Shreveport: (318) 868-0535 | 745 Edgemont Street,  Shreveport, LA
Bossier City: (318) 416-9539| 2160 Airline Dr.,  Bossier City, LA
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Sedation Dentistry — Shreveport, LA

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Dental Anxiety Shouldn’t Stand Between You and a Healthy Smile

You know you need treatment. Maybe it’s gum disease that has been progressing for years, or a dental implant to replace a tooth you’ve been hiding in photos. The problem isn’t the procedure — it’s the chair. If the thought of sitting in a dental office makes your pulse race, you’re not alone. Research suggests that
anywhere from 9 to 20 percent of Americans avoid the dentist specifically because of anxiety or fear. At Shreveport Periodontics, we refuse to let that number grow.

Sedation dentistry allows Dr. Jack O’Neill, Dr. Blaine Calahan, and Dr. Amber Kreko to provide the full scope of periodontal and implant care you need — while you remain relaxed, comfortable, and completely at ease. As board-certified periodontists, every sedation option we offer is administered under careful monitoring, so your safety and comfort remain our top priorities from start to finish.

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a powerful tool for a wide range of patients — not just those who feel fearful. You might
be a great candidate if you:
  • Experience dental anxiety or phobia
  • Have a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
  • Find it hard to get and stay numb with standard local anesthetic
  • Have highly sensitive teeth or gums
  • Need a complex or lengthy procedure, such as full-mouth implants or osseous surgery
  • Want to accomplish more treatment in fewer visits
  • Have had a traumatic dental experience in the past
Gum Disease

Your Sedation Options at Shreveport Periodontics

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sedation. After reviewing your health history and understanding your level of anxiety, our doctors will recommend the option — or combination of options — that makes the most sense for you and your procedure.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is the mildest and most versatile form of sedation we offer. Delivered through a small, comfortable mask placed over your nose, it produces a sense of warmth, calm, and mild euphoria within minutes. You remain fully conscious and able to communicate throughout your procedure. When treatment is complete, the effects fade quickly — most patients can drive themselves home. Nitrous oxide is an excellent choice for mild to moderate anxiety and for shorter procedures.

Oral Conscious Sedation

For moderate anxiety, or for patients who want to feel deeply relaxed without the complexity of an IV, oral conscious sedation may be the right fit. You’ll take a prescribed medication about an hour before your appointment. By the time you sit in the chair, you’ll feel profoundly calm and drowsy, though still able to respond to our team. Many patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. A responsible adult driver is required for the remainder of the day.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is our deepest level of sedation, delivered directly into the bloodstream for immediate control. Unlike general anesthesia, IV sedation does not render you unconscious but you will feel no anxiety, discomfort, or awareness of time passing. Most patients have no memory of the procedure at all. Your vital signs are continuously monitored throughout. IV sedation is particularly valuable for patients with severe dental phobia, complex multi-stage procedures such as full-mouth dental implants, or those whose anxiety has prevented them from receiving care for years. A driver is required for the remainder of the day.

Why Choose a Periodontist for Sedation Dentistry?

Not every practice offers sedation, and not every practice that does has the clinical depth to pair it with complex surgical care. At Shreveport Periodontics, sedation isn’t an afterthought — it’s a natural extension of our commitment to patient-centered care. Our board-certified doctors have completed specialty training
that general practitioners simply don’t receive, giving them the knowledge and skill to safely combine sedation with advanced procedures like LANAP laser gum disease treatment, gum grafting, osseous surgery, and dental implant placement.
You don’t have to choose between feeling comfortable and getting exceptional care. At our practice, you get both. Our entire team — from the moment you call to schedule, to the moment you leave our newly renovated office — is focused on making sure you feel welcome, heard, and never judged for your anxiety.
We’ve helped countless Shreveport and Bossier City patients reclaim their oral health after years of avoidance. We’d love to help you do the same.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

  • Eliminates anxiety and fear during treatment
  • Allows complex procedures to be completed in fewer visits
  • Reduces discomfort without relying solely on local anesthetic
  • Helps patients with a strong gag reflex receive necessary care
  • Creates positive experiences that make future visits easier
  • Enables patients who have avoided the dentist for years to finally get help
  • Fully compatible with the complete range of periodontal and implant treatments
Gum Disease Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. At Shreveport Periodontics, sedation is administered and monitored by trained specialists following rigorous safety protocols. Your vital signs are tracked throughout every procedure.
Will I be unconscious?

Not with most options. Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation keep you relaxed and responsive. IV sedation produces a very deep, sleep-like state — most patients have no memory of the procedure — but you are technically still conscious.

How long does sedation last?

Nitrous oxide clears from your system within minutes once the mask is removed. Oral sedatives and IV sedation can leave you feeling drowsy for several hours, so a responsible adult driver is required.

Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?

Coverage depends on your plan and the procedure performed. Our team will review your benefits prior to your appointment and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs, including financing options

Can sedation be combined with any periodontal procedure?
Can sedation be combined with any periodontal procedure? In most cases, yes. Our doctors routinely pair sedation with LANAP, gum grafting, osseous surgery, tooth extractions, bone grafting, and dental implant surgery. Your doctor will confirm the best option during your consultation.
What if I'm afraid of needles?

Nitrous oxide requires no injections at all. If IV sedation is ultimately the best option for your treatment, the sedative itself significantly reduces anxiety about the IV line before it is placed.

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