Sedation Dentistry in McAllen, TX

At Valley OMS, we are passionate about providing our patients with optimal care. Moreover, we are on a mission to make each patient experience as positive as can be, which means considering your comfort a priority.

One way in which we promote a comfortable experience is by utilizing a range of sedation and anesthesia options. For each patient, we recommend an anesthesia option that is safe, appropriate, and will ensure a painless procedure.

If you have any questions or are concerned about experiencing pain during your procedure, we want to offer you every reassurance. Take a moment to learn more about sedation options at Valley OMS.

What Sedation Options are Available at Valley OMS?

When you have an initial consultation with one of our oral surgeons, we will provide ample information about anesthesia options, as well as answer any questions.

Some of our standard anesthesia options include:

Local Anesthesia

For the most minor procedures, highly localized anesthesia may be sufficient to eliminate pain and ensure patient comfort. While sometimes this is sufficient alone, most patients chose this in combination with one of our other anesthesia options.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide can take the edge off, alleviate anxiety, and create a less stressful time in the dental chair. Generally, our surgeons recommend nitrous oxide as a great option for minor pediatric procedures or patients with no to minimal anxiety.

Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation is the most common choice for most of our patients. It combines IV medicines to reduce anxiety (sedatives) and medicines to block pain (narcotic). Patients are basically awake but will not feel pain or discomfort and generally will not recall much of the procedure. Upon the completion of the surgery, patients feel less groggy, which can make recovery smoother and faster. Additionally, conscious sedation comes with lower risks when compared to deep sedation.

Deep Sedation

For some patients, especially those who experience a high level of anxiety about dental procedures, we can offer a deep sedation option. With deep sedation, patients will not remember parts of the surgery. Although administered right here in our office, a dental anesthesiologist may be needed.

General Anesthesia

For patients who need to be completely “put under” for an oral surgery procedure, we can furnish a general anesthesia option. As with deep sedation, we bring in a trained dental anesthesiologist or perform the procedure at the hospital. This option results in the patient feeling groggier and “zonked out” following their procedure but also ensures zero pain and zero memory of the surgery itself.

If you have any questions about these sedation dentistry options, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our team here at Valley OMS.

Our Approach to Patient Safety

Our anesthesia and sedation options have been carefully developed in light of two basic goals: keeping patients comfortable and ensuring they feel safe.

To maintain comfort, our doctors will always make certain that patients receive a level of anesthesia that is appropriate to their procedure. And, so that patients are safe at all times, we bring in experienced dental anesthesiologists as needed, specifically for deep sedation and general anesthesia.

Meet Your Oral Surgeons

Valley OMS is a trusted oral surgery practice, serving patients throughout Texas. Our oral surgeons are highly regarded for their enthusiasm, and for their compassionate patient care. Additionally, they boast immense experience performing procedures such as dental implants, tooth extraction, wisdom teeth removal, TMJ treatment, and beyond. Get to know our doctors by visiting their individual bio pages.

What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

Most patients understand that sedation dentistry allows them to have their oral procedure completed without any pain. However, this is just one of several benefits that patients experience as a result of our anesthesia and sedation options.

• Patients can better withstand lengthy procedures. Nobody wants to be wide awake and fully alert for a surgery that lasts two hours, let alone four. While most of our procedures are for less than 30 minutes, we still like providing patients with the option to “zone out” during their surgery by choosing a deeper option.
• Patients can better deal with anxiety. We understand that not everyone loves going to the dentist, and for some, a trip to the oral surgeon may yield high anxiety. We are happy to offer sedation that takes the edge off and makes the patient experience more pleasant.
• Patients do not have flashbacks of their procedure. Some patients are adamant about not wishing to remember any part of their oral surgery. We can utilize anesthesia options to make certain our patients have no memory of their time in the chair.

Can I Drive Home Following My Sedation Dentistry Procedure?

Patients often ask us how “zonked out” they are going to feel at the end of the procedure, and specifically whether they need to arrange a ride home.

The answer really depends on the type of sedation we use. For those who get any type of IV sedation, including deep sedation or general anesthesia, you will want to have someone with you to drive you home and see you safely into your house once the procedure is over. For the milder sedation options, like nitrous oxide, you may be able to safely drive yourself home.

During your consultation, your doctor will provide ample instruction about post-operative safety and aftercare. We also welcome you to contact our office with specific questions about an upcoming appointment.

Learn More About Safe, Comfortable Dentistry at Valley OMS

At Valley OMS, it is our pleasure to provide patients with robust oral health solutions and a comfortable and pain-free experience with us. One way we accomplish this is through sedation dentistry. We would love to tell you more or answer any questions you may have about our approach to patient comfort and safety.

To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, contact Valley OMS at your next opportunity.