Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry in San Antonio, TX

Visiting the dentist drives fear in many people—but it shouldn’t be this way. At Local Dental San Antonio, sedation dentists Drs. Joung and Minkyung Lee use nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation to help patients relax during dental procedures. Additionally, they offer world-class amenities like televisions in the laboratory, aromatherapy, blankets, and neck pillows to help patients feel comfortable during dental procedures.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a branch of dentistry that utilizes sedative drugs to help patients feel relaxed during their dental visits. It involves the administration of sedatives by a sedation dentist to achieve an altered level of consciousness, allowing patients to tolerate uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing procedures.

Extensive dental work

Ultimately, dental sedation can grant anxious patients a calmer and more reassuring atmosphere during a dental visit so they can confidently receive the care they need.

It’s not uncommon for dentists to recommend sedation dentistry, even if the patient is undergoing a standard dental procedure. Some reasons why sedation dentists might suggest nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation include:

Anxiety or fear of going to the dentist
Trouble sitting still in the dentist’s chair
Special needs dentistry
Severe gag reflexes
Sensitive gums and teeth
Extensive dental work

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a combination of nitrogen and oxygen—two elements that largely make up the Earth’s atmosphere. Our nitrous oxide dentists administer this gas through a small mask that fits snuggly on the nose. Nitrous oxide is the most used method of dental sedation and is ideal for mild to moderate dental anxiety. Our dentists will administer oxygen by the end of your appointment until the laughing effects disappear. So, you should be able to go about your day as usual after nitrous oxide.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral sedation is a pill or liquid form of sedation dentistry that is ingested. We often offer oral sedation for those with dental anxiety or more lengthy procedures, such as a dental crown. Oral conscious sedation is taken before the procedure and helps the patient remain conscious but remarkably relaxed (and even sleepy). Since patients typically recover from oral conscious sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete, we recommend that patients who undergo this type of dental sedation drive them home following the procedure.

Understand Your Sedation Dentistry Choices

A trip to the dentist shouldn’t stir feelings of anxiety or fear—instead, Drs. Joung and Minkyoung Lee offer sedation dentistry services that relieve feelings of stress and worry.

Find out if sedation dentistry is a good choice for you by scheduling an appointment at Local Dental San Antonio. Take advantage of our online booking or conveniently call (210) 686-1486. The San Antonio community can trust the Local Dental team to keep individuals and families healthy, happy, and feeling at home.