Can you remember the last time you saw the dentist? If the answer to that question is a definite, “No,” then chances are you have dental phobia or anxiety. The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS Education) estimates that some 30 percent of American adults do not see the dentist as often as they should because they are fearful. If you count yourself among this population, then you have nothing to be ashamed of; after all, everyone is afraid of something. Sugar Land, TX, sedation dentist Dr. Davey and his team at Texas Got Smile understand and want to help. Our practice offers two types of sedation dentistry to help patients overcome their fears and have the dental care they need.
Oral Conscious Sedation
As the name suggests, this form of sedation dentistry simply necessitates taking an oral medication to help calm you. Dr. Davey prescribes a small dose of a sedative drug that you’ll take about an hour before your appointment. The medication will enter your system and you will begin to feel your body relax and your worries will melt away. During your appointment, you will remain conscious, so Dr. Davey and his staff can talk to you. However, after your procedure you may feel like you’re waking up from a nap and you may not remember what happened during treatment.
A word of caution: with oral conscious sedation you won’t be able to drive yourself to our office. Please arrange for a friend or family member to take you to your appointment and drive you back home. The sedative does stay in your system for some time, so you’ll probably need the day to rest.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is reserved for patients who are having dental surgery or another type of complex procedure. This type of sedation dentistry is also appropriate for patients who have an extremely sensitive gag reflex or a medical condition that prevents them from sitting in the dentist’s chair comfortably for any length of time.
An anesthesiologist administers the IV and monitors your vital signs throughout the time that Dr. Davey performs your dental work. As with oral conscious sedation, you will need someone to accompany you to your appointment and drive you back home.
Call Our Office Today
Don’t be afraid to have the dental work you need for a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact Dr. Paul Davey, the sedation dentist Sugar Land, TX, residents trust.
