Sedation Dentistry

Fort Worth Sedation Dentist Focuses on Patient Comfort

Dr. David Tillman and our staff don't just fix teeth. We take a comprehensive approach to treating the whole patient. In many cases, this involves accommodating a patient who feels nervous, anxious, or fearful about receiving professional dental care. In other cases, it might require keeping a patient comfortable during a lengthy, complex procedure, such as dental implant placement or wisdom teeth removal. To help our patients remain safe, secure, and relaxed throughout their treatment, Dr. Tillman offers different sedation dentistry options and comfort amenities.

Our Sedation Dentistry Suite

Dr. Tillman will recommend the right type or combination of dental sedation depending on your case and your needs. We offer:

Nitrous Oxide. This lower level form of sedation is delivered through a soft mask. After taking a few breaths of pure oxygen, nitrous oxide gas is introduced and you begin to feel euphoric and giddy. Some of our patients report heavy-feeling legs and numbness in the extremities. The effects of nitrous oxide wear away within a few minutes. This type of sedation is gentle enough for even young patients.
Oral Sedation. If you suffer from more intense feelings of anxiety or fear, you may benefit from the deeper level of relaxation offered by oral sedation. An hour before your appointment, you take a prescribed dose of an antianxiolytic medication. By the time a close friend or family member has escorted you into the office, you will feel extremely relaxed and unconcerned about your treatment and many patients report that they have no memory of the procedure. The sedative effects will last for several hours after your procedure is complete. Patients undergoing oral sedation will need reliable transportation home after their appointment.
Oral Sedation with Nitrous Oxide. In some cases, oral sedation can be combined with nitrous oxide to achieve an even deeper level of relaxation.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Yes. Both nitrous oxide and oral sedation medications have been used for years in both the dental and medical fields to reduce anxiety and induce relaxation in fearful patients. In accordance with strict safety protocols, you will be monitored throughout your procedure, making sure your breathing remains stable and you remain completely safe. In some cases, patients with respiratory disorders, patients who take certain medications, and patients who have recently undergone surgery may need clearance from their medical doctor prior to undergoing a dental procedure with sedation.

Our Comfort Menu

Whether you need dental sedation or not, we're committed to keeping our patients happy and comfortable throughout their stay at our office. Our complete range of comfort amenities include:

Warm, soft blankets.
Comfortable neck and leg pillows.
Cooling ice packs.
Refreshingly cold bottled water.
Hot coffee in a variety of flavors.
Pandora Radio (you let us know your favorite artist and we'll get a playlist going for you).
In-room cable TVs (choose your favorite channel and enjoy a show during your appointment).

About David Tillman, DDS