Sedation Dentistry

Do you put off visits to the dentist because of extreme anxiety? If so, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that you’re not alone – millions of people feel exactly the same way when faced with dental treatment.

People experience dental anxiety for a variety of reasons. You may feel that you’re not in control during treatment, or your fears may be the result of a bad dental experience in your childhood. Whatever the cause of your anxiety, at the office of Zachary J. Holder, DDS, we can help with effective sedation options including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation.

Compassionate Care and Understanding

We’re committed to making our office a warm and friendly environment where you immediately feel at home. Our professional team will go out of their way to treat you with kindness and respect for your concerns. Being surrounded by professionals who understand and support you can do a lot to minimize your anxiety.

If you're anxious about visits to the dentist, the last thing you want to do is spend any more time than necessary in the dentist's office. Sedation dentistry and the skill of Dr. Holder and Dr. Kirkpatrick allow us to work most efficiently so we can coordinate your care and perform several procedures comfortably in just one visit.

Comfortable Treatment with Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide sedation is not new. Techniques may have changed, but nitrous oxide has been safely used in dentistry for over 100 years. In fact, sedation with nitrous oxide is so safe that it’s also widely used in hospitals and outpatient settings.

The goal of sedation dentistry is to induce a state of relaxation. With nitrous oxide, you’ll be very relaxed and the activity around you will fade into the background. A member of our team will monitor you constantly, and even though you’ll be a little drowsy, you’ll remain alert enough to let us know how you’re doing.

In fact, nitrous oxide sedation is so safe and mild, that it is also very effective for children who are resistant to dental treatment. Sedating your child with nitrous oxide helps them enjoy a more relaxed dental experience, and we can efficiently provide the care they need.

Nitrous oxide dissipates very quickly, so once we stop administering the gas, you should feel completely alert and awake within a few moments and be able to return to your normal activities immediately after your appointment.

Conscious Sedation

If you experience greater anxiety and don’t think that nitrous oxide will be sufficient, Dr. Holder or Dr. Kirkpatrick can prescribe an anti-anxiety medication for you to take before your appointment. You’ll arrive at our office feeling calm and relaxed without the stress you usually experience.

In many cases, we find it very effective to combine oral sedation with nitrous oxide. This combination provides the ultimate in relaxation, but you will need someone to drive you to and from the office as this type of medication stays in your system longer.

All the Support You Need to Relax

We understand that even the most basic treatments can be upsetting if you suffer from dental phobia. Your comfort is as important to us as it is to you, and you can be assured that we are here to help you feel safe and secure.

If you’ve been avoiding dental treatment because of overwhelming anxiety, please contact our Baytown dental office for more information about our safe, effective sedation dentistry.