Our Services / Sedation Dentistry

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses laughing gas or other prescription drugs to help you relax during dental treatment. At Baytown Gentle Dental, the team offers sedation dentistry to people of all ages. Treatment is safe, effective, and makes it possible to get the care you need, even if you dread visiting the dentist.

Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?

At Baytown Gentle Dental, the team offers sedation dentistry to people who:

• Experience dental anxiety
• Have extremely sensitive teeth
• Find it difficult to sit still 
• Need extensive dental work

You might also benefit from sedation dentistry if you have a sensitive gag reflex. 

What are the types of sedation dentistry?

At Baytown Gentle Dental, the team offers two types of sedation dentistry:

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is a gas you inhale through a mask placed over your nose. As soon as nitrous oxide enters your body, it triggers feelings of relaxation and happiness. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, so you can drive home after your appointment.

Oral sedation

Oral sedation uses prescription drugs, like Halcion®, to make you drowsy. If you qualify for oral sedation, your provider writes a prescription that you pick up at the pharmacy. On the day of your appointment, you take the medication about an hour before. Then, you have a friend or family member drive you to the office.

You might fall asleep under oral sedation. Still, if your provider needs to ask you questions or have you follow instructions, they can wake you up with a gentle nudge.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing during sleep. There are several types of sleep apnea, but all increase the risk of more serious issues, like heart disease and diabetes. 

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Gasping for air during sleep
• Waking with a dry mouth
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty focusing at work

If you have sleep apnea, your significant other might also complain about loud snoring throughout the night.

How is sleep apnea treated?

At Baytown Gentle Dental, the team treats sleep apnea with custom oral appliances. These devices are made of highly durable thermoplastic and push your lower jaw forward. Pushing your jaw forward opens your airways, allowing you to get a restful night’s sleep without gasping for air.

To learn more about sedation dentistry or the treatment of sleep apnea, make an appointment at Baytown Gentle Dental by calling the office today or clicking the online booking feature.