Does going to the dentist make you anxious? Then, sedation dentistry in Austin, TX, can significantly improve your experience. Glow Dental Co. understands dental fear is real and prevents millions of patients from seeking dental care. This fear of the dentist often starts with a negative experience or the general fear of dentistry (the smells, sights, noises, etc.). While common, you no longer need to avoid visiting the dentist because sedation dental care by Dr. Kelsi Lewis will ensure comfort every time you visit us.
Why Should I Combat My Dental Fear?
When you schedule an appointment with us, let us know if you have dental fears so we can personalize your treatment. For many individuals, the treatment itself is not uncomfortable. Instead, it is the anxiety that causes distress.
Dental fear causes dental avoidance. When you have dental anxiety or fear, you often avoid scheduling appointments or even cancel them altogether. This avoidance creates a cycle of neglect, where minor dental issues are left untreated and eventually develop into more severe problems. Prolonged periods without dental care increase the risk of cavities, decay, gum disease, and other issues requiring more complex treatments, further exacerbating your dental fear.
Being open with your dentist is the first step to confronting your fears. We’ll establish the root cause of the dental fear and recommend a sedation dentistry option that works for you.
What Sedation Dentistry Choices Are Offered At Glow Dental Co.?
We offer several sedation dentistry choices to provide a solution for every smile. Overcome your dental fears today with the following anxiety-free options.
- Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide is a moderate inhalation sedation administered through a small, soft mask placed on the nose. Nitrous oxide reduces sensitivity and helps you relax during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting anesthetic that kicks in immediately after you wear your mask, and the sedation remains as long as you inhale the gas. Although you’ll be sedated, you’ll still be able to respond to the verbal cues from our dentist. You’ll be carefree about the moment-to-moment details of treatment. When your treatment is over, we’ll remove the mask, and the sedation effects wear off quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home.
- Numbing gel: Do you fear needles? A numbing gel is a simple yet effective solution. We’ll apply this topical anesthetic to the gums before an injection, desensitizing the area and making the needle virtually unnoticeable. This preemptive numbing helps to alleviate the discomfort that might be associated with the initial prick of the needle. A dab of the numbing jelly prepares you for a very comfortable injection or when cleaning a sensitive tooth.
Dental fear can significantly hinder achieving and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Modern dentistry offers a range of sedation options to help you overcome your fear and receive the care you need in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
Ready To Conquer Dental Fear?
An estimated 30-40 million Americans struggle with dental anxiety. If you are among this population, sedation dentistry can help, and you’ll no longer have to dread dental visits. Call 512-402-6586 to schedule an appointment with Glow Dental Co. Our sedation dentistry works for patients of all ages! Visit us to see the option best suited for your needs.
Types Of Dental Sedation & Anesthetics
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as “happy gas,” is a light inhalation sedation that can be administered to reduce sensitivity and help you relax during dental procedures. Breathe in the sedative while wearing a soft, small mask over your nose. Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting anesthetic that wears off quickly and allows you to drive yourself home.
Topical Numbing
Sometimes, you need a little topical numbing gel on your gums to avoid discomfort. Many dentists use a topical anesthetic every day. Most dental offices have flavored jellies with ingredients similar to an oral numbing gel found in a drugstore. A dab of this jelly may be enough to prepare you for a very comfortable injection or when cleaning a sensitive tooth.
- Improve Your Physical Comfort
- Reduce Your Stress Levels
- Enjoy Your Dental Experience
How Glow Dental Co. Makes Every Visit Feel Different
At Glow Dental Co. in Austin, TX, sedation is one part of a broader commitment to patient comfort that begins long before any clinical treatment starts. Dr. Lewis understands that dental anxiety is real, that it often stems from past experiences where patients felt rushed, unheard, or out of control, and that the most powerful thing a dental practice can do for an anxious patient is simply slow down and listen. Before anything clinical happens, Dr. Lewis takes the time to understand your specific fears, what has made past dental visits difficult, and what would make this experience feel genuinely different. That conversation alone changes everything for many patients.
Every patient at Glow Dental Co. is given a simple signal — raising a hand — that pauses treatment immediately at any point during the procedure. Knowing you are never stuck in the chair and always in control of what happens next makes a profound difference in how manageable even the most anxiety-inducing procedures feel. Dr. Lewis also talks patients through what they are about to feel before they feel it, eliminating the element of surprise that contributes significantly to dental fear. TVs above the chair with headphones and warm blankets provide additional comfort and distraction during treatment, creating an environment that feels calmer, more welcoming, and genuinely less clinical than what most anxious patients have experienced before. And after every appointment, Dr. Lewis and our team follow up to make sure you are feeling well — because our commitment to your comfort does not end when you leave the chair.