Dental anxiety is real, and it is one of the most common reasons people avoid necessary care. At Fort Worth Family and Implant Dentistry, we offer a full spectrum of sedation options — from mild oral sedation to deep sedation administered by a board-certified medical anesthesiologist — so that every patient can receive the treatment they deserve in complete comfort.
Oral Sedation
For mild to moderate anxiety, we prescribe a sedative medication taken by mouth before your appointment. You will feel deeply relaxed and drowsy throughout your treatment, yet you remain conscious and able to respond to Dr. Baker. Because the effects linger, you will need a driver. Most patients remember very little of the procedure — a phenomenon called anterograde amnesia that can make the experience much less stressful.
IV Moderate Sedation
For patients with higher anxiety or those undergoing longer or more complex procedures, IV sedation delivers anti-anxiety and sedative medication directly into the bloodstream for a faster, more precisely controlled level of relaxation. You will be in a deeply sedated, twilight-like state — unaware of sights and sounds — yet you can still respond to verbal prompts. Dr. Baker administers and monitors IV moderate sedation in-office.
Deep Sedation with a Medical Anesthesiologist
For patients with the highest levels of dental anxiety, medical complexity, or special needs, we bring in a board-certified medical anesthesiologist to administer deep sedation. This is the same level of sedation used in hospital operating rooms. You will be completely unconscious during treatment and wake up with no memory of the procedure. Having an anesthesiologist dedicated solely to monitoring your vitals allows Dr. Baker to focus entirely on delivering exceptional dental care.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- Multiple sedation levels to match your anxiety and procedure
- Board-certified anesthesiologist available for deep sedation
- Complete treatment in fewer appointments
- Minimal memory of the procedure
- Safe monitoring throughout your entire visit
- Ideal for patients with dental phobia, gag reflex issues, or special needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?
Most healthy adults are candidates for sedation. During your consultation, Dr. Baker will review your medical history and anxiety level to recommend the most appropriate sedation option for you.
Will I be asleep during IV sedation?
IV moderate sedation puts you in a twilight state — deeply relaxed and largely unaware, but technically conscious. Deep sedation with our anesthesiologist renders you completely unconscious, similar to general anesthesia.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. All sedation is administered and monitored by trained professionals. With IV and deep sedation, your vital signs are continuously tracked throughout the procedure.