Sedation Dentist Richardson

Taking the Stress Out of Oral Surgery

Sedation dentist adjusting an I V on the arm of a patient

Your comfort is our top priority while you’re in the treatment chair. That’s why we offer multiple sedation dentistry methods so you remain relaxed during your procedure. We also have an in-house anesthesiologist to offer both IV and general sedation for more extensive procedures. To learn more about our options for sedation dentistry in Richardson, please call our office directly or ask us any questions you may have at your initial consultation with Dr. Ahn.

Why Choose Richardson Oral Surgery Center for Sedation Dentistry?

  • On-Site IV Sedation & General Anesthesia
  • A Professional, Highly Trained Oral Surgery Team
  • We Partner with Referring Doctors & Dentists

IV Sedation

Dental team member adjusting the I V on the arm of a patient

IV sedation is one of the strongest methods of conscious dental sedation, which means you’ll be able to respond to our requests and questions throughout your treatment. We often recommend it for patients who are severely anxious or scared of their upcoming procedure, or for those needing multiple smaller treatments performed at once.

When you arrive at our office, our team will help get you comfortable in the treatment chair while our in-house anesthesiologist administers a fast-acting sedative directly into your blood stream. This will make you feel nearly immediately relaxed and sleepy. In most cases, our patients aren’t able to remember any details of their appointment if they receive IV sedation.

Because the medication administered through your IV is very strong, you’ll need to spend the rest of the day at home, resting. It’s important that you have a trusted friend or family member planning to take care of you following your surgery as well.

General Anesthesia/Sleep Dentistry

Hand adjusting an I V bag

For more extensive surgical procedures, we also offer in-house general anesthesia administered by our licensed anesthesiologist. This will completely render you unconscious, eliminating your ability to feel any pain throughout your procedure. Because it does this, you’ll be intubated to help control your breathing. Upon coming out of anesthesia, you’ll likely feel disoriented and your throat may feel dry, but our team will provide whoever will be caring for you with instructions to help you feel more comfortable as you rest.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Is sedation dentistry safe?

For most patients, dental sedation is a perfectly safe procedure. However, that’s not the case for everybody, which is why our team at Richardson Oral Surgery Center screens patients before administering any type of medication or sedation. This process includes going over your medical history as well as any current medications you’re taking, and finding out whether complications could arise.

If we determine that you’re a good candidate for IV sedation or general anesthesia, our precautions and risk assessment don’t stop at your screening. A trained professional will monitor your vitals at all times during your procedure to ensure your safety.  

Can I receive dental sedation while pregnant?

The drugs used for IV sedation and general anesthesia can be absorbed through the placenta, which is why we don’t typically administer sedation during the first trimester. In some cases, this could lead to developmental concerns. Additionally, we typically don’t administer sedation during the third trimester because it could encourage premature labor.

Our oral surgeons will consult with you and assess your risk and medical history to make sure that you’re a good candidate, even if you’re pregnant. We’ll make you fully aware of any potential risks, as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have.

What does it feel like to be sedated for oral surgery?

Our office provides two types of dental sedation: IV sedation and general anesthesia. No matter which type of sedation you receive, you likely won’t remember any part of your treatment because you’ll either be unconscious or asleep. General anesthesia renders you completely unconscious, although you’ll still be able to breathe on your own. On the other hand, IV sedation will make you extremely sleepy and relaxed, but you’ll still remain conscious and be able to respond to our team’s questions.

Is dental sedation covered by dental insurance?

Dental insurance benefits can vary from plan-to-plan, and while some may cover dental sedation services like general anesthesia, others may not. In any case, our team at Richardson Oral Surgery Center will help maximize your benefits and provide you with an accurate estimate before your procedure so you know what to expect as your out-of-pocket cost.

In addition to making sure you get the most out of your insurance plan, our team can also walk you through your other payment options, like financing through CareCredit. This is a trusted, third-party financier that offers low-to-no interest payment plans to help break up the cost of your treatment.

No matter what your financial needs are, our team is always happy to help you!