Dentist in Richmond, TX

Dental Anxiety? No Worries!

If the thought of undergoing a complicated dental procedure makes you feel uneasy, you’re not alone. Our friendly staff knows that along with clear communication between doctor and patient and a stress-free, relaxed atmosphere, sedation is a wonderful tool to ease the anxiety associated with a visit to the dentist’s office.

Oral sedation is the strongest option and is used to help our patients relax during their treatment. Once your dental treatment is completed, a friend or relative can drive you home for a safe and easy recovery.

Nitrous sedation, more commonly known as “laughing gas,” is another option for people who need help relaxing in the dentist’s chair. Simply breathe in the gas, and remain aware but relaxed as our trustworthy staff takes great care of your teeth.

Sedation Dentistry Benefits

Why Would I Need To Be Sedated At The Dentist?

Our patients choose to be sedated for a wide variety of reasons. A few of the most common reasons for choosing to be sedated include:

  • Dental anxiety – This is the most common reason that patients opt for sedation dentistry. Dental anxiety affects somewhere between 9-20% of Americans, and sedation options make it possible to get the care you need while avoiding nerves and stress.
  • For comfort during a long procedure – Sitting in the dentist’s chair for more than an hour or two can be very difficult for some patients. Kids, in particular, may struggle to stay still and tend to move around, which is not ideal during complex procedures. Many patients opt to be sedated simply to keep them more comfortable during treatment.
  • Mitigate the fear of needles – Even if you are not afraid of the dentist, needles may make you uncomfortable. This fear is very common and can make it difficult for Dr. Sung or Dr. Nguyen to administer numbing agents during routine dental procedures. Sedation will keep you calm, and help alleviate the fear of needles.
  • Strong gag reflex – If you have a strong gag reflex, it can be difficult for our doctors to operate in the rear of your mouth. Sedation helps suppress the gag reflex, making it easier for you to get treatment.

What Are The Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry?

No matter what dental treatment you need from Grand Mission Dentistry, sedation options can benefit every patient:

  • Relax and stay more comfortable – No matter what method of sedation you choose, you’ll feel more comfortable while you’re at the dentist. If you opt for oral conscious sedation, you may even fall asleep!
  • Can be used for patients of all ages – For patients 18+, we offer oral conscious sedation. For younger pediatric patients, Dr. Sung and Dr. Nguyen prefer to use laughing gas (minimally inhaled sedation). If you’re interested in sedation dentistry for your child, ask our dentists about it during your next appointment.
  • Easily have multiple procedures performed – Sedation is a great tool if you need extensive dental work, such as multiple fillings or crowns. It helps you stay more comfortable while sitting in the dentist’s chair for multiple hours so that you can get the treatment you need in just one appointment.
  • Avoid dental anxiety – Most people with dental anxiety avoid the dentist altogether, which leads to poor oral health outcomes. With our kind, understanding, and patient-focused approach and our sedation options, the team at Grand Mission Dentistry can guarantee that you’ll feel comfortable and get the treatment you need, even if you suffer from severe dental anxiety.

If you think that you or one of your family members could benefit from sedation, contact Grand Mission Dentistry now for more information or schedule a consultation.

Types Of Sedation Offered At Our Office

  • Hospital Sedation / General Anesthesia – General anesthesia is the strongest sedation offered and is done at a nearby hospital (HCA Houston Healthcare West). The sedation will be performed by the anesthesiology team so that Dr. Tam Nguyen / William Sung can focus on providing the best care in a safe, controlled environment. This option is for people with severe dental anxiety, special needs patients, and young children who are not candidates for in office sedation.
  • Intravenous (IV) Sedation – IV sedation dentistry is the deepest form of conscious sedation available in our office. A board certified anesthesiologist will be performing the sedation which allows our doctors to focus on providing quality dental care in a comfortable, safe setting. The sedative medications are delivered to your bloodstream through an IV line which allows effects of sedation take effect within seconds. Most people who undergo IV sedation dentistry have little to no memory of their treatment after their visit. This option is best for people with severe dental anxiety or those who are undergoing lengthy procedures.
  • Oral Conscious Sedation – Oral conscious sedation provides a more relaxed experience while the dentistry is being performed. At our office, Dr. William Sung provides a combination of medications (usually in pill form) that are taken prior to treatment. Most patients feel very relaxed and groggy but still are able to communicate with our team. Many patients who undergo oral sedation remember very little of their visit.
  • Nitrous Oxide Sedation – Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) is a sedation which is inhaled through a nosepiece mask. It is a quick sedation that takes effect within minutes and most patients feel very relaxed during the effects of the gas. This sedation is the lightest sedation and the main benefits are it is fast acting, and once turned off the effects of the gas are completely gone within 5 minutes which allows the patient to drive themselves after treatment.

At Grand Mission Dentistry, we understand that a trip to the dentist can cause a lot of anxiety for some patients. That is why we are happy to offer our patients several sedation options when it comes to helping you relax. It is our goal to not only ease your concerns, but give you a stress-free and relaxing experience in the dentist’s chair. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have – so call today and let us plan an appointment that is calm and relaxing through the use of sedation dentistry.

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