Sedation Dentistry

In addition to following a daily oral health care regimen at home, the most important step you can take to ensure good oral health is to visit Dr. Rawcliffe twice a year for professional cleanings and oral exams. While that may sound easy enough, it’s anything but easy for people who have a high level of anxiety about visiting the dentist. Whether you are just a little nervous about your next trip to the dentist, or have a full-blown dental chair phobia, we have the solution for our Round Rock, TX, patients: sedation.

Who Needs Sedation?

While it may be obvious that certain patients with a high level of anxiety definitely benefit from dental sedation, it can help other people as well. Patients who experience any of the following can benefit from managing their anxiety through safe dental sedation:

• People with a phobia about visiting the dentist
• Patients who have had negative dental experiences in the past
• People who have a hard time getting numb
• Patients with sensitive teeth
• People who have to sit through long procedures
• Patients with a fear of needles

If you experience any level of anxiety about your next trip to the dentist, discuss your concerns with Dr. Rawcliffe. He can help you decide whether or not sedation is right for you.

The Type of Sedation We Offer Patients

In addition to novocaine, which is administered to the patient through injection into the gum tissue to numb the affected area of the mouth prior to any procedure, we also offer oral conscious sedation. For patients who could benefit from it, Dr. Rawcliffe prescribes an oral medication that the patient can take prior to the appointment. By the time the patient arrives at our office, he or she will be awake but will feel completely relaxed and a little drowsy. If you choose to use oral sedation, you should know that you’ll need a ride to our office and a ride home afterwards as well.