Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry services offered in San Antonio, Helotes and Shavano Park, TX

Anxiety can feel all-consuming when you have an upcoming dental procedure and have dental phobias, a sensitive gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still. At Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces, with five offices in San Antonio and Helotes, Texas, the team of general and family dentists offer many sedation dentistry options to help you relax during your visit. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today to learn more.

Sedation Dentistry Q&A

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves administering medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It helps keep you comfortable enough to undergo treatments that may otherwise cause anxiety or discomfort. At Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces, the team offers many types of sedation for children and adults to suit their unique needs and preferences.

Are there different types of sedation dentistry?

The three most common types of sedation dentistry are:

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative administered through a mask placed over the nose. It encourages a relaxed and euphoric state, allowing you to remain conscious during the procedure.

Its benefits include a rapid onset and quick recovery — typically wearing off within minutes — making it suitable for minor dental procedures. However, it may not provide sufficient sedation for more complex or anxiety-inducing treatments.

Oral conscious sedation

This sedation involves taking a sedative before the procedure. It induces a deeper state of relaxation while still allowing you to remain conscious. Oral conscious sedation takes more time than nitrous oxide to wear off and can cause more lasting side effects, such as drowsiness.

General anesthesia

General anesthesia is the deepest form of sedation, rendering you unconscious and unaware during the dental procedure. It is often used for extensive surgeries or for patients with severe dental anxiety.

Who should consider sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who may struggle to undergo dental procedures without assistance. The Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces team may recommend sedation for patients who have:

Dental phobias or anxieties
Mental, cognitive, or physical disabilities
Extensive or complex dental procedures
Low pain threshold or heightened sensitivity
Strong gag reflex
Need for multiple dental treatments in a single visit
Medical conditions complicating dental procedures
Difficulty sitting still for extended periods
History of traumatic dental experiences
Desire for a more comfortable and relaxed dental experience

After an initial dental exam, your dentist can determine the appropriate type of sedation for your needs.

Can I drive myself home after sedation dentistry?

Nitrous oxide is the only type of sedation dentistry you can take and drive yourself home after. Oral conscious sedation and general anesthesia require careful monitoring. You must have a friend or relative drive you home and monitor you after the procedure.

Call Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces or request an appointment online today to learn more about sedation dentistry.

944

Happy Patient Reviews

I went here for a root canal yesterday scared out of my mind but Dr Smith and his assistant were beyond amazing! I highly recommend you see Adam Smith for any dental issues you won’t regret it.

Chelsey V.

Dr. Smith is absolutely fantastic. All the staff is amazing and very helpful. Customer satisfaction is the best I've received at any dentist. The procedures are essentially painless and the equipment and tools are advanced and updated. Big thank you to Sandra and Derek who are very knowledgeable, professional, and great to work with. The office is near and clean with a little theater for everyone and an arcade machine for entertainment. Would not recommend any other dentist. Thank you again Dr. Smith!

Mohsin S.

First time there with my 4 children. Loved their hospitality always made us feel welcomed and answered all of my questions patiently. My children hate dental visits and this was the first smooth visit we've ever had at the dentist.. Dr. Melendez was great and so was the entire staff at the Mission clinic on Roosevelt.

Veronica S.

Been coming here since they opened this location and I can honestly say..I'm comfortable I have had all my kids come here..love the way they work with you I have not had problems. The crew is incredible as well as the Dentist..too bad they changed the crew but we just went recently to get braces on my daughter ...we were in and out was fast and the 2 girls who helped us were very friendly...and were on point with everything we asked them..plus the girl who help prep my daughter with her braces was very nice and really knew what she was doing hands on kind of person..which I loved..I hope she gets noticed for her hard work ..she made everything look easy..I cant wait to go see her when I'm ready to put my braces on..I would recommend anyone to go to this inviting Dentistry....May I say I'm a very picky mom so trust me when I say ...its a 5 star

Jennifer R.

Always Treated With Courtesy And Respect. The Staff always welcoming and makes you feel comfortable. The waiting area is nice and comfortable to sit and watch a movie or to play with the arcade games. Like how they explain and go over everything that will be done.

Cindy F.

Really nice workers. They know what they are doing. Girls on the front very polite and friendly. Dr. Rice knows what's she is doing. I really recommend this dentist office.

Nancy A.

Always Treated With Courtesy And Respect. The Staff Always Make All My 5 Kids Feel comfortable whether it’s for cleaning or dental work and Orthodontics. The waiting area is nice and comfortable to either sit and watch a movie or TV or Arcade games. And there’s also refreshments like water or coffee or tea to Brew in a Keurig machine I enjoy a cup of coffee when I sit and wait.

Naomi G.

I love this place !!!! I’ve been bringing my daughter here for about 8 or 9 years and I’ve always had a great experience. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. You won’t regret it!

Savannah C.

They have a great friendly staff, Ashley is very attentive. Both my daughter and I come here for our dental needs. They make her feel comfortable and safe. I've had my wisdom teeth pulled and fillings done here. They make sure you don't feel any pain.

Brian M.

Great service such an awesome staff. I love the environment. I love how the staff makes mydaughter feel so comfortable. I will definitely come back!

Laura V.

My daughter just had dental work with Dr. Smith and assisting him was Juliet and Karla. Dr.Smith was great and so were Karla and Juliet very friendly my daughter did not feel anything awesome dental work and customer service and front office staff were very friendly and sufficient a great experience. I have been bringing my kids here for about 4 years.Bring your kids to this dental office located on Ingram.

Gina R.

I have switched dentists for my son a couple of times. I think we are sticking to this place, the staff is always friendly and very helpful. The dentist are thorough and patient. Great set up in the lobby.

Herlinda V.

My daughter and I believe we chose the right place for her braces. The employees are always so nice and helpful. I recommend smile structure on Ingram. Staff is professional with a smile aways on there faces.

Letty T.

My first visit & I loved how they were very patient & took there time to get my daughter to get comfortable since she gets very nervous she loved ot as well & can't wait to come back thanks to the staff!!!!! I would really recommend this place.

Jessica G.

Everyone was great! Sandra in billing is very informative of our options and took care of our needs during my sons procedure.

Leticia P.

Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces

✆ Phone Number: 210-572-2394