
Experience Dentistry Free from Stress and Anxiety
Anesthetic and sedation options are available to ensure a pain-free and comfortable dental experience. Multiple methods can be used individually or combined for full coverage, based on your treatment plan, personal needs, and your dentist or specialist’s recommendations.
Types of Sedation
Sedation options for dental treatments can be divided into three main categories: localized numbing, moderate sedation, and sleep dentistry through general anesthesia. Here’s a closer look at each type:
Local Freezing
A well-known and effective option, local freezing numbs a specific area of your mouth. We gently administer a local anesthetic, ensuring you feel no pain, though you might still sense some pressure. It’s a trusted approach for smaller, localized treatments.
Sedation
Sedation keeps you completely relaxed while remaining awake. This can be achieved through prescription medication, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or IV sedation. It’s often paired with local freezing to maximize comfort, ensuring you remain calm and anxiety-free during your procedure.
Sleep Dentistry
For those who prefer to sleep through their procedure, general anesthesia or deep sedation is available. This option will leave you very nearly or entirely unconscious. Even if you do stay awake, most patients have little to no memory of the treatment. Since you’ll feel drowsy after the procedure, having someone drive you home and stay with you is necessary.
The Benefits of Dental Sedation
Sedation and sleep dentistry provide valuable support for patients facing various challenges. Here are some of the key benefits:
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
For many, the fear of dental treatment can feel more overwhelming than the procedure itself. Dental anxiety shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you need. Whether you experience mild nervousness or severe fear, sedation can help you relax and feel more at ease. Just let us know—there are options available to make your visit more comfortable.
Making Time Fly By
Long procedures can leave you sitting in the dental chair for extended periods. Sedation helps you stay calm and comfortable, making the time pass quickly. If you’re undergoing IV sedation, the procedure will feel like it’s over in a flash.
Tailored for Your Personal Needs
Sedation is adaptable to various situations, such as a strong gag reflex, chronic restlessness, or if local freezing isn’t effective for you. Whatever your needs, sedation ensures that dental treatments are accessible and comfortable for everyone.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, dental sedation is safe. We thoroughly review each patient’s medical history to ensure sedation is the right choice for you.
Sedation typically makes you feel drowsy and deeply relaxed quite quickly, and some people may notice a mild tingling sensation. After the procedure, you might have a slight amnesia effect and not recall the details of the treatment.
Most sedation dentistry options don’t actually involve putting you to sleep. Instead, sedation allows you to stay awake but feel very calm and at ease. Often, patients may not remember much about the procedure afterward.
Yes, it’s important to have a friend or family member drive you home and stay with you after your procedure. Allow the sedation to fully wear off, and take some time to rest before resuming your regular activities.
Recovery time varies based on the type of sedation used. It’s recommended to take the day off to rest, allowing up to 24 hours before returning to normal activities. Any lingering drowsiness may last between 2 to 8 hours.
