San Antonio Sedation Dentist

Sedation is safe for most healthy patients, whether they need root canal treatment, retreatment, or surgery. The most common reason for choosing a sedation dentist is dental anxiety.

More than a third of people in the United States fear the dentist. For a little more than 10 percent of people, that fear is so severe that they avoid the dentist even when in pain. Fear and pain have a complex relationship; pain can make you more fearful, and fear makes pain more acute. That’s why many patients who are anxious at the dentist can’t get numb from novocain alone. Sometimes, these patients have had a traumatic dental experience in the past. Some fear needles, and others have health conditions that cause anxiety.

We understand dental fear and treat many patients who need sedation to tolerate dental procedures. We empathize and do our best to help them feel safe.

Dental anxiety isn’t the only reason you might need a sedation dentist or endodontist. Other reasons are:

• A sensitive gag reflex
• Difficulty staying still
• Fear of needles, including the novocain injection
• Claustrophobia
• Sensitive teeth

Sedation Dentist Choices

We offer two types of sedation: nitrous oxide and oral sedation. We will discuss your choice before your appointment and ask questions about your medical history to ensure your safety.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a sedative gas we administer through a small mask that fits over your nose. You may have heard it called laughing gas. Within three to five minutes of breathing it in, you’ll feel calm and relaxed.

Nitrous oxide wears off as soon as we stop administering it. After a couple of minutes of breathing pure oxygen, the effects will be gone and you’ll be ready to continue your day. Nitrous oxide sedation is a good choice if you have to drive or return to work after your appointment. You won’t feel tired or groggy.

Oral Conscious Sedation

If you choose oral sedation, you’ll take one small pill about an hour before the appointment. Our preferred sedative medication is Halcion. This short-acting sedative is fairly potent, and there’s a good chance that you won’t even remember anything that happened during your appointment. It may feel like you are asleep, but you will still be conscious and able to respond to instructions such as opening your mouth.

With oral sedation, you’ll need to arrange for someone to pick you up. You’ll still be slightly sedated, and you need someone to make sure you get home safely. Plan to rest after your appointment. After a few hours, you can return to your normal activities.

If you would like to learn more about how sedation dentistry can help you during your endodontic procedure, please call our office at 210-342-2444. If you want us to contact you, simply fill out our appointment request form.