Sedation Dentist Austin
Here, Your Comfort Comes First
We understand that past bad experiences at the dental office, anxiety, and fear all come into play when visiting the dental office. Our team at Highland West Dental Care always prioritizes our patients’ comfort and relaxation during each visit, which is why you can count on us always being friendly, honest, and approachable. However, we also realize that there are some cases where sedation dentistry in Austin may be necessary. In these circumstances, we offer several sedation methods to make sure you have a positive experience with us.
Why Choose Highland West Dental Care for Sedation Dentistry?
- Inviting, Friendly & Knowledgeable Dental Team
- Comfortable & Modern Dental Office with Amenities
- Patients Never Wait to Be Seen – We’re Always on Time
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is the most versatile method of dental sedation that we offer, as the effects quickly wear off and it’s administered in-office for a number of reasons. Whether you have a strong gag reflex, minor dental anxiety, or you have difficulty sitting still in the treatment chair, we can administer nitrous oxide as soon as you sit in our chair. Within about 30 seconds, you’ll feel a relaxing and euphoric wave wash over you that will help you feel at ease.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is taken before your appointment, allowing the effects to kick in by the time you arrive. Dr. Pevzner will prescribe you a single pill to take about an hour before your visit. Typically, this medication is in the diazepam family. Because the effects can linger for up to eight hours, you’ll need to have a trusted friend or family member scheduled to drop you off and pick you up from your visit.
IV Dental Sedation
Our strongest method of dental sedation offered is IV sedation. By administering the medication directly into the bloodstream, the effects are potent and take place immediately. They can also linger for up to 24 hours, so you’ll need to clear the rest of your day to stay home and recover. It’s ideal for those who have severe dental fears or who are undergoing procedures like dental implant placement or multiple tooth extractions.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes! When administered by a trained sedation dentist in Austin like Dr. Pevzner, sedation dentistry is safe for the vast majority of patients. However, before recommending any option, our team will always do a thorough review of your medical history, current medications, and overall health. This ensures you're a good candidate and that risks are at an absolute minimum.
During your procedure, we’ll monitor your vitals to keep you comfortable and protected. Most patients experience only mild, temporary effects, like drowsiness afterward. So, if dental fear has been keeping you from the care you need, sedation can be a safe and effective way to move forward.
Will I remember anything with dental sedation?
It depends on which type of sedation you receive. With nitrous oxide, you'll likely remember most of your visit. The gas is mild and wears off quickly once the mask is removed.
Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation create a much deeper state of relaxation, and many patients find that the details of their appointment feel hazy or fade away entirely afterward. You'll still be able to respond to basic instructions, but the experience tends to feel dreamlike and distant.
For many anxious patients, this is a welcome feature as it helps erase unpleasant memories, helping them feel ready for their next appointment.
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
Not at all. Dental sedation isn't a truth serum! Whether you're under the effects of nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, you’ll remain in complete control of what you say. You may feel deeply relaxed or even a little loopy, but you won't suddenly start blurting out things you'd rather keep to yourself.
Even if you do happen to spill a secret while under sedation, we won’t repeat it to anyone. We take patient confidentiality seriously, so you have nothing to worry about.
Does dental sedation put you to sleep?
Not necessarily, though it can feel that way. Nitrous oxide keeps you fully awake and aware, even if you’re relaxed. Oral conscious sedation produces a heavier, dreamlike state where many patients drift in and out of light sleep, but it won’t “put you under.” You’ll still be able to respond to questions.
IV sedation is our deepest option and may have patients hovering close to sleep for much of their appointment, though it's not the same as general anesthesia. If you're curious which level of sedation is right for your comfort level, contact our Austin team, and we'll be happy to walk you through your options.