Sedation Dentistry – Austin, TX
Helping You Feel Comfortable in the Treatment Chair
Do you have dental anxiety, fear, or nervousness that makes you hesitate when it’s time to schedule your checkup and cleaning or an important treatment? Our team at Magnolia Family Dentistry of Austin is incredibly friendly and understanding, and we’re happy to do whatever we can so you can feel at ease, including offering sedation dentistry in our Austin, TX dental office. To learn whether you’re a good candidate for dental sedation, reach out to our team today!
Why Choose Magnolia Family Dentistry of Austin for Sedation Dentistry?
- Kind & Understanding Dental Team
- Family-Friendly Dental Office
- Convenient Dental Office Location
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas, is a highly tested, safe, and effective type of sedation. It’s been used for years to help patients relax in the treatment chair, ensuring they don’t feel any stress, anxiety, or fear while they get the dental care they need. If you are interested in learning more about this calming solution, then you’re more than welcome to schedule an appointment with our Austin dental team. Or, you can read on!
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is well-known for helping patients who struggle with dental-related anxiety. However, that’s just one of its many uses! This calming solution is also great for patients who need extensive care, who have a sensitive gag reflex, or who have a disability that makes it difficult to sit still in the treatment chair.
Of course, there are also some patients who aren’t a good candidate, including expecting mothers and those who have trouble breathing through their nose due to asthma or another medical condition. Ultimately, if you are interested in nitrous oxide, the best thing to do is schedule an appointment with our Austin dental team so we can learn all about your medical and dental history.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
When you arrive at the dental office, we’ll place a small nose mask on you. Then, we will ask you to breathe in the colorless, odorless gas through your nose. After a few minutes, you’ll begin to feel more relaxed and at ease. By the 10-minute mark, you’ll be anxiety-free! One of the best parts of nitrous oxide is that it can be adjusted throughout your visit, ensuring that you stay completely comfortable throughout. Plus, you’ll be awake, which makes it easy to respond to any cues we give you or ask any questions you have.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Another considerable perk is that there isn’t any lingering grogginess! So, you don’t have to arrange for someone you trust to drive you to and from your appointment. You also don’t need to use your PTO or adjust your schedule to ensure you have plenty of time to rest after your visit. Once your treatment is complete, we’ll switch off the nitrous oxide and remove the mask. Within a few minutes, the effects will wear off. Then, we’ll review any aftercare instructions specific to the treatment you received, and you can go on with your day as you normally would.
Do you have any lingering questions about nitrous oxide? If so, take the next step: give our Austin dental team a call!
Oral Conscious Sedation
You might benefit from oral conscious sedation if you experience anxiety around dental appointments or have a more complex procedure. This option is available if you require a more potent medication than nitrous oxide and is prescribed as a pill that you take before arriving for your appointment.
Continue reading to learn more about oral conscious sedation and who it can help, and feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
There are several types of drugs that may be used for this type of sedation, including Valium, Ativan, or Halcion. This option is ideal for those who struggle with dental anxiety or need help remaining still, calm, and relaxed while sitting through a longer or more involved treatment. It’s less invasive than other methods, like nitrous oxide, because you don’t need to worry about wearing a mask over your nose during your procedure.
This sedative induces a sense of deep calm and relaxation that typically kicks in within 15 minutes of taking the pill.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Once the effects of the medication begin, you’ll feel a deep sense of calm that may even make you drowsy. However, you’re not rendered unconscious, so you can still respond to Dr. Burton’s questions or directions. You likely won’t remember many specific details of your procedure once it wears off, which can be an added benefit for overly fearful patients.
Our team will monitor your stats the entire time you’re sedated to ensure you remain within healthy ranges to keep you safe. Then, you should plan to have someone you trust drive you home after your appointment because you’ll likely feel the impact for several hours.
Who is a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Although potentially any patient needing sedation can consider this option, it’s not the right choice for everyone’s unique circumstances. You might be a good candidate if you:
- Suffer from severe dental anxiety and avoid appointments or procedures.
- Have a sensitive gag reflex.
- Must receive or undergo a lengthier procedure or multiple treatments.
- Struggle with sitting still or keeping your mouth open long enough.
- Have had negative dental experiences in the past.
- Don’t respond well to local anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is considered one of the safest dental procedures when administered by a trained professional, like Dr. Burton. At our Austin dental practice, we offer two proven methods: nitrous oxide (often called laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation.
Both options are carefully monitored to ensure your comfort and safety during your treatment. Before recommending sedation, our team reviews your medical history, medications, and overall health to choose the option that will work best for you.
For most healthy patients, sedation is a low-risk way to ease dental anxiety. So, if you’re searching for a sedation dentist in Austin, our team will ensure you receive the care you need stress-free.
What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?
Most patients describe dental sedation as a calming, almost dreamlike experience. With nitrous oxide, you may feel light, relaxed, and slightly tingly, but you’ll remain fully awake and aware.
Oral conscious sedation, on the other hand, provides a deeper sense of relaxation. Many patients feel drowsy and sometimes even forget details about their procedures afterward.
At Magnolia Family Dentistry of Austin, we’ll carefully tailor sedation to your comfort level, ensuring you stay relaxed and safe. Whether you choose mild or moderate sedation, the goal is the same—a stress-free, comfortable dental visit that makes getting care much easier.
What are the risks of sedation dentistry?
Like any medical treatment, sedation dentistry carries some potential side effects. However, it’s important to point out that they are very rare and mild in most cases. Some effects may include:
- Grogginess or drowsiness (especially with oral conscious sedation)
- Mild nausea or dizziness
- Temporary memory gaps during treatment
More serious complications are usually linked to pre-existing medical conditions or improper administration. These are issues you won’t need to worry about at our Austin practice. Dr. Burton will go over your medical history before treatment and is fully trained in the administration of sedation medication, meaning your safety is in good hands.
Is sedation dentistry worth it?
For many patients, sedation dentistry is absolutely worth it. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of fear, anxiety, or past negative experiences, sedation can make treatment possible again. It helps patients sit comfortably for longer appointments, reduces anxiety, and even minimizes sensitivity to sights, sounds, and smells.
We’ve seen countless patients regain confidence in their dental care thanks to nitrous oxide or oral sedation. So, if you’ve been looking for a sedation dentist in Austin, we’d be happy to show you the way. These safe and effective methods can totally transform your experience at the dentist for the better!