Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers patients who are having anxiety anticipating an endodontic procedure the opportunity to have a stress free and more comfortable experience. Utilizing safe and controlled sedation techniques prior to the endodontic procedure, a patient is eased into a state of complete relaxation. This eliminates any discomfort, pain, and preoperative anxiety that may be associated with a particular dental visit. With some sedation dentistry methods patients may feel more at ease post-operatively as they have no memory or little recollection of the actual moment-to-moment endodontic procedure.

At West Texas Endodontics, we are committed to creating a comfortable and caring environment for our patients. While we always use a local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the treatment area, so that you will not feel any discomfort, some patients may feel they need an additional option to reduce their anxiety and have a more relaxed experience. For these patients we offer three options:

• Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is inhaled through a small mask over the nose. As the nitrous oxide begins to work, you will feel less nervous. When the procedure is coming to an end the nitrous oxide is turned off, the effects wear off very quickly.
  Special Instructions: Individuals slated to have nitrous oxide are advised to eat lightly prior to a procedure. Nausea and vomiting sometimes occur with a full stomach.
• Oral Sedation means that you will be given a prescription for an oral medication prior to your appointment. Taken at the recommended time before your appointment, this medication allows you to fully relax by the time your procedure begins.
  Special Instructions: If you have received oral sedation, you must have an escort on the day of your procedure to drive you to and from our office.
• IV Sedation with our anesthesiologist involves a sedative that is administered intravenously, or directly into a vein. It is indicated when deeper sedation is required. This type of sedation can be quickly modified to your state of consciousness and can be continued as long as necessary for the procedure. Special Instructions: An escort will need to be present for the appointment and be able to drive you home when the appointment is completed. For morning appointments (before 1:00 pm), do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your appointment. For afternoon appointments (after 1:00 pm) with IV sedation, do not eat or drink at least 6 hours prior to your appointment.
  
  Please note: We can administer nitrous oxide for treatment that is provided the same day as your initial examination. In order for us to provide oral or IV sedation, your treatment will need to be scheduled at a date subsequent to your evaluation.