Do you avoid the dentist because of fear, anxiety, or dental phobia? Many people are anxious about dental visits. At Henrich Dental, we offer sedation dentistry in Tulsa, OK, by appointment only, as a simple, effective way to help our patients. We want you to get the dental procedures that you need with a worry-free experience.
Dr. Frank Henrich and our dental care team offer compassionate, patient-focused dentistry at our Tulsa, OK dentist office. If you have dental fear or anxiety, we can work with you to help you feel comfortable.

How Does Dental Sedation Work?
Sedation dentistry is sometimes called sleep dentistry, but there are key differences. In some cases, such as oral surgery, a certified dental anesthesiologist will use general sedation. General sedation induces deep relaxation and sleep.
Our office uses NON-IV oral conscious sedation. The medications we use for this sedation are safe and have few side effects. The most common side effect is drowsiness, which usually wears off quickly.
With NON-IV oral conscious sedation, you simply take the prescribed medication one hour before you arrive at our office. This means that you must have a driver to accompany you to and from your appointment. A responsible adult should accompany you home after treatment. Get plenty of rest to help you recover faster.
Taking the medication about an hour before your visit will relax your nerves by the time you arrive. We will go over all instructions with you before you need to take the medication.
Am I a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
You may be a good candidate for sedation if you have anxiety that stops you from getting proper dental care. Whether you have a deep-rooted fear of the dentist or a low pain tolerance, this can be extremely helpful.
Sedation dentistry may be right for you if you:
- Have severe tooth sensitivity
- Have a bad gag reflex
- Are fearful of the dentist
- Can’t stay calm because of dental anxiety
- Have a fear of needles or medical equipment
- Experience uncontrollable body movements
Dr. Henrich has extensive experience working with people who feel anxiety about dental visits. We can provide the dental care you need in a controlled, comfortable environment. Contact our South Tulsa dentist to learn more about this treatment and whether sedation dentistry is right for you.
What are the Risks of Sedation?
Sedation dentistry helps patients relax during dental procedures, but like any medical treatment, it carries risks. One of the main concerns is how a person’s body might react to the sedative medications. These drugs come in different strengths and can sometimes cause side effects like sleepiness or headaches, or, in rare cases, allergic reactions. That’s why we carefully review each patient’s medical history and known allergies.
We also need to find the right level of sedation. Because everyone responds differently to medication, we carefully control and monitor the amount given during treatment.
Dr. Henrich and his trained staff closely monitor patients throughout the procedure to maintain safety. We use specialized equipment to track vital signs and adjust as needed to prevent complications.
How We Keep Sedation Safe
The best way to stay safe is to choose a skilled dental team that carefully reviews your health and follows all safety protocols. Dr. Henrich will review your health history and current medications before treatment. He’ll also ask about allergies or past reactions to medicines. Be honest and share all your health details so we can keep you safe.
Dr. Henrich and the team are specially trained in sedation dentistry. They know how to manage anesthesia and handle any problems that may come up. We’ll monitor you closely to keep everything going smoothly. Our office will also tell you what to do to prepare and how to take care of yourself afterward. We want you to stay comfortable and safe.
Patient Review
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to common questions about sedation dentistry in our Tulsa, OK, dental office.
What is sleep dentistry?
Sleep dentistry in our Tulsa, OK, office is another word for sedation. It can help you get dental work done while feeling completely relaxed. We recommend this option if you have severe anxiety about dental visits, a strong gag reflex, or need a lot of work done in one visit.
Will dental sedation stop my gag reflex?
If you have a strong gag reflex that makes dental visits uncomfortable, sedation dentistry can help. A strong gag reflex can make simple dental procedures harder. We may recommend sleep dentistry for routine care if you have this problem.
Will I feel anything during my treatment?
How much do you feel during your dental treatment depends on the type of sedation. You will be relaxed but not asleep under oral conscious sedation. You can still follow simple instructions but still feel calm. In many cases, you may not even remember the treatment after the medication wears off.
Can I get sedation if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
We don’t recommend sedation during pregnancy because it could affect your baby. If you are breastfeeding, the medications can pass into your breast milk. We may suggest that you wait to breastfeed for a certain amount of time after your treatment. Always share your full health information so we can keep you safe and healthy.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of sedation dentistry?
Insurance companies don’t cover sedation because they don’t consider it medically necessary. But we can keep treatment within your budget. Our office accepts CareCredit as a financing option.
Get Comfortable Dental Care
Do you need a sedation dentist near Tulsa? Visit Henrich Dental for pain-free care. Schedule an appointment online. You can also call us at (918) 262-4731. Let us know if you have questions about treatment. We’ll be glad to help.