At the Konig Center for Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dentistry, Dr. Ronald W. Konig offers several options for sedation dentistry to help you feel the most comfortable during any dental procedure you might need. Here’s what you should know about different levels of dental sedation.
Levels of Dental Sedation
Oral Sedatives
Long-term dental operations may be challenging for patients with dental anxiety, gag reflexes, motor control issues, and other conditions. Oral sedation, often known as conscious sedation, is a type of medication (usually in pill form) used to make patients more comfortable during dental treatments.
No needles or injections are required for the administration of oral sedation, making it a viable option for both children and adults. If going to the dentist is a phobia for you or causes you discomfort, one other advantage of oral sedation is that you will remember very little (if anything) about the operation, even though you will be awake and able to follow instructions from your dentist.
IV Sedation
The most powerful form of sedation used in a dental clinic is intravenous (IV) sedation, and it is the optimal choice for those who suffer from extreme dental anxiety or who will be undergoing a prolonged operation.
Through an IV line, your healthcare professional administers sedative medication straight to your bloodstream. Your dentist will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout the treatment, as well as adjust your dosage as required.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
For young patients, nitrous oxide is among the safest and gentlest options for sedation dentistry. The quantity of nitrous oxide administered to a patient may be readily adjusted to meet their specific needs.
“Laughing gas” is another term for nitrous oxide because of the elevated state of mood it causes. Since it wears off rapidly, its effects after a procedure are minimal and short-term.
Where to Find Safe & Comfortable Sedation Dentistry in Houston, TX
Many patients have found that sedation helps them receive dental care despite the feelings of worry, stress, and helplessness that sometimes come up during dental treatment. While it helps to be aware of different levels of dental sedation, only an experienced and understanding dentist like Dr. Konig can help you determine which one is best for you.
In addition to leading the Konig Center for Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dentistry, Dr. Konig is a fellow of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and the Academy of General Dentistry. To provide his patients with the most up-to-date and thorough care possible, Dr. Konig has made ongoing training and education an integral part of his practice.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Konig by calling (713) 668-2289. If you are seeking treatment that requires sedation dentistry, you may be required to arrange for someone to drive you home after your appointment.
