What is Sedation Dentistry?
Dr. Heaton takes great care with his periodontal and Houston dental implant patients to make sure that their comfort is always at the forefront of any treatment plan. Anxiety about periodontal disease treatment and dental implant surgery is common. Many dental implant patients delay treatment due or avoid appointments all together due to excessive fear of pain surrounding dental work. To help calm fear and anxiety, sedation dentistry is a great option. We understand dental fears are real. Addressing these concerns is very important to our entire dental practice team. Many patients are surprised at the ease of their dental procedures and wish they had scheduled their treatment long ago. Sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation, and oral sedation medication such as Valium and others helps calm fears and reduce pain. We educate our patients about these procedures so they are informed and at ease with what to expect.
What is involved in sedation?
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas or N2O) makes the patient feel more relaxed. The gas is administered in the office with a small comfortable mask placed over the patient’s nose. After the procedure, the patient is given oxygen that reverses the effects of the nitrous oxide. Unlike oral sedation and I.V. sedation, the patient is able to drive themselves home. With oral sedation medications and/or I.V sedation, you will need to bring a friend, spouse or family member with you to drive you home as you may be drowsy while the medications wear off.
