Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation

Our endodontists, Drs. Rick Davis and Rick Schwartz use advanced techniques and technologies to provide  patient comfort and optimal treatment outcomes. Safe sedative options complement root canal therapy and endodontic surgery. When performed under sedation, these treatments are tolerated well by even the most anxious, fearful, fidgety, and apprehensive patients. It is also very effective for patients who gag easily.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation refers to using medication to produce a state of relaxation or calm. Sedatives may be administered in a variety of different ways. Depending on the method and dose of the sedative used, patients may become so relaxed that they doze off. Sedative dentistry can also induce deep sleep. 

How Is Sedation Administered? 

Our specialists will work with you to determine the best sedative method. Factors that can influence our recommended “method” of choice include the type of procedure you are undergoing and your unique needs. For instance, patients with less severe anxiety may benefit from “minimal” sedation with “laughing gas.” This relaxing gas, nitrous oxide, is delivered via a nasal mask. Effects are felt quickly but do not linger. We have you breath oxygen for a few minutes at the end of the procedure to clear nitrous gas from your system so you can safely drive home from our office (with no lingering drowsiness).

What Are Alternative Options, Besides Laughing Gas? 

Deeper levels of sedation may be required for individuals with more moderate to severe dental fear and apprehension. Conscious oral sedation and Intravenous (IV) sedation produce progressively more sedation and may be recommended for patients undergoing complex, multiple, or lengthy treatments.  Oral sedation involves taking a pill orally (by mouth) as directed by one of our specialists, Dr. Davis or Dr. Schwartz. IV sedation involves delivering the sedative drug intravenously through a vein in your arm. Both of these methods are associated with lingering effects so you will need to arrange transportation to and from our office. 

Why Choose Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio?

Our specialists have extensive knowledge and experience with both advanced endodontic treatments and sedation dentistry. Our primary concern is your comfort and safety.  While you are sedated you will be connected to monitors which continuously monitor your vital signs and blood oxygen levels. In addition to the sedation we also deliver localized anesthetic to the treatment site, as usual. The anesthetic numbs the area, while the sedation puts fearful patients at ease (and usually to sleep). Fear or anxiety is not something to be ashamed of; many patients have apprehension about visiting dentists or doctor’s offices. If you are in need of root canal treatment and think you may be interested in sedation, call (210) 497-6699 with questions or to schedule a short evaluation appointment at our office in San Antonio, TX, today.

Dr. Richard Davis, DDS

Richard D. Davis, DDS, graduated from high school in Japan, attended the University of Washington dental school, and joined the Air Force as a general dentist in 1978. He completed the Air Force one-year AEGD residency, a two-year Advanced General Dentistry Residency, and a fellowship in biomaterials at the University of Indiana. Dr. Davis was a clinical instructor, research director, and lecturer at the Air Force. He has published many scientific articles and research papers, and has lectured on many topics. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1999, he completed the graduate program in endodontics at the University of Oregon in 2001, and joined Dr. Schwartz and has been in private practice in endodontics since then.

Dr. Richard Schwartz, DDS
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Richard S. Schwartz, DDS, graduated from the University of Minnesota dental school in 1977. He was a restorative dentist for 19 years: Early in his career, he attended a two-year general dentistry residency while in the US Air Force, and then did a combination of private practice, teaching, and dental materials research before entering endodontic post-graduate training in 1996. He has authored over 100 articles and abstracts in scientific journals and lectured extensively in the US and in 21 other countries, including 12 times at the American Association of Endodontists’ national meeting. Since 1998 Dr. Schwartz has been in full-time private practice in endodontics in San Antonio, TX, and has practiced with Dr. Davis since 2001. He was a founding member and first secretary/treasurer of the International Association of Endodontics. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and International Association of Dental Specialists.

Dr. Zhangrui Liang, DDS, MS

Dr. Zhangrui “Zac” Liang, DDS, MS, grew up in China and has been in the US since 2015. He attended dental school in China and did his endodontic training at UCLA, where he also received a Masters of Science degree. He has practiced with Dr. Davis and Dr. Schwartz since 2022.

Dr. Wisam Sakr, DDS, MS

Dr. Wisam Sakr has nearly 20 years of dental experience. He graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and further honed his skills through an AEGD program at Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He also earned a Specialty and Master’s degree in Endodontics from West Virginia University Health and Science Center. Dr. Sakr is a dedicated member of the American Association of Endodontics and American Dental Association. He is committed to providing top-notch dental care with the latest technology in a compassionate and professional setting.