Dr. Brian Hale's San Antonio Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Do you fear or have anxiety when you think of going to the dentist. You are not alone. An estimated 30 percent of the population avoids the dentist because of their dental phobias. If you have been putting off the dentist, then sedation dentistry can get you back on track. The goal of sedation dentistry is for the patient to have an anxiety free visit and take the fear out of visiting the dentist.

Whether you need a lot of work done at once or you would just like routine care, sedation techniques can help you on your path. Oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are the most popular forms of sedation. You will feel a slight sense of euphoria and relaxation, while still being conscious. However, after the procedure you will barely have any memory of it. Many times you can get home on your own, once the sedation wears off.

For more serious dental procedures there is IV sedation and general anesthesia. IV sedation is a lot like oral sedatives but is administered through an IV, giving a quicker more stable effect. Complicated dental procedures sometimes require general anesthesia, in which the patient will "go under" and have no recollection of anything.

Sedation dentistry is giving people with dental phobias the chance to receive normal dental care. This is important because the mouth and gums are indicators of your overall health. If you neglect your mouth, then you might be risking serious problems down the road.

Are you considering sedation dentistry? If you live in San Antonio, Texas please contact Dr. Brian Hale today to schedule a consultation.