Many people do not like going to the dentist. It can be a terrifying experience for young and old alike. Some outgrow this fear, but others live with it all of their lives, to the point where they would rather suffer from tooth decay rather than go to the dentist.

Sedation dentistry is the answer for many people who just can't face the dentist. Sedation surgery is used for procedures like crown replacement, gum surgery, stained teeth, chipped teeth, implants, etc. Several sedatives are used that relax the patient, as well as numb the area that the dentist is working on. The sedations include oral, intravenous, topical anesthesia, nitrous oxide and general anesthesia. Many dentists choose to use the oral sedative as it can be administered a half-hour before treatment and will last throughout the procedure. The patient experiences little or no pain. Most dentists use sedation for procedures that are going to take a long time. What could take five or six visits, could take as little as one two-hour appointment depending on the extent of dental work involved.

The sedation method generally used allows the patient to be sedated just enough to be pain free and unaware of the treatment, in a very relaxed state. Patients who have sensitive teeth, a bad gag reflex, and a fear of needles or need a lot of work done at once usually seek the services of a sedation dentist.

In Austin, you can check your local phone book for a listing of sedation or you can go online to websites like 1stsedationdentist.com for a list of qualified dentists in your area.