Sedation Dentistry in Longview

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medically induced relaxation techniques during dental procedures. Sedation can be taken as an oral medication or inhaled through a mask worn over the nose. It is commonly used for patients of all ages when necessary or appropriate.

Sedation dentistry provides a variety of benefits: 

• Eases dental anxiety. Sedation can ease anxiety for patients who are nervous about going to the dentist or having dental work done.
• Helps long procedures seem shorter. Complex, lengthy procedures can seem shorter for the patient while under sedation. 
• Reduces the amount of local anesthesia needed. Sedation can make invasive procedures more tolerable, often needing less local anesthesia. 
• Relieves stress. Sedation dentistry can relieve the stress associated with dental procedures for patients as well as parents and caregivers. 

We provide the following types of sedation for dental procedures: 

• Nitrous Oxide / Laughing Gas. Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is a specially formulated blend of gasses that the patient breathes in through a mask worn over the nose. It provides a calm, euphoric feeling that can help patients feel more relaxed. 
• Conscious Oral Sedation. An oral sedative can be prescribed in pill or liquid form that the patient can take before the procedure. It provides a calm, sometimes sleepy feeling, but the patient remains fully conscious.

If you or a loved one feel nervous or anxious about an upcoming dental procedure, sedation may be a worthwhile option to consider. Children who are fearful about getting a filling or an extraction may benefit from either nitrous oxide or conscious oral sedation. Patients with dental anxiety are good candidates for sedation dentistry, as they can eliminate, or temporarily separate from, the fear associated with going to the dentist.