SEDATION DENTISTRY IN KATY, TX

Today, advanced sedation methods ensure patients' comfort and safety, building upon a long history of dental care. Interested in sedation dentistry? Come to Simply Smile Dental Studio. Our Katy dentists are here to help.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on keeping patients calm and relaxed during dental procedures. It is especially beneficial for patients undergoing restorative dental treatments, or those with severe dental anxiety, dental phobia, and overly sensitive gag reflexes.

A woman getting her teeth checked by a dentist.

Did You Know…

Sedation Dentistry is not only beneficial for patients but also for dentists? By creating a relaxed and cooperative environment, dentists can focus on delivering optimal dental care, leading to improved treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Laughing Gas Sedation

At Simply Smile Dental Studio we offer laughing gas sedation for minor or less-invasive dental procedures. The dentist will use a face mask to cover your nose and mouth before turning on the gas supply. The sedative effects kick in within minutes, and patients will feel light-headed, calm, and relaxed, allowing the dentist to proceed with the treatment.

Oral Conscious Sedation

With oral conscious sedation, the dentist will give you a pill to swallow an hour or two before the procedure. Once you’re relaxed, they’ll proceed with the treatment.

IV Sedation

Dentists recommend IV sedation, for patients with complex and highly invasive dental procedures. This involves providing a steady supply of sedative medication directly to your bloodstream via an IV drip. In most cases, the sedation knocks out the patients, meaning they won’t be conscious throughout the entire procedure.

Sedation Dentistry

Consultation and Assessment

Before administering sedation, your dentist will ask you questions concerning your medical history, previous dental treatments, and the medication you’re currently on. They’ll also ask you questions about your anxiety levels and how sensitive you are to gagging. Providing accurate answers to these questions will ensure the success and effectiveness of your dental sedation.

Selection of Sedation Treatment

The dentist will then select a suitable sedation method that works best for your case based on your levels of dental anxiety, the complexity of your procedure, and the severity of your dental complication. The most common sedation methods include laughing gas, oral sedation, and (IV) sedation.

Sedation Preparation and Administration of Dental Sedation

The dentist will prepare you for sedation by educating you on the process. This includes guiding you on what to eat and how many hours of sleep you need before the procedure. On the day of the sedation, the dentist will administer the sedation as indicated in the treatment plan. This involves wearing a face mask for laughing gas sedation, taking pills or syrup for oral sedation, or using an IV drip for IV sedation.

Monitoring, Procedure, and Recovery

The dentist will keep an eye on your vitals (heart rate and blood pressure) after administering the sedation to ensure your safety. If everything checks out, they’ll proceed with the procedure. Please note, the sedation might take some time to wear off after the procedure. During this time, you may feel groggy and light-headed, but this weariness eventually dissipates until you recover completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IV sedation safe?

Yes, IV sedation is safe when administered by trained professionals. At Simply Smile Dental Studio, our team closely monitors your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety.

‍

How quickly does IV sedation take effect?

IV sedation works almost immediately, allowing you to feel relaxed and calm within minutes of administration.

‍

Will I be awake during the procedure with IV sedation?

You will be in a deeply relaxed state, often feeling drowsy and comfortable. While you may be aware of your surroundings, you will have little to no memory of the procedure.

‍

How long does it take to recover from IV sedation?

Recovery from IV sedation is relatively quick. However, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure, as the sedative effects can linger for a few hours.

‍

Can children receive IV sedation?

IV sedation is typically reserved for adults and older teens. For younger children, other options like inhaled sedation (laughing gas) or oral sedation may be recommended.

‍

When Does The Sedative Wear Off?

It really depends on the type of sedation in question. For instance, laughing gas sedation wears off in a couple of minutes, oral sedation takes two to eight hours to do the same while IV sedation takes 12 to 24 hours to wear off.