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For many people, dental anxiety stands between them and a healthy smile. Fear of the dentist, or negative past experiences, could prevent people from seeing a dental professional. In order to assist anxious patients in Mansfield, TX, and help them obtain better oral health, we may suggest sedation, which improves patient comfort.

Prescribing Dental Sedation

We take a number of factors into account before we prescribe sedation, including your current dental health, your level of dental anxiety, and the procedure or procedures you need to undergo. We also look at your medical history as well. We always strive to ensure the comfort and health of our patients, helping them enjoy optimal oral health without anxiety and discomfort.

Nitrous Oxide

Also referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is administered through a mask over the nose. The gas helps a person enter a calm and relaxed state. The patient remains conscious and able to respond to the dentist, but feels comfortable and will have little to no memory of the experience. We can adjust the sedative levels throughout the procedure, and will monitor your vital signs as well. The effects of the gas actually wear off quickly, which enables people to drive themselves home or even return to work or school. We often prescribe this option for people of all ages, helping them undergo treatment and avoid serious anxiety during their visit.

Oral Sedation

For patients in need of a more substantial calming solution, we have an option take in pill form several hours before the procedure. Oral sedation offers a deeper form of relaxation, helping seriously anxious patients remain calm and again, having no memory of the procedure. You will remain conscious and be able to respond to the dentist’s instructions. Our team will continually monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. With oral sedation, the effects will linger and the patient may feel groggy, so we recommend a friend or family member be available to bring you home. We will also provide instructions on eating before the procedure, we may suggest drinking only water and enjoying a light dinner in the six to eight hours before undergoing treatment. Prior to the procedure, we will take time to answer any of your questions and concerns, and provide detailed aftercare instructions if needed. If you have any questions about our dental sedatives, then contact our team today.

Ready to See the Dentist?

We want to help our patients enjoy a comfortable experience, learning about their smiles and improving oral health in the process. For more information on our approach to sedation dentistry, or regarding any of our general, cosmetic, or restorative treatment options, schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.