Sleep Through Your Dental Procedure.
Wake Up to a New Smile.
Fort Worth Family and Implant Dentistry offers three levels of sedation — including deep sedation administered by a board-certified medical anesthesiologist — so that every patient can receive the care they deserve in complete comfort.
Dental Anxiety Is Real. We Have a Solution for Every Level.
Studies show that up to 36% of Americans experience significant dental anxiety — and about 12% have extreme dental fear. Avoiding dental care due to anxiety leads to more serious health problems, higher costs, and greater suffering down the road. At Fort Worth Family and Implant Dentistry, we believe no one should have to avoid needed dental care because of fear. That's why we offer a full spectrum of sedation, all the way up to deep sedation with a medical anesthesiologist on-site.
Oral Sedation
For mild to moderate anxiety
A prescription sedative pill is taken orally before your appointment. You will feel deeply relaxed and drowsy — sometimes even fall asleep in the chair — while remaining technically conscious and able to respond to Dr. Baker.
How It Works
- Prescription medication taken 30–60 minutes before your appointment
- You remain conscious but very drowsy and relaxed
- Most patients remember little to nothing of the procedure
- A driver is required — do not operate a vehicle
- Effects gradually wear off over several hours
Best For
- Mild to moderate dental anxiety
- Patients who are nervous but not severely phobic
- Routine to intermediate dental procedures
- Patients who want to be aware but deeply relaxed
IV Moderate Sedation
For moderate to high anxiety or longer procedures
Sedative and anti-anxiety medications are delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV line, creating a twilight-like state of deep relaxation. The level of sedation is precisely controlled and can be adjusted throughout the procedure. You will be largely unaware of your surroundings but can still respond to verbal prompts.
How It Works
- IV placed in the arm or back of the hand at the start of your appointment
- Sedation takes effect within minutes — much faster than oral sedation
- You enter a deeply relaxed, twilight-like state
- You will have little to no memory of the procedure
- Vitals (heart rate, oxygen, blood pressure) are continuously monitored
- A responsible adult driver is required for the rest of the day
Best For
- Moderate to severe dental anxiety
- Longer or more complex procedures (implants, multiple extractions)
- Patients with a strong gag reflex
- Patients who did not get adequate relief from oral sedation
- Wisdom tooth removal
Deep Sedation with a Medical Anesthesiologist
For the highest anxiety — just like the operating room
For patients with the most severe dental anxiety, extreme medical complexity, or special needs, Fort Worth Family and Implant Dentistry brings in a board-certified medical anesthesiologist to your appointment. This is the same level of sedation used in hospital operating rooms. You will be completely unconscious — with no awareness of sights, sounds, or sensations — and will wake up with no memory of the procedure.
How It Works
- A board-certified medical anesthesiologist joins your appointment
- Anesthesia is administered via IV and monitored continuously
- You are completely unconscious throughout — no awareness whatsoever
- The anesthesiologist monitors your vitals exclusively, allowing Dr. Baker to focus on your dental care
- You wake up feeling rested with zero memory of the procedure
- Recovery in office before discharge with a responsible adult driver
Best For
- Severe dental phobia or extreme anxiety
- Patients who have had traumatic past dental experiences
- Special needs patients who cannot cooperate with treatment
- Complex medical histories requiring anesthesia-level monitoring
- Patients who want zero awareness during any procedure
- Anyone who could not be adequately sedated with oral or IV sedation alone
Sedation Level Comparison
| Feature | Oral Sedation | IV Moderate | Deep Sedation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consciousness level | Relaxed / drowsy | Twilight state | Fully unconscious |
| Memory of procedure | Little to none | Rarely any | None |
| Onset speed | 30–60 min | Minutes | Minutes |
| Adjustable in real-time | No | Yes | Yes |
| Who administers | Dr. Baker | Dr. Baker | Medical Anesthesiologist |
| Driver required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best anxiety level | Mild–Moderate | Moderate–High | Severe / All levels |
Nervous? That's exactly who this is for.
Tell us what's kept you away — we'll tell you which sedation level fits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation
Is deep sedation with an anesthesiologist safe in a dental office?
Yes. Our board-certified medical anesthesiologist has the same training and equipment used in hospital operating rooms. Oxygen, emergency medications, and monitoring equipment are all present. The anesthesiologist's sole responsibility is your safety — monitoring your vitals throughout the entire appointment.
How do I know which level of sedation is right for me?
During your consultation, Dr. Baker will evaluate your anxiety level, medical history, and the complexity of your treatment plan. Together you will choose the level of sedation that gives you complete peace of mind. There is no judgment — many patients choose deep sedation for even routine procedures.
Can I eat before my sedation appointment?
For IV and deep sedation, you must fast (no food or drink) for at least 6–8 hours beforehand. Specific instructions will be provided based on your chosen sedation level. Oral sedation has less strict requirements.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
Yes — a responsible adult driver is required for all three sedation levels. You will not be permitted to drive yourself home, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Coverage varies. Many plans cover medically necessary sedation (for patients with severe anxiety, special needs, or complex medical histories). We will help you understand your benefits and provide financing options if there is any out-of-pocket cost.
Does Fort Worth Family and Implant Dentistry offer sedation for all types of procedures?
Yes. Sedation is available for routine cleanings all the way to full-mouth reconstruction, implant placement, wisdom tooth removal, and beyond. No procedure is too simple or too complex to have sedation.
Don't Let Fear Keep You From a Healthy Smile
Call us today to discuss your sedation options. Our team will answer every question with patience and zero judgment. You deserve to feel safe.
Keep exploring
Keep looking around
A few more places to see the work before you decide.
