If going to the dentist makes you feel anxious or afraid, you’re not alone. An estimated 9% to 20% of Americans say they avoid seeking dental care and treatment due to anxiety. Administering sedation during dental work can help ease dental anxiety or even eliminate it completely.
At Brimfield Family Dentistry, we offer a few different sedation options to help ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed during your visit. Sedation can be used for most procedures in patients of all ages, including kids. Keep reading to learn exactly what you can expect from the sedation dentistry process!
Benefits of sedation dentistry
This technology can also be utilized during virtually any dental procedure, from taking an impression for clear aligners to placing dental implants.
Sedation dentistry offers a wide range of benefits for patients, including:
- Increased comfort
- Painless treatment
- Faster procedures
- Anxiety management
- Relaxation during appointments
- Reduced gag reflex
- No memory of surgical procedures
Steps in the sedation dentistry process
Step #1: Tell us about your needs
Before your appointment, it’s important to let us know about any specific concerns, fears, or special needs you may have.
Every single member of our amazing team is committed to ensuring you are comfortable, informed, and in control of your care throughout the process. We’re here to listen and offer solutions that will help ease any anxiety you feel about your appointment.
Step #2: Learn about our sedation options
At Brimfield Family Dentistry, our sedation options include:
- IV sedation: Administered via an injection, IV sedation reduces your level of consciousness during your appointment and can be easily controlled and adjusted throughout your treatment.
- Nitrous oxide: Often referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is administered through the nose via a comfortable mask to help you relax during your appointment; this type of sedation wears off quickly so you can resume normal activities on the same day.
- Oral sedation: This option allows you to take a prescription pill prior to your visit, so you can begin to relax before you even walk through the door; oral sedation allows you to remain awake but completely relaxed during your care.
We’ll work with you to determine the right type of sedation to meet your needs prior to your visit.
Step #3: Prepare for your appointment
We’ll provide you with clear and detailed instructions to follow prior to your appointment. Preparation may depend on the sedation you’ll receive and your individual needs.
Common instructions may include not eating anything several hours before sedation is administered and/or taking your prescribed oral sedation pill at a certain time before you arrive.
Step #4: Attend your appointment
Whether you’re visiting us for a routine cleaning and exam or a surgical procedure such as a tooth extraction or getting dental implants, your comfort is our first priority. Our entire team is dedicated to making sure you feel comfortable and relaxed before, during, and after your procedure.
If at any point you feel anxious or confused about any part of your care, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’ll always stop to listen and discuss how we can make you most comfortable and ease any anxiety you feel.
Step #5: Follow any aftercare instructions
It’s normal to feel drowsy for the next 24 hours or so after sedation. Depending on the procedure and the type of sedation used, you may need to have someone available to drive you home from your appointment.
We’ll provide you with all aftercare instructions at your appointment. But generally speaking, you should:
- Get plenty of rest
- Avoid alcohol for the rest of the day
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid any strenuous activity
- Call us if you have any questions or concerns
Get comprehensive, compassionate dental care at Brimfield Family Dentistry
Our dentist’s office will take your dental anxiety seriously and work with you to make the process as easy, comfortable, and stress-free as possible. At Brimfield Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive dental care to individuals and families in a warm, caring environment.
We offer a full range of general, cosmetic, and surgical dental services to treat a variety of dental problems and concerns.
Give us a call at (309) 315-3623 or book your appointment online to tell us about any concerns or specific needs you may have!
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