Sedation Dentistry in Richardson, TX

Drs. McDougal and Richards understand that seeing the dentist can be daunting—if not frightening—for some people. The sights and sounds in a dentist’s office, the close quarters when you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair and perhaps the memory of a less than pleasant experience with another dentist can prevent people from seeing the dentist as often as they should. To help, we offer sedation dentistry in Richardson, TX, so you can have the treatment you need for the smile you deserve.

In addition to those who fear the dentist, there are other patients for whom sedation can be very helpful. These include:

• People with a highly sensitive gag reflex
• A person whose physical disability prevents them from lying comfortably for a length of time
• People who continue to feel pain even after receiving a local anesthetic
• Anyone who needs several procedures or a complex procedure

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Dr. McDougal or Dr. Richards will be able to determine what kind of sedation is best for you. They will consider your level of anxiety, your overall health and the dental service you need.

Your Richardson dentist offers three types of sedation dentistry.

Nitrous Oxide. Also known as laughing gas, this form of sedation has been used by dentists for many years. Before beginning treatment, a small mask is placed over your nose. As you breathe normally, the nitrous oxide almost immediately begins to relax your body and wash away your worries. At the conclusion of your visit, the mask is removed and the effects quickly wear off.

Oral Conscious Sedation. This type of sedation begins even before you arrive for your appointment. One of the dentists in Richardson will prescribe an oral medication for you to take at a designated time prior to leaving home. As the sedative moves into your system, you will probably begin to feel a bit drowsy. In fact, many patients feel as if they’ve slept through their appointments, but they do remain awake. With oral conscious sedation, a responsible person must drive you to and from your appointment.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation. IV sedation provides the deepest level of sedation. Sedative medication is delivered intravenously. The level of sedation can be adjusted and most patients have no recollection of their treatment once completed.

Call Our Office Today

If you would like to discuss the possibility of using any type of sedation dentistry during your next appointment with the dentist, call McDougal and Richards Dentistry in Richardson, TX.