Sedation Dentistry Carrollton

How We Care for Anxious Patients

We regularly care for anxious patients who have bad past experiences at the dental office. One way we help you feel more comfortable is by slowing down and taking our time. We’ll never move too fast for you and will check-in throughout your visit to see if you want to stop or keep going. That’s why, as a general rule of thumb, we only start with an exam for anxious patients. We’ll let you control what we focus on during the examination; then, you’ll have a sit-down meet and greet with Dr. Jordan and your dental hygienist so you can ask questions and help build trust. This can last as long as you need it to!

We usually schedule the first appointment for our anxious patients to be a very easy service so you can get a feel of what to expect and Dr. Jordan and our team can get to know you a little better. However, in some cases, our anxious patients meet us, feel incredibly comfortable, and decide to do a cleaning, examination, and treatment all in one visit!

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is the only dental sedation method we use, as it’s incredibly safe, effective, and great for most adults. Before your visit, simply take a single pill to experience a calming wave of relief by the time you arrive at our office. Our team will work quickly to maintain and improve the health of your smile, allowing your visit to breeze by.

What is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral conscious sedation is administered in the form of a pill that Dr. Jordan will prescribe you before your visit with us. Typically, the medication is in the diazepam family, like Valium, which helps calm the brain and nerves.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

Before providing you with the prescription, Dr. Jordan will discuss your medical history with you, any medications you’re currently taking, and allergies. Based on this, we can confirm whether you would be a candidate for oral conscious sedation in Carrollton. About an hour before your appointment, you will need to take the prescribed medication and have a trusted friend or family member drive you to (and from) our office. By the time you arrive, you’ll already feel the effects kick-in.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

We typically recommend oral conscious sedation for patients who experience the following:

• Increased dental sensitivity that makes treatments and cleanings uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing.
• Mild or moderate dental anxiety or fear of visiting the dentist.
• A sensitive gag reflex.
• Overstimulation due to the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office.
• The need for a long or extensive procedure, which would make it difficult to sit still in the treatment chair.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is the strongest method of dental sedation that we offer, which is why we often recommend it for patients who experience extreme anxiety or dental fear, or for those who require lengthier procedures. The medication is administered directly into the bloodstream to cause near-immediate effects, helping you ease into a relaxing state. Because the medication’s effects can linger for up to 24 hours, it’s important that you have a friend or family member planned to drop you off and pick you up from your appointment.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

With ample experience in pediatric sedation dentistry as well as extensive continuing education in sedation, Dr. Jordan regularly helps kids as well as adults deal with dental fear and anxiety. One of the ways he’s able to create more positive, relaxing experiences for his younger patients is through providing safe and effective nitrous oxide. This process involves breathing in the sedation while in the treatment chair, causing feelings of euphoria and weightlessness. The effects quickly wear off, allowing patients to return to work or school following their appointments.