Sedation Dentistry

Imagine your child undergoing complex dental care like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When care is complete, your child will have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort. We are pleased to offer your child the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Our pediatric dental patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:

  • A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
  • A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
  • A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows your pediatric dentist to provide a variety of dental care safely and comfortably for children who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:

  • No memory of undergoing the procedure
  • No sense of time while under sedation
  • No sense of smell or sound
  • No fear or anxiety during care

Levels of Sedation

Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three sedative states at which your child's dentist can administer care: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.

  • Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for children with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. Your child will remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and will be able to breathe normally, but he or she will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild to moderate sedation that results in relaxation during care.
  • Moderate Sedation — Used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of light IV sedation. With conscious sedation, your child will remain awake throughout the procedure but will be in a deep state of relaxation.
  • Deep Sedation — Patients receiving deep sedation go between consciousness and unconsciousness during their dental procedure. Patients often have no recollection of the care and are unable to respond to commands even if they are awake at times during the procedure.

How are sedatives administered?

  • Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so your child can resume normal activities immediately.
  • Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. Your child will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before the appointment, will have your child fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.

Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for your child.

What others say about us
Dr. Miller saved my life this morning, my son woke up with a big lump (eruption tissue) behind his tooth. As a first time mom, I had never seen anything like that. He was able to help me by text message and gave me instructions on how to remove it and explained that it was his first molar growing behind it. He also gave me the option to come in to the office if I wanted to. Just like he said we were able to remove at home it with no pain.
I appreciate Dr. Miller, he's our dentist here in Odessa. I highly... I mean HIGHLY recommend him and his team. My cousin has severe Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy and he can't do anything for himself, but Dr. Miller makes sure to get his teeth clean and back in order where we are lacking because It's difficult to keep his teeth clean. I thank you so much, Dr. Miller.
I am overjoyed at the service that Dr. Miller and his staff offer to my daughter. She went in terrified and came out excited and asked to go back. I work at Reznik Orthodontics, and he’s one of our top referrers, and I can personally see why! Thank you, Dr. Miller and staff for taking such good care of my girl today!
We have been coming to Dr. Miller’s for years, he sees all three of my children. We like him so much we are willing to drive over an hour each way. A few years ago my oldest son had a trampoline accident that resulted in him losing his front grown-up tooth. Since it was a weekend we called the emergency number and we saw him right away the next day.
My 15-month-old grandson got to see Dr. Miller and his team today. Lane is the second generation in our family to see him. His team got us in within a few days because we were worried about two teeth coming in. Dr. Miller is still the most patient person I have ever seen with children. As always, he was very thorough with the exam and answered ALL of our questions.
It was my first time coming here with my son and I love this dentist. The staff are very sweet. I love the way that they greet you and the way that they talk to you. I love Dr. Miller! He explains everything thoroughly and gets straight to the point. I love how my son loves Dr. Miller and the staff.
Hands down the VERY BEST pediatric dentist in the Permian Basin. Dr. Miller and his staff are just incredible. He was my dentist all through my childhood and now he is my son's dentist. Never have we had any issues or concerns. He is so good with children, and it shows that he definitely loves his job. He does a wonderful job keeping the children calm and feeling safe. I would, and have, recommended Dr. Miller to folks.
I have been taking my two youngest to Dr. Miller for 4 years. He is the best. He has patience with the kids and myself and is always helpful when you have questions. The staff is professional and helpful as well. Definitely one of the best pediatric dentists in the area!
Dr. Miller is amazing!! Such a sweet kind man and really understands how to get a kiddo to love the dentist! I went here for 15 years and I can remember looking forward to every visit and counting and shinning my teeth. So blessed to get to bring my daughter here now, the staff and Dr. Miller are always so so sweet and make going to the dentist such a fun experience.
Hands down best pediatric dentist around. Dr. Miller is amazing with children. Talks to the kids, explains everything he is doing, makes even the scary stuff a walk in the park. He is very personable and very informative! He also has an amazing staff! So glad my family has found him!
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