Dentistry For Anxious Patients in Katy TX

Through the modern miracle of sedation dentistry, dentists can treat anxious patients and often accomplish dental work in one or two visits that may have required much more visits without it. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are the two conscious sedation techniques most commonly used to help patients relax.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Sedation with nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, decreases anxiety and promotes relaxation while you remain conscious. Nitrous oxide and oxygen are mixed together and then inhaled through a mask that covers the nose and mouth prior to having a dental procedure performed to produce sensations of lightheadedness, relaxation, and a comfortable, warm-all-over feeling. Safe, effective, and non-invasive, nitrous oxide is the sedation method of choice for anxious or fearful patients.

Oral Sedation (Halcion)

Oral sedation dentistry is a medical procedure involving the administration of oral sedative drugs, generally to facilitate a dental procedure and reduce the patient's fear and anxiety related to the experience. Oral sedation is one of the available methods of conscious sedation dentistry, along with inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide). All patients are treated with the oral sedative. The goal of treatment is to create a 60-90 minute working time, and a recovery time of an additional 60 minutes, at which point the patient would be able to leave the office accompanied by a responsible adult. With their escort present, patients were instructed not to do anything the rest of the day that required any cognitive or coordination skills including cooking, driving or making any legal decisions. They are also instructed not to indulge in any other sedative use, including alcohol.