San Antonio Sedation Dentistry
Take the Stress Out of Dental Care
Feeling anxious about dental visits? Oefinger Dental & Associates offers sedation dentistry options to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
You're not alone if you’ve been avoiding the dentist due to fear or worry. Dr. Oefinger and our compassionate team provide safe and gentle sedation dentistry, ensuring a stress-free experience in a welcoming and respectful environment.
Our Approach to Sedation Dentistry
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, we understand that dental anxiety often stems from past experiences, and we're here to help. Our team is trained to be sensitive to your concerns, starting with a relaxed conversation about your needs in a non-clinical setting before any procedure begins.
Our caring staff also offers a range of sedation dentistry options, including:
- Inhalation sedation: Laughing gas
- Oral sedation: Medications like Valium or Halcion
- IV sedation: Conscious sedation for deeper relaxation
We combine behavioral techniques with the latest sedation options to help you overcome dental anxiety. Rest assured, your comfort is our priority—we've got you covered!
Types of Sedation Dentistry at Oefinger Dental & Associates
Inhalation Sedation
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, we know dental visits can cause anxiety for some patients. That's why Dr. Oefinger may recommend laughing gas as a simple, effective way to help you relax during your appointment.
Laughing gas helps you feel calm without putting you to sleep. You'll inhale it through a comfortable mask that slips over your nose. You'll stay awake and aware but may experience a pleasant sense of relaxation or even a light, euphoric feeling. We'll adjust the level to suit your needs and ensure you're comfortable throughout your visit.
One of the best features of laughing gas is how quickly it wears off. Most patients feel back to normal right after their appointment, making it a convenient choice if you need to drive home afterward.
Oral Sedation
For patients who experience heightened anxiety, oral sedation provides an excellent way to stay calm and comfortable during dental procedures. Dr. Oefinger may prescribe a pill like Valium or Halcion to help ease your nerves.
Oral sedation helps calm the parts of your brain responsible for fear and anxiety, allowing you to feel relaxed and even slightly tired. Some patients report mild tingling sensations or slight memory loss of the procedure, which can make the experience feel less stressful.
You'll remain awake and able to respond to our team, but the effects of the medication will last for a while, so you'll need someone to drive you home after your visit.
IV Sedation
For a deeper level of relaxation, Dr. Oefinger may recommend intravenous (IV) sedation, often called "conscious sedation." This method is administered through a vein in your arm or hand, helping you reach a calm, dream-like state while remaining awake and responsive.
IV sedation offers a controlled and predictable option, as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) carefully monitors your sedation and adjusts it as needed.
Unlike general anesthesia, IV sedation allows you to breathe on your own and respond to gentle prompts, making it a safe and effective choice for patients with high anxiety or those undergoing more prolonged procedures.
After your visit, you'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you, as the effects can linger for the rest of the day.
