Sedation Dentistry – Fort Worth, TX
Experience Comfortable Dental Care with Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Tillman and his Fort Worth team take a comprehensive approach to treating the whole patient. That means we do more than just fix teeth; we also take proactive measures to ensure you are comfortable and calm in the treatment chair. For some, a warm blanket, a comfortable neck or leg pillow, or a TV might be enough. For others, though, sedation dentistry offers the best hope of creating a comfortable, stress-free experience. We are happy to provide patients who struggle with feelings of anxiety or nervousness with two sedation options: nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. To learn more about each, read on or contact our team!
Why Choose David Tillman DDS for Sedation Dentistry?
- Named "Best Dentist" in Fort Worth Magazine
- Both Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation Available
- Flexible Financing Available Through CareCredit
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, otherwise referred to as laughing gas, is one of the mildest forms of sedation that can be used for patients. This sedative is typically administered through a nasal mask so that the patient can breathe in the gas, and it’s designed to help significantly relax the mind and body. In many cases, people can even feel euphoric and their body’s ability to register pain can also be reduced. Keep reading to learn how nitrous oxide works and whether or not it’s a good solution for you.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
If you’re struggling with anxiety or mild dental phobia, then nitrous oxide might be highly beneficial for you. Those who are worried or fearful about an upcoming appointment can simply breathe in the sedative and become much more comfortable and relaxed within moments of wearing the nasal mask. Still, there are indications other than anxiety that can help determine if nitrous oxide is best for you, such as:
- Having trouble sitting still during an appointment
- Being uncomfortable around needles or dental tools
- Having a strong gag reflex
- Experiencing difficulty getting numbed with local anesthesia
Although nitrous oxide is helpful for many, there are some situations where it would not be a good fit. Patients who are pregnant or are struggling with sinus congestion or some other respiratory condition may not benefit from the sedative. Fortunately, our team will do everything we can to determine another way to help you be calm and relaxed while undergoing your dental treatment.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask, which we will place over your nose right before beginning your dental care. A trained team member will monitor and operate the machine that releases the mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a nose mask. After a few short breaths in, you should start to experience significant relaxation to the point where you might even feel like dozing off.
We’ll adjust the level of sedation while working through your dental procedure if necessary. One of our team members will keep an eye on your vitals the entire time to make sure you’re safe and comfortable. Once you’ve completed your dental treatment, we’ll simply take the nasal mask off. After a few minutes, you should feel right back to normal, meaning you’ll even be able to drive yourself home from our office.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide sedation doesn’t have a lingering effect on your body, so you won’t necessarily have to worry about an aftercare process. While the numbing agent can wear off quite fast, our team will still want to keep you for a few minutes so we can confirm if you’re fit to go right back to your daily activities. Although nitrous oxide itself won’t keep you from resuming your normal routine, you might be asked to take it easier for some time depending on the specific dental treatment you underwent. If you notice any abnormalities, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If you have a major procedure to undergo or suffer anxiety when it comes to dental appointments, you might benefit from oral conscious sedation. This medication typically induces a deep sense of calm and relaxation that can help you complete your treatment successfully, regardless of the purpose of your visit.
It’s natural to have questions about how oral conscious sedation works and what to expect. Continue reading to learn more about it, and please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation
Unlike nitrous oxide, which is inhaled through a gas mask placed over your nose, this medication is prescribed as a pill that you’ll be instructed to take before arriving for your appointment. That way, the effects will kick in by the time Dr. Tillman begins your procedure. There are a few potential drugs that are used for this purpose, including Valium, Ativan, or Halcion, which are known for their ability to reduce anxiety and help you feel comfortable throughout your visit.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
In many cases, you’ll be instructed to swallow the prescribed pill about an hour before your procedure. After about 15 minutes, you may start to feel a deep sense of relaxation and calm as your body’s sensitivity to outside stimuli decreases.
You might even feel so at ease that you doze off for a little while, but this medication does not typically “knock you out”. You’ll be aware enough to respond to Dr. Tillman’s questions and instructions during your visit, but you are unlikely to remember the details of your appointment afterward. Then, the effects can linger after your procedure is complete, so our team usually recommends that you plan to have a trusted friend of family member drive you home.
Who is a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
This type of sedation is a simple and effective way to help you through everything from routine checkups to more complex treatments, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s right for everyone’s unique circumstances. Our team might recommend this option if you:
- Suffer from severe anxiety around dental appointments.
- Often reschedule or cancel visits because of fear of bad news.
- Have a sensitive gag reflex that could interfere with your treatment.
- Struggle to sit still for longer periods.
- Must undergo a more invasive procedure.
- Have multiple services to complete in a single visit.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Although the large majority of patients are good candidates for sedation dentistry, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you have a respiratory disorder, you take certain medications, or you have recently undergone surgery, you may need clearance from your doctor prior to using sedation dentistry.
However, if you’re in good overall health and are interested in using sedation dentistry to alleviate anxiety or fear, then don’t hesitate to talk to our team about nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Both options have been used safely for years to reduce anxiety or stress in fearful patients. What’s more, Dr. Tillman is happy to address any concerns you might have before your procedure. Then, on the day of your appointment, we will monitor your condition all throughout your visit, in accordance with strict safety protocols.
Are you ready to experience exceptional dental care? Call our office to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Tillman. Our office provides quality general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care to Fort Worth, Aledo, and all surrounding communities.