Do you need a dental procedure but feel anxious about the pain and discomfort? Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, can help you feel relaxed and pain-free while getting the treatment you need to restore your oral health. While sedation dentistry is most often used for patients with dental anxiety, sensitive gag reflexes, and low pain tolerance, it may also be necessary for extensive procedures, such as tooth extractions, dental implant surgery, and emergency treatments.
At Advanced Smile Care, we understand the importance of creating a calm and pain-free environment for treatments ranging from routine cleanings to more complex procedures like dental implants or full-mouth restorations. With nearly 40 years of experience serving San Antonio, we proudly provide sedation options, including IV sedation, oral sedation, and laughing gas, tailored to your comfort and needs.
4 Dental Procedures That Involve Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is typically reserved for longer, more invasive procedures that require patients to stay still for extended periods of time. This helps make the procedure go smoother and quicker while ensuring you remain pain and stress-free. Common dental procedures that utilize sedation include the following:
Tooth Extractions
Whether you need your wisdom teeth removed, have a broken tooth, or decayed teeth that need removal before another treatment, tooth extractions can be lengthy and give patients anxiety. Sedation helps mentally and physically relax patients, keeping them at ease during the procedure.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants consist of small metal posts that replace the tooth root, an abutment to connect the implant and the restoration, and a restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, to replace the missing tooth. This effective way to replace missing teeth may require sedation due to the procedure’s length and to keep you still and relaxed.
Emergency Procedures
Dental emergencies often happen suddenly, making them highly stressful. If you see us for a dental emergency and need a procedure, we may administer sedation to ease your stress and ensure your treatment is pain-free.
Multiple Procedures
If you have extensive tooth decay or need full mouth reconstruction, multiple procedures may be done at once. In these cases, sedation is often needed due to the length and intensity of the treatments.
What Sedation Options Are Available at Advanced Smile Care?
Our caring team understands every patient is different, so we offer various types of sedation based on your unique needs, treatment, and preferences. These sedation options include the following:
- Oral sedation: This method involves taking a prescribed pill 30 to 60 minutes before your procedure. The pill does not put you totally to sleep, but it helps you relax and remain calm during your treatment. This may be a good choice if you have dental anxiety or need a complex procedure.
- Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedation option that keeps you conscious but comfortable. This is often an ideal option for shortness procedures.
- IV sedation: For those who need deeper sedation, IV sedation is administered intravenously to provide more significant anxiety relief for more prolonged procedures.
- Anesthesia: Anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist and puts you to sleep for your procedures. This option may be used for patients who need to be unconscious for their treatment and for lengthy or complex procedures.
At Advanced Smile Care, we don’t want anxiety or fear to get in the way of your oral health. With our various sedation options, you can get the care you need without pain or stress. This allows our professionals to complete your procedure quickly, so you can start enjoying your healthy, radiant smile as soon as possible.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry With the Trusted Professionals at Advanced Smile Care
At Advanced Smile Care, we’re committed to helping you overcome dental anxiety or discomfort with effective sedation dentistry options tailored to your needs. With nearly 40 years of experience serving San Antonio, we’ve built a reputation for compassionate care, advanced treatments, and creating a stress-free environment for every patient. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a complex dental procedure, we’ll ensure you feel relaxed and confident throughout your visit.
From our Comfort Bar to our personalized sedation options, we prioritize your comfort every step of the way. Let us help you achieve your healthiest, radiant smile without fear or pain. Call us today at (210) 366-3606 or complete our contact form to schedule your appointment.
