About
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry in Austin and Round Rock TX
At Forest Family Dentistry we know that dental anxiety is real and we take it seriously. Whether you feel a little nervous before appointments or the idea of sitting in the dental chair fills you with genuine dread, you are far from alone and we want you to know that we have helped countless patients just like you get the care they need comfortably and without fear. We offer nitrous oxide sedation across all five of our Austin and Round Rock locations for both adults and children and it has genuinely changed the dental experience for so many patients.
What is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a safe and gentle inhaled sedative that has been used in dentistry for decades. It is administered through a small, comfortable nosepiece that sits just under your nose during your appointment. Within a few minutes most patients feel a wave of warmth and relaxation wash over them, and that underlying nervousness that was there when you walked in tends to simply fade away.
You stay completely awake and aware during the entire procedure and can respond to your dentist and hygienist normally at any point. There are no needles involved and no oral medication to take beforehand. When your appointment is finished we simply remove the nosepiece and the effects wear off within minutes, which means you can drive yourself home and go right back to your normal day without any lingering grogginess or downtime.
Who Is It a Good Fit For?
Nitrous oxide sedation works beautifully for a wide range of patients. If you experience anxiety or nervousness about dental visits, have a sensitive gag reflex that makes cleanings or procedures uncomfortable, have had a difficult or painful dental experience in the past that has made you hesitant to come back, are facing a longer or more involved procedure and want to feel more relaxed throughout, or have a child who feels scared about going ot the dentist, nitrous oxide is absolutely worth considering.
It is also a great option for patients who simply want to take the edge off without committing to a more involved form of sedation. You can request it for something as routine as a cleaning and there is no reason to wait for a big procedure to give it a try.
Is It Safe?
Yes, nitrous oxide has one of the longest and most well established safety records of any dental sedative in use today. It is appropriate for most patients including children and has been used safely in dental offices for well over a century. Our team will review your health history before your appointment to make sure it is the right fit for you and answer any questions you have before we begin.
How to Add Sedation to Your Visit
Just mention it when you call to schedule or bring it up at the start of your appointment. There is nothing extra you need to do to prepare and no prescription to pick up ahead of time. Our team will walk you through everything when you arrive and make sure you feel informed and comfortable before we begin.
If you have been putting off dental care because of anxiety and you are looking for a dentist in Austin or Round Rock TX who truly understands, we would love to take care of you. Give us a call or book online at your nearest Forest Family Dentistry location and let us make your next visit genuinely different.