Sedation Dentistry – Arlington, TX
Relieve Dental Anxiety & Enjoy Your Dentistry Visits
Fear of the dentist is a common problem, and one that countless adults suffer with constantly. At Foundation Dental Solutions, we understand this issue very well, but we also want to make sure that people receive the regular care they need to maintain the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve. That’s why Dr. Douglas Baldwin offers multiple sedation dentistry options for mild to severe cases of dental phobia. Your comfort is our priority, and we’re happy to do whatever we can to help you feel truly at ease during treatment, using sedation dentistry in our Arlington, TX dental office.
Our sedation choices include the following:
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a gentle yet highly effective form of sedation dentistry. It provides a safe and comfortable option for patients who experience anxiety about visiting the dentist. With no lingering side effects, most people can expect to return to their regular activities immediately following their appointment. To find out if this option is right for you, continue reading.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation?
Nitrous oxide is a great choice for patients with mild cases of dental anxiety who simply need a little extra comfort. However, should you find yourself experiencing any of the following conditions, you may benefit greatly from this method of sedation:
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Difficulty getting numb
- Mild to moderate dental anxiety
- A past traumatic dental experience
- Discomfort sitting in the dentist’s chair
- Tooth sensitivity
- Fear of needles
If you’re considering nitrous oxide, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Baldwin. Our team will need to review your health history and ensure you are a suitable candidate for this type of sedation.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation Work?
Nitrous oxide is a gas that’s administered through a mask that fits over your nose. While seated in the dentist’s chair, you’ll slowly begin to breathe in the gas. Within minutes, you should be experiencing feelings of warmth and comfort as we work on your smile.
Although patients typically remain conscious, they experience a deep sense of comfort, free from pain or anxiety. Once the gas is turned off and the mask is removed, its effects wear off quickly, allowing you to return to normal shortly after.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
One of the most significant benefits of nitrous oxide is that it typically causes no major side effects. In fact, most patients experience no issues after using this type of sedation. After finishing your treatment, and the nitrous oxide is turned off, patients can usually drive themselves home or back to work and immediately resume their normal activities. Since there are no lingering effects, it’s a popular choice for those seeking a safe and convenient sedation option.
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
Dental visits may not be on anyone's list of favorite activities, but for some patients, dental fear and anxiety make it a much more serious concern. Many people struggle with these feelings, and it can become a significant issue when it prevents them from receiving necessary dental care. That’s why we offer oral conscious sedation! This simple method helps you relax, providing comfort and peace of mind during your visit.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is ideal for adults who experience anxiety, fear, or discomfort in the dental chair. There are no needles or face masks involved – Dr. Baldwin will simply prescribe a small pill to take before your appointment. By the time your treatment begins, you’ll already feel calm and relaxed. Since the effects of the medication are long-lasting, it may take a while for them to fully wear off after your visit.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
For cases of more severe discomfort or fear, oral conscious sedation may be the best option. We’ll provide you with a prescription for a sedative to take at a predetermined time before your appointment. You’ll also need a trusted friend or family to bring you to our office.
The effects of the medication help patients enter such a deep state of relaxation that, while they’re technically awake and able to respond to commands during the procedure, they tend not to remember anything about their visit once it’s over. You’ll also need your escort to take you home afterward and keep an eye on you for the rest of the day. By the next morning, you should be completely back to normal.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
We typically recommend oral conscious sedation for patients with moderate dental fear or anxiety. It strikes the perfect balance of being stronger than nitrous oxide but milder than IV sedation. This method of sedation is also an excellent option for patients with an overactive gag reflex or difficulty keeping their jaw open during treatment. Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly anxious, oral conscious sedation is a great choice if you’ve had a recent traumatic experience and simply want to relax during your visit.
IV Dental Sedation
IV sedation is very similar to oral conscious sedation, except that it’s delivered intravenously instead of orally. Patients who undergo IV sedation will achieve a strong feeling of peace and detachment that still allows them to respond to our team, and we’ll be sure to monitor your pulse and oxygen levels through the whole procedure so that we can be sure you’re as comfortable as possible. You’ll most likely not remember anything about your procedure, and you’ll also need an escort to bring you to the appointment and take you home afterwards.
Contact Us to Learn More About Sedation Dentistry
Contact Foundation Dental Solutions today if you have any questions about our sedation methods, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment. Dr. Baldwin and the rest of our team can’t wait to meet you! Our dental office is located in Arlington, TX, and we also serve the nearby areas of Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and beyond.