Sedation Dentistry

Is anxiety or phobia related to visiting the dentist preventing you from getting the care you need?

Stephens & Gatewood Dentistry in Spring, TX, provides sedation dentistry to help you relax in the dentist's chair.

Learn how we use oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation options to ensure comfort for our patients.

A Closer Look at Sedation Dentistry and Who Can Benefit From It

Sedation dentistry is a safe way to relax through your dental procedures. We offer minimal, moderate, and deep sedation options in addition to general anesthesia, which is reserved for more involved oral surgeries. Here’s what sedation dentistry can help with:

Advantages of Sedation Dentistry

Improved Comfort

You can expect to feel calm and comfortable throughout your dental visit.

Faster Treatment

With patients under sedation, our dental team can perform procedures more quickly. This may let us address more complex cases in fewer visits.

The Dangers of Avoiding the Dentist

If you don't visit the dentist regularly for checkups — we recommend at least twice a year — it increases your risk of developing infections and decay. These conditions can result in your teeth becoming loose or even falling out entirely, taking a toll on your bite pattern, gums, and overall health. Oral health issues can even lead to cardiovascular issues and other problems down the line. To put it another way, if you need a little help feeling comfortable with regular dental treatment, sedation can be a valuable investment in your health.

Have You Been Skipping Visits to the Dentist? We’re Here to Make You Comfortable

Our dental team is committed to providing unparalleled, accessible dental care to patients of all ages throughout Spring, TX, and the surrounding communities. However, our dentists understand that some individuals may need additional help in feeling calm and relaxed for their treatment. That’s where sedation dentistry comes to the rescue.

To learn more about whether our sedation options are right for you, get in touch with us by giving our dental office a call or sending our team a message.

Get in Touch With Us

Drs. Jack Stephens, Robert Gatewood, Christopher Pagano, and Todd Swann — Drs. Stephens, Gatewood, Pagano, and Swann are here to provide you with exceptional dental care.

Why Patients Love Our Dentistry Practice

I never did enjoy visits to the dentist, until I started going to Stephens & Gatewood. The staff is so friendly, I love my cleaning visits with Haley, and we have recommended them to a lot of family & friends.

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I highly recommend Stephens and Gates dentistry. The staff is so friendly. We see Dr. Swann and he is amazing.

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Forms of Sedation Dentistry Offered at Our Practice in Spring, TX

Patients have different needs, which is why our team uses several different methods of sedation.

blue pill and white pill in palm of hand

Oral Sedation

With this type of sedation dentistry, your dentist gives you prescription medication (typically in the form of a pill) that helps you relax during your dental visit while still being aware and able to communicate. A dose of this medication is prescribed and filled before the appointment.

dentist putting inhalation sedative mask on patient

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is an odorless gas inhaled through a nosepiece during a dental procedure to manage pain and anxiety. This is a preferred method of sedation due to its rapid onset and ease of changing the depth of sedation. It also wears off almost instantly after we stop providing it, so you can safely drive yourself home afterward.

IV Sedation

This is the deepest type of conscious sedation available. The patient undergoes their procedure — or procedures — while a doctor continuously monitors their pulse and oxygen levels. Upon waking, individuals will have little to no recollection of their visit. The level of sedation can be quickly adjusted throughout treatment to achieve optimal comfort.

man laying with eyes closed with medical equipment in background

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia places a patient in an unconscious state, meaning they do not feel any pain or sensations whatsoever. This form of sedation is typically reserved for more complex procedures.

Popular Procedures Our Patients Receive Sedation for

Sedation dentistry has applications in general dental care,
restorative procedures, and beyond, including:

The Sedation Dentistry Process

Every patient’s dental care treatment plan is different — including the type of sedation they receive. Here is what you can expect when you receive sedation from our Spring, TX, practice:

Initial Consultation

When you visit our offices in Spring, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. We will consider the procedure you’re undergoing as well as your medical history to determine the best method for you.

Pre-Op

It’s crucial to follow the pre-operative instructions provided to you by your dentist before arriving at our office for your procedure. The specifics vary based on the form of sedation but may include refraining from taking certain medications and not eating or drinking for a certain period before your dental appointment.

Transportation

The effects of laughing gas wear off relatively quickly; oral sedation and general anesthesia, on the other hand, do not. Depending on the type of sedation you receive, you may need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your dentistry appointment.

Post-Op

Your dentist will provide you with post-operative instructions. Depending on your level or form of sedation, you may need to rest at home for the remainder of the day.

Payment Options for Sedation Dentistry

Basic dental insurance does not cover sedation. Our offices in Spring accept a few different forms of payment if you choose to incorporate sedation dentistry into your treatment:

More High Praise for Our Practice

Amazing all around practice...Front desk staff very competent, helpful, efficient and friendly. The dental staff are amazing - highly competent, hard working, 100% honest, very thorough and very detailed orientated.

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