Logo for Belterra Dental in Austin, Texas.

Austin & Dripping SpringsSedation Dentistry

We offer sedation dentistry in Austin and Dripping Springs, TX. Get the dental care you need in a calm and relaxed state of mind.

Sedation Dentistry 

Looking for Sedation Dentistry in Austin, Texas? Get a Free Sedation Dentistry Consultation at Belterra Dental.

Sedation Dentistry  

Sedation Dentistry

At Belterra Dental, we understand how stressful it can feel for some people to go to the dentist. Sedation dentistry empowers patients to receive the dental care they need in a calm and relaxed state of mind. We are proud to offer sedation dentistry in Austin and Dripping Springs to help our patients unwind during their dental visit. We offer different sedation options depending on the level of anxiety you may experience. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our service below.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Dental anxiety can be a stressful and often paralyzing fear of getting dental care. If you experience dental anxiety, we want you to understand that you are not alone. The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that 22% of the U.S. population avoids the dentist due to fear and anxiety. When you avoid seeking routine dental care, you put yourself at an increased risk of losing your teeth to advanced decay, developing gum disease or oral cancer, or needing an even more invasive dental procedure down the line. Never skip a dental appointment again with the sedation dentistry services at Belterra Dental.

Sedation dentistry is a medication that is administered to patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. This helps put the patient in a state of relaxation so they can get the necessary dental care they need while feeling more at ease. Your dentist may also recommend sedation dentistry for longer or more complex procedures to help alleviate pain and discomfort, as the brain cannot register pain while under the influence of sedatives.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Dental anxiety can be a stressful and often paralyzing fear of getting dental care. If you experience dental anxiety, we want you to understand that you are not alone. The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that 22% of the U.S. population avoids the dentist due to fear and anxiety. When you avoid seeking routine dental care, you put yourself at an increased risk of losing your teeth to advanced decay, developing gum disease or oral cancer, or needing an even more invasive dental procedure down the line. Never skip a dental appointment again with the sedation dentistry services at Belterra Dental.

Sedation dentistry is a medication that is administered to patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. This helps put the patient in a state of relaxation so they can get the necessary dental care they need while feeling more at ease. Your dentist may also recommend sedation dentistry for longer or more complex procedures to help alleviate pain and discomfort, as the brain cannot register pain while under the influence of sedatives.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers a number of benefits to patients who experience anxiety while visiting the dentist. The major benefits of sedation dentistry include:

  • Relieves anxiety to help you feel calm and relaxed
  • Minimizes pain and discomfort
  • Allows the dentist to work faster and more efficiently
  • Allows patients to receive multiple treatments in one visit
  • Safe treatment with minimal side effects
  • Avoids complications of untreated dental problems

Who Sedation Dentistry Is For

Sedation dentistry is a safe option for both adults and children. Most patients are a good fit for sedation dentistry, with a few exceptions. We do not recommend sedation for patients that are pregnant or have a serious underlying medical condition. We may recommend sedation dentistry for patients that have:

  • Dental anxiety or phobia
  • Sensitive gag reflexes
  • Difficulty remaining still
  • Fear of needles or drill sounds
  • Long, complex, or invasive dental procedures

Is dental sedation right for you? Find out if you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry in Austin and Dripping Springs by scheduling an initial consultation at Belterra Dental today. Our board-certified dentists will assess your oral health to determine if it’s a good option for you.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

We offer three different types of dental sedation in Austin and Dripping Springs. Each type is dependent on the level of anxiety you may experience.

1) Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is most commonly known as “laughing gas”. It is used to treat mild dental anxiety. This safe and effective anesthetic is easily administered by inhaling an oxygen mixture through a mask. The calming effects of nitrous oxide can be felt almost immediately, and the dosage can be adjusted throughout the procedure depending on how comfortable you feel. You’ll be alert and able to interact with the dentist, but will have a sense of numbness to pain and discomfort. The dentist can also flush nitrous oxide out of your system, allowing patients to drive themselves home after their appointment.

2) Oral Conscious Sedation

For patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety, oral sedation may be a better option for you. This type of dental sedative is taken in pill form. We’ll provide a prescription that you will fill at your local pharmacy. Patients will take the pill 1-hour before their scheduled procedure to allow the medicine to kick in. You’ll be alert and able to interact with the dentist, and may even fall asleep depending on your level of tolerance. If you aren’t feeling the full effects of the oral sedative, nitrous oxide can also be administered during the procedure. Since oral sedation can affect your motor skills, you’ll need a family member or friend to drive you to and from your appointment.

3) IV Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is recommended for patients with severe dental anxiety, dentophobia, or complex and lengthy dental procedures. This is the strongest type of dental sedative since it’s administered directly into the vein through an IV. The medicine will gradually drift you into a dream-like state. You won’t actually be unconscious, but most patients fall asleep and have little to no memory of their procedure. It’ll feel like you were in and out of the office in a flash. Your vitals will be constantly monitored throughout the entirety of your procedure by our experienced sedation dentist, Dr. Cohl Brazil. He will adjust your dosage as necessary, and can reverse the effects if necessary. Since this is the most potent type of dental sedative, you will need a ride to and from your appointment.

Which type of dental sedation is right for you? Schedule an appointment today with our sedation dentist in Austin, TX. We’ll review your medical history and listen to your concerns to help find the best solution for your needs. For more information about our sedation dentistry services or to get started, give us a call today at (512) 646-4022.

OUR REVIEWS Here's What Our Patients Have to Say

We’ve earned 290+ five star reviews from our happy patients!
Belterra Dental

4.9
Based on 216 User Reviews

Belterra Dental

5.0
Based on 42 User Reviews

Belterra Dental

4.9
Based on 35 User Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have Questions? Read Our FAQ or Call Us at (512) 646-4022

Regular exams help spot trouble early to prevent bigger and more costly treatments later.

Medical and dental experts study the use of X-rays and set limits for their safety. Your dentist should take as few as possible. Sometimes dentists may recommend X-rays to diagnose a special problem. Advancements in technology means today’s digital X-rays release much less radiation and are safer than in the past.

Stores sell many whitening products, and you can get take-home gels and trays from your dentist, but neither is as strong as procedures done in a dental office

If you want to try an over-the-counter whitener, look for one with an ADA seal. Check with your dentist for advice before you buy, especially if you have dental work or dark stains. And don’t keep using them, or you could damage your teeth.

Caps and crowns cover problem teeth by surrounding them in a material that looks like a real tooth. They use the root and inside of the tooth as a base to build on, then attach with special cement.

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. Your doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.

 
Sedation Dentist
Call Now Button