Sedation Dentistry in Austin, TX

Enhance Your Dental Experience With Sedation Dentistry.

At Goehring Dental, we understand that dental anxiety can be a real hurdle for many patients.

The thought of dental procedures can be unsettling, preventing some from seeking essential dental care. That’s why our team offers a range of sedation dentistry services, led by the skilled and compassionate Austin dentist, Dr. Dennis Goehring. With our experienced team and a variety of sedation options, we strive to make your dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

To request an appointment with Dr. Goehring and learn more about dental sedation, contact our South Austin, TX, dental office by calling (512) 892-8822 or requesting an appointment online.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry, also known as “sleep dentistry,” is a specialized field that uses various sedatives to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s an excellent choice for individuals who experience dental anxiety, have a low pain threshold, or require complex dental work.

Why Choose Dr. Goehring for Sedation Dentistry Services?

Dr. Goehring is credentialed and licensed to perform IV sedation and updates his Advanced Cardiac life support and Pediatric Advanced life support annually to ensure the safest environment possible for you. Dr. Goehring has performed over 350 sedations annually and both he and his team are trained in proper monitoring of vital signs, so you can rest assured that your sedation appointment will go smoothly. 

Sedation Dentistry Services at Goehring Dental

At Goehring Dental in South Austin, we offer multiple sedation dentistry services to cater to your specific needs, ensuring a more pleasant dental experience.

➤ IV Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered through a vein, inducing a deep state of relaxation. Patients often have little to no memory of the procedure and are closely monitored throughout. IV sedation provides various benefits to patients, including:

  • Highly Effective: IV sedation is highly effective in reducing anxiety and discomfort during dental treatments, even for those with severe dental phobia.

  • Single-Visit Procedures: IV sedation allows for more extensive dental procedures to be completed in a single visit, reducing the need for multiple appointments and saving time for patients.

  • Deep Relaxation: Patients often achieve a deep state of relaxation, and in some cases, they may have little to no memory of the procedure.

➤ Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before your appointment. It provides a mild to moderate level of relaxation, making you feel at ease during the procedure. Benefits of oral sedation can include:

  • Convenient and Non-Invasive: Oral sedation is a convenient and non-invasive option, involving the simple consumption of a prescribed sedative pill.

  • Anxiety Alleviation: Oral sedation effectively alleviates anxiety, making dental visits more comfortable for patients who experience fear or nervousness.

  • Responsiveness Maintained: While relaxed, patients remain responsive to the dentist’s instructions, facilitating communication during the procedure.

➤ Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, often called “laughing gas,” is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. It induces a state of relaxation and euphoria, with its effects wearing off quickly after the procedure. Patients can experience the following benefits with nitrous oxide:

  • Safe and Well-Tolerated: Nitrous oxide is considered a safe and well-tolerated sedation option. It has a long track record of use in dentistry without major side effects.

  • Rapid Relief: Nitrous oxide provides rapid relief from anxiety and discomfort, often within minutes of administration.

  • Quick Recovery: Nitrous oxide has a short duration of action, allowing you to return to your regular activities shortly after your dental treatment.

➤ Deep Anesthesia With an Anesthesiologist

For complex or extensive dental procedures, we offer deep anesthesia administered by a certified anesthesiologist. This ensures the highest level of comfort and safety. 

Benefits of deep anesthesia include:

  • Ideal for Severe Anxiety: Deep anesthesia is ideal for patients with severe anxiety, ensuring they remain completely relaxed during their dental procedure.

  • Complex Procedures: It’s suitable for lengthy or complex dental surgeries, as it allows for extended periods of sedation and comprehensive treatment.

  • Reduced Gag Reflex: Deep anesthesia can suppress the gag reflex, which can be particularly advantageous for patients with a strong gag reflex who struggle with traditional dental procedures.

  • Extended Procedure Time: Deep anesthesia allows for longer dental procedures, making it suitable for comprehensive treatments or multiple dental issues to be addressed in a single session.

Preparing for Your Sedation Dentistry Experience

To ensure a smooth and safe sedation dentistry experience at Goehring Dental, here are some important steps to follow before your appointment:

  • Wear Comfortable, Loose-Fitting Clothing: Choose clothing that’s comfortable and easy to put on and take off. Loose-fitting attire ensures you’ll be at ease during the procedure and makes placing monitoring equipment easier.

  • Remove Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, it’s recommended to switch to eyeglasses for the day of your appointment. Contact lenses can dry out your eyes during the procedure, causing discomfort.

  • Remove Jewelry: Take off any jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. This helps prevent any discomfort or potential damage to pressure points during the dental procedure.

  • Avoid Nail Polish: Refrain from wearing nail polish on the day of your appointment. We may need to monitor the color of your nail beds as an indicator of possible problems such as cyanosis to ensure your well-being during the procedure.

  • Avoid Eating or Drinking: Our Austin dentist may advise you to refrain from eating or drinking for a specified period before the procedure, usually at least six hours in advance. This helps reduce the risk of complications during sedation.

  • Arrange Transportation: Since the effects of sedation can linger for a few hours after the procedure, it’s essential to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home afterward. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or making important decisions on the day of your appointment.

  • Communicate Medications and Health Conditions: Inform our dentist about any medications you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Disclose any underlying medical conditions, allergies, or recent illnesses. This information helps the dental team tailor the sedation to your needs and ensure your safety.

  • Bring a Companion: While not always necessary, having a friend or family member accompany you to your appointment can provide emotional support and help with post-sedation care.

 

Who Qualifies for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients, including those who:

  • Experience dental anxiety or fear

  • Have a low pain threshold

  • Require extensive or multiple dental procedures

  • Have a strong gag reflex

  • Find it difficult to sit still during dental treatments

If you have any questions about sedation dentistry, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Austin dental team by calling us at (512) 892-8822 or contacting us online.

Frequently Asked Questions for Sedation Dentistry

  • Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when administered by trained professionals. Your sedation dentist at Goehring Dental in South Austin will carefully evaluate your medical history to determine the most suitable sedation option for you.

  • While IV, oral, and nitrous oxide induce a deep state of relaxation known as twilight sleep, you will remain conscious and responsive to verbal cues from our dental team. You may become so relaxed that you fall asleep, but it will be easy to wake you up. Under deep anesthesia, however, you’ll be completely unconscious and unresponsive.

  • The coverage of sedation dentistry by insurance varies based on factors like the type of sedation, medical necessity, and your specific dental insurance plan. Some policies may cover certain sedation methods if they are deemed medically necessary or are part of a covered dental procedure. Pre-authorization may be required in some cases.

  • Yes, sedation dentistry can be suitable for children, especially those with dental anxiety or special needs. Our dentists offer pediatric sedation options tailored to a child’s age, weight, and specific dental requirements, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience. Safety protocols are in place here at Goehring Dental to protect young patients during sedation.

Experience Stress-Free Dentistry in Austin, TX, at Goehring Dental

At Goehring Dental, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. If you’re in Austin, or the surrounding areas of Central Texas and seeking a more relaxed and stress-free dental experience, call us at (512) 892-8822 or contact us to request an appointment.

Say goodbye to dental anxiety and hello to comfortable dentistry with Goehring Dental!

  • <autoplay speed=7></autoplay> What our patients are saying about us

    I've been going to Dr. Goehring for the past 5 or 6 years and have had nothing but positive experiences and quality care since… Dr. Goehring is qualified to care for special needs patients, especially kids and or adults also with anxiety (like myself) in a medical setting. I was able to get some work done that I hadn't previously believed I would be able to handle. I absolutely love Dr. Goehring's demeanor, ability to talk to his patients, and trust his care. My husband who also does not ever look forward to any medical appointment now actually has a positive outlook when it comes to dental care and I attribute that to the great staff and hygienists that Dr. Goehring has chosen… I am looking forward to giving many more years of my business and only trust my dental needs with him at this time. I plan to have cosmetic dentistry work done too. Thank you Dr. Goehring and our favorite, hygienist, Erin for making us change our minds about dentistry after all these years!!

    — Jenni R.

  • What our patients are saying about us

    Initially reached out to Goehring due to their offering sedation dentistry and working with special needs patients, have been 100% pleased with all services and interactions with their team. My child has been set at ease and taken care of by the staff, so much that we aren't facing my kid's prior serious anxiety and hatred of dental visits! Dr. Guagliardo is fantastic, as is Julie who handles payments. We collaborated on a treatment plan that balanced what my child could "handle" with the dental health priorities and my budget… So to have been treated with compassion and care AND getting my kid the dental work they needed in a phased approach we could afford? Has been awesome... Highly recommend this practice!

    — Michelle M.

  • What our patients are saying about us

    I have a lot of anxiety at the dentist and I associate it with pain and that horrible numb feeling, the sights, smells, sounds, rubber gloved fingers in my mouth... all of it is awful. This is why I haven't gone in so many years. Dr. Goehring understood my concerns and gave me a couple of options that would help me relax for the upcoming appointment. His personality was also helpful with my anxiety because he's just a straight forward, relatable guy. Even during the procedure it was almost painless. Nothing more than the needle prick to become numb. I had a great experience and I recommend anyone I know to Goehring Dental!

    — Teresa W.

  • What our patients are saying about us

    Dr. Goehring and his staff are excellent. I’m exceptionally scared of having my teeth worked on, due to a bad dental experience as a young girl. Dr. Goehring and his staff are so patient and caring. They take time with me to make sure that I’m comfortable. I’ve been to his office three times now, and it’s always been a comfortable, painless experience. I would recommend him and his staff to my family and friends.

    — Debra W.

  • What our patients are saying about us

    Dr. Goehring has been my dentist for years. About a year ago I incurred severe dental trauma in an accident in which I was in danger of losing three teeth. Against the odds and because of the quick and efficacious response and support from the team at Goehring Dental, my teeth were saved. I did not have to endure the process or expense of implants. I attribute this entirely to the care and the expertise provided by Dr. Goehring and his team. For years I simply thought I had a reliable friendly place to go for dental care, however when a severe situation took place Dr. Goehring demonstrated his true ability to deal with adverse situations. Highest Recommendation!

    — Tom B.