Can I Be Put to Sleep for Dental Work?

Many people get anxiety when they think about going to the dentist, even if it’s just for a routine cleaning and exam. Our dentists have helped many patients manage or overcome this fear through gentle and compassionate dental care. While we strive to make every appointment as pleasant as possible, we understand that some men and women still suffer from dental phobia, which can prevent them from getting the care they need. This is why we are proud to offer a variety of sedation dentistry options to help patients relax throughout the course of their visit.

If you’re interested in getting sedation during your next dental procedure, our dentists will work with you to find the most appropriate option for your needs and preferences. We offer nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas), which helps you feel extremely relaxed. Oral-conscious sedation is also available, which involves taking a prescription pill prior to your appointment to help you go into a deeper state of sedation. This is often called “sleep” dentistry, as many patients drift off into sleep from being so relaxed. For those needing more advanced sedation, we work with a highly experienced anesthesiologist to administer intravenous (IV), or general, sedation. With this technique, your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure will all be closely monitored throughout your treatment to ensure your safety.

Some patients are thrilled at the thought of dental sedation to help ease their mind, while others are hesitant to take advantage of the option. We always want our patients to do what they feel most comfortable with, which is why we thoroughly explain the different sedation options for those who qualify. If you tend to avoid visiting the dentist because of anxiety, we encourage you to learn more about sedation dentistry and consider the many benefits it can offer. For more information about nitrous oxide, oral-conscious, or IV sedation, please contact our team at Austin Dental Spa.