Jurich Dental offers two kinds of sedation for patients who feel anxious about dental visits: laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and oral conscious sedation. With either one you stay awake. You are relaxed, not unconscious. Our office is at 13220 Huebner Rd in San Antonio, and we welcome patients from San Antonio, Shavano Park, Boerne, Helotes and Leon Springs. Dr. Levi Jurich, DMD, General Dentist, and the Jurich Dental team are the people to ask about which option suits you.
Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry or relaxation dentistry, is a method used to relax patients so they can get the dental care they need for better oral and overall health. Millions of people put off visiting the dentist every year due to dental anxiety, dental phobia, or hectic schedules. While understandable, this can result in larger dental issues along the road.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
If you have any of the following issues or have had any of them in the past, sedation may be an option to help you get the care you need:
- Uncomfortable dental visits
- Treatments taking large amounts of time
- Strong gag reflex
- Feelings of nervousness about visiting the dentist
- Dental anxiety that has caused you to avoid getting care when you needed it
- Fear of needles or dental apparatuses
- Difficulty getting ‘numb’ for dental treatments
- Back or neck problems that prevent comfort during regular dental care
Sedation Dentistry Options
Our team offers different sedation options to help patients cope with these issues:
- Laughing gas: The most popular form of sedation dentistry. As you inhale the laughing gas, it provides a sense of relaxation and calm.
- Conscious dental sedation: Also known as oral conscious sedation, this uses a special sedative pill to provide deep relaxation. You’ll remain awake but stress-free during your procedure.
- Patient comforts: Such as blankets, TVs, headsets, and earplugs to enhance relaxation.
Laughing Gas or a Sedative Pill: Which One Fits?
The two options differ in how they are given and in what happens afterward. Here they are side by side.
| Laughing gas | Oral conscious sedation | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is given | You breathe it through a small oxygen mask. | You take a sedative pill. |
| How you feel | A sense of relaxation that starts almost right away, with no sleep involved. | Relaxation from a special sedative pill. You remain conscious, and many patients remember little of the visit afterward. |
| After your visit | We recommend having someone drive you home. | Plan on having someone drive you home. |
Not sure which to choose? Tell us what worries you most about dental visits, and we will talk it through with you. Our team can help determine whether sedation is suitable for your needs.
What to Expect When You Choose Sedation
- Start with a call. Call or request an appointment, and we will help determine whether sedation is suitable for you and which option fits.
- Comforts in the office. We dim the lights and offer blankets, TVs, headsets and earplugs.
- Plan your ride home. Arrange for someone to drive you after your visit.
What to Expect During Sedation Dentistry
While often called “sleep dentistry,” you will actually be awake throughout the procedure. Some patients may feel so relaxed they fall asleep, and many don’t remember much about the procedure afterward. This can be ideal for patients with dental anxiety.
Advantages of Sedation Dentistry
- Allows patients with dental anxiety to receive necessary care
- Procedures can be completed more quickly and precisely
- Improved recovery from involved procedures
- Multiple procedures can be combined into one visit
- Patients with neck or back problems may be more comfortable
Sedation Dentistry Questions
What sedation options does Jurich Dental offer?
Our two options are laughing gas and a sedative pill. We also provide comforts such as blankets, TVs, headsets and earplugs.
Will I be asleep during treatment?
“Sleep dentistry” is a nickname. You remain awake and conscious for the procedure, and many patients do not remember much of it afterward.
Will I remember my visit?
It is possible you will have little or no memory of the actual procedure.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Yes. Plan on having someone drive you home after taking the sedative pill, and we recommend it after laughing gas too.
Is sedation dentistry right for me?
It may be if you feel nervous about dental visits, have avoided care because of anxiety, have a strong gag reflex, have trouble getting numb, need long treatments, or want several procedures done in one visit. Call us to find out.
Can sedation help if I have neck or back problems?
Neck or back problems are one reason sedation may be an option for you. Tell us about them when you call.
More answers are on our full sedation dentistry FAQ.
Our Experience in Sedation Dentistry
At Jurich Dental, our caring office staff have been providing sleep dentistry and complete dental care in the San Antonio area for over 25 years. As a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), Dr. Stewart has accumulated over 500 hours of continuing education in sedation dentistry and other related topics. He takes great satisfaction in providing exquisite cosmetic and routine dental care in a stress-free environment.
Other Ways We Help with Dental Anxiety
In addition to our dental sedation options, we provide a relaxing environment for treatment. We dim the lights, provide blankets, and go the extra mile to ensure our patients are comfortable.
Schedule Your Anxiety-Free Dental Appointment Today
Call Jurich Dental at (210) 493-3040 or request an appointment online to talk about sedation. Read more about laughing gas and conscious sedation, or see our dental financing options.