Sedation Services
No Fear only Smiles

If you're one of the 25 million Americans who avoid dental visits because of fear, anxiety, or stress, it's time you experienced safe and effective sedation dentistry firsthand. As certified sedation dentists, Dr. Stephens and Dr. Gatewood offer various levels of sedation to meet the needs of our patients. In your personal consultation, please share your concerns with the dentist so that we can determine the best solution for your comfortable, rewarding dental care experience.

Nitrous Oxide
(Laughing Gas)

Overview:

Sedative in pill form
Administered by mouth
Good for moderate to significant anxiety
Effects subside slowly

Dr. Stephens or Dr. Gatewood can prescribe a sedative in pill form, like Halcion or Valium. Simply take the medication as directed, and be sure to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. You'll feel sleepy, and you won't respond to discomfort. However, you'll retain the ability to communicate with the dentist and our team. With oral sedation, you can remain comfortable for a long period so that the dentist can complete multiple procedures, if necessary. Plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day and return to regular activities the following day.

Oral Conscious Sedation
(Nitrous Oxide + Oral Sedation)

Overview:

Sedatives in pill and gas forms
Administered at the same time
Good for moderate to extreme anxiety
Effects subside slowly

The doctor may recommend a combination of nitrous oxide and oral sedation, which we sometimes refer to as oral conscious sedation. This method allows us to use nitrous oxide to enhance the effects of oral sedation. We can increase or decrease the amount of nitrous oxide delivered to keep you completely comfortable during your visit. You'll feel very groggy, but you will be able to respond to our team. As with oral sedation, plan for a driver to escort you to and from your visit, and rest at home until the following day.

Intravenous Sedation
(IV Sedation)

Overview:

Sedative in liquid form
Administered by IV (through the vein)
Good for significant anxiety
Effects subside slowly

In some situations, IV sedation offers the most comfortable and practical sedative option. We work with a licensed anesthesiologist who comes to our Spring dental office as scheduled. The anesthesiologist will administer a sedative intravenously, monitor your comfort level and vital signs, and allow our team to focus solely on your clinical care. IV sedation can be delivered in a dose that evokes a "twilight sedation" feeling. This means, you'll feel almost asleep, but you'll remain awake and responsive to stimulus. A friend or relative should accompany you to the dental visit as your driver. Plan to rest until the following day.

Your Appointment

Call our Houston-area dental office today to reserve a sedation consultation with Dr. Stephens or Dr. Gatewood. The dentist will take time to understand your concerns and review your health history, then he'll recommend the appropriate method of sedation to maximize your comfort.