Sedation Dentistry
At Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry in Garden Ridge, we understand dental anxiety affects people of all ages. We aim to make the dentist’s office a pleasant environment for our patients.
Sedation dentistry with a gentle and caring dentist can transform your dental experience, and many of our patients achieve just that. On top of our dental sedation we offer TVs, pillows, and blankets in our treatment rooms at the clinic. These facilities are provided to ensure your comfort and entertainment during your stay.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation provides a range of advantages, ensuring a comfortable experience for patients with varying needs:
- Customizable Sedation Levels: We offer options tailored to your level of anxiety, from mild relaxation to deep sedation, so you can feel at ease throughout your treatment.
- Ideal for Cosmetic and General Treatments: Sedation is suitable for everything from routine cleanings to complex cosmetic procedures, helping you pursue the smile you want.
- Overcome Dental Anxiety: Sedation makes it easier for patients who feel anxious or fearful about dental visits to receive the care they need.
- Promotes a More Pleasant Experience: By minimizing discomfort and stress, sedation can help you look forward to dental care rather than dreading it.
- Safe and Professional Care: Our team customizes your sedation plan and carefully monitors your well-being to ensure a safe, smooth appointment.
We will help you pick the sedation option that is right for you so that you feel comfortable every step of the way. At Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry, we take pride in offering sedation solutions that help you achieve a confident, healthy smile without fear or discomfort.
Our Mission
We are proud to serve our patients with the highest quality dental care. We strive to deliver a personalized healthcare experience in a comfortable environment to all of our patients.
Meet Our Providers
If you want to know MORE ABOUT THE TEAM, a description of the providers are:
Larry Dougherty, DDS
Larry Dougherty of Garden Ridge is the owner and lead dentist at Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As a dental student, he was awarded the College of Dental Medicine Service Award for his commitment to welcoming all prospective students interviewing for dental school.
While serving as Chair of the San Antonio District Dental Society New Dentist Committee, Dr. Dougherty won an award from the American Dental Association for Outstanding Program by creating a Fantasy Football league involving members and sponsors.
Richard D’Avanzo, DMD
Dr. D’Avanzo is a Board Certified Orthodontist. He graduated from Albright College with a degree in biology and then obtained his DMD degree from Fairleigh Dickinson School of Dental Medicine.
He also obtained his Master of Science degree in oral biology from Temple University School of Dentistry with a specialty in orthodontics.
Robert Busch, DMD, MD
Dr. Robert Busch is a board-certified dental surgeon. He earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry before completing medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern. He went on to complete a general surgery internship followed by a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at UT Southwestern.
In addition, Dr. Busch trained at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, further strengthening his clinical and scientific expertise.
His work as a dental surgeon includes everything from single-tooth implants to full-arch restorations (All-on-4®). Dr. Busch also offers a comprehensive range of anesthetic options to ensure patient comfort throughout every stage of treatment.
Real Patients, Real Results
Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry – Before and After Images of Patients
Our Sedation Options: Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, or IV Sedation
At Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that dental visits can cause anxiety for some patients. To help you feel at ease, we offer a range of sedation options, including laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and IV sedation. Whether you need a simple cleaning or a more complex procedure, we want to ensure that you are comfortable, relaxed, and stress-free.
Laughing Gas / Nitrous Oxide
Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a mild, safe sedative that helps you relax during your dental appointment. It’s commonly used for patients who experience anxiety or discomfort during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose, and within minutes, you’ll start to feel calm and relaxed.
One of the biggest benefits of laughing gas is that it works quickly and wears off almost immediately after the procedure, allowing you to resume your daily activities without lingering drowsiness. Nitrous oxide is an excellent option for patients who need light sedation to ease anxiety but still want to remain fully awake and aware during their treatment.
Our practice often combines oral sedation with nitrous oxide to maximize relaxation.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a step up from nitrous oxide for patients who need a bit more help relaxing. You will be prescribed a sedative medication, which you should take approximately one hour before your visit.
This medication helps you feel significantly more relaxed, making it easier to receive the dental care you need without fear and anxiety. We recommend that you have a family member or friend accompany you to and from the appointment, as the sedative can impair your ability to drive.
The main benefit of oral conscious sedation is that it allows you to be awake during the procedure yet profoundly relaxed. Unlike intravenous sedation, it does not involve needles, making it a more comfortable option for many patients.
IV Sedation
For more complex procedures or for patients who require deeper sedation, we offer IV sedation. This method involves administering a sedative directly into your bloodstream, allowing us to control the level of sedation more precisely. IV sedation helps you feel deeply relaxed, and in most cases, patients doze off during the procedure.
Unlike oral sedation or nitrous oxide, IV sedation can keep you in a more profound state of relaxation, making it ideal for patients who may be undergoing longer or more invasive treatments. Because the sedative is delivered directly into the bloodstream, it works quickly and effectively, providing you with a sense of calm and comfort throughout the procedure.
It requires careful monitoring by our trained professionals to ensure your safety. You cannot drive home after IV sedation, so you will need to arrange for transportation home from your appointment if you choose to receive dental sedation.
Certified Sedation Experts
Our oral surgeon and periodontist are both fully certified in all types of sedation, ensuring that you’re in safe hands. Whether you choose laughing gas, IV sedation, or any other sedation option, we prioritize your comfort and safety. We take the time to discuss your concerns and help you select the best sedation method for your procedure and individual needs.
Who Is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry benefits many patients, including those needing extensive dental work, with dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or a low pain threshold. Our team will evaluate your medical history, current health status, and specific dental needs during your initial consultation to determine the best sedation option.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re nervous about an upcoming procedure, don’t let anxiety hold you back from receiving the dental care you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our sedation options.
Sedation dentistry at Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry is designed to make your dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Whether you choose nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, our experienced team is here to provide gentle and effective care.
If you struggle with dental anxiety or have been avoiding necessary dental treatments, we encourage you to explore our sedation options. Contact us today at (210) 880-4120 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you achieve a comfortable and pleasant dental experience.