Sedation Dentistry
in Dallas, TX

We understand that some patients do not look forward to dental appointments. We also understand that most of the time, fear of the dentist or dental anxiety stems from poor past experiences in the dental chair. At Dallas Center for Oral Health and Wellness, our team strives to provide care that goes beyond your expectations. For patients who need some extra help relaxing, sedation dentistry is available. To learn more about sedation dentistry, please contact our office.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide is a clear, odorless gas inhaled through a nasal mask. It is often called laughing gas and is most used in sedation dentistry due to the calm, somewhat euphoric feeling it creates. It can calm a mildly nervous child or adult and is mixed with oxygen for administration. Once the procedure is complete, we administer pure oxygen, which quickly clears the nitrous oxide out of the body. It leaves no aftereffects, and you may drive yourself if you feel comfortable.

Oral Sedation

For those patients who are quite fearful of the dental experience and don’t believe that nitrous oxide will be a good option for them, a prescription sedative can be taken about an hour prior to the treatment. We normally combine this with the nitrous oxide gas to further enhance the relaxation experience. You will need to have a driver to and from the office with this sedation dentistry option.

IV Sedation

In some situations, IV sedation with a board-certified anesthesiologist is necessary. In this instance, a combination of sedatives is delivered intravenously (into a vein). The patient feels like they are sleeping but is actually in a state of what is called twilight consciousness.  However, the patient most likely will not be able to recall any part of the procedure once the sedative wears off. A driver is necessary to take the patient to the appointment and back home. A caregiver should be present with the patient for the remainder of the day and the first night.

Hospital General Anesthesia

For patients with special needs – those who are physically or intellectually disabled, or medically compromised – our team is available at Medical City Hospital in Dallas. At this location, we can safely complete necessary dental treatment under general anesthesia with an anesthesiologist in the hospital operating room.

People with special needs tend to experience substantially higher levels of oral disease including gum disease, cavities, bad bite problems, accelerated tooth wear, tooth erosion, and damaging oral habits. They often have extra barriers to accessing proper dental care. Home care is often difficult as well, so these problems become even larger issues over time. Dr. Anna Willison is here to help.