With tens of millions of Americans avoiding the dentist because of fear, I think it is perfectly normal to be nervous when going to the dentist. For most people, the friendly atmosphere, comfortable amenities, and gentle approach of our team is just enough to help them relax. We cater to each patient’s needs, guiding patients through the procedure at a pace that you, the patient, feel comfortable with, and leaving you in control of taking a break from the procedure when needed. We understand that for some this is not enough, and offer several forms and levels of sedation so that each patient’s experience can be comfortable and pain-free. You can be sedated heavily or just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were relaxing. With an optimal level of sedation, you’ll wake up refreshed, with little or no memory of what was accomplished.

For smaller cases and those patients with a mild to strong fear: We often use Oral Conscious Sedation, using different sedative medication which won’t make you completely unconscious, but will make you very sleepy and unaware of the treatment, as when you are just nodding off to sleep. The sedative medication is prescribed to be taken an hour before your appointment, so that you come in very relaxed, and also potentially the night before for the dental appointment to help you sleep. It is also ideal for those who don’t like needles.

For larger cases, those who are medically compromised, and those patients with strongest fears: We use Intravenous (IV) Sedation with a combination of drugs administered by Dr. Brownfield or a Dental Anesthesiologist, which makes you “dream-like” sleepy and totally unaware of the treatment. We often give you an anti-anxiety pill to help you sleep the night before your dental appointment and then an hour before your appointment so you come in very relaxed.

You do not eat or drink for a few hours prior to your sedation dentistry appointment. A companion will need to drive and escort you to our Houston office in comfortable clothes without jewelry. After a health history and your pre-clinical vital signs are recorded, we cover you with a warm blanket. When your treatment is completed, your companion will return you home to finish your comfortable, relaxing day. You will have minimal memory of the experience, including any sounds or smells.

Sedation dentistry in our office is an effective and extremely safe way to not only eliminate anxiety, but to also reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.

Imagine not being afraid to go to the dentist. Imagine being able to accomplish all of your dental care which has built up over the years in as little as one or two appointments. Imagine being able to smile with confidence and chew your food without pain. No wonder so many of our Houston patients attest to the success of being sedated in our sedation dentistry Houston office.