Everything You Should Know About Sedation Dentistry

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be stressful or uncomfortable. Yet for many Americans, it is. About 36% of people have dental phobias, but even more than that may simply feel nervous about upcoming treatments. 

That’s where sedation dentistry comes into the picture. At CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki in Lakeland, Ohio, sedation dentistry can help make your dental visits calm, relaxed, and even peaceful. It’s particularly helpful if you want to reduce anxiety, manage discomfort, or have multiple treatments done in one visit. 

Read on to learn more about sedation dentistry.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax before and during dental procedures. It’s not general anesthesia, so you won’t be completely unconscious. Instead, sedation helps ease your mind and body while allowing you to respond to instructions comfortably.

At CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki, we provide oral sedation, which means you take a prescribed pill before your appointment. This medication helps you feel calm and a little sleepy, but fully capable of cooperating with Dr. Niki throughout your treatment.

4 benefits of sedation dentistry 

You might consider sedation dentistry because:

You’ll feel relaxed

Sedation reduces fear, tension, and stress during your visit. This means you can feel more relaxed throughout your entire treatment. 

This is especially helpful for people who don’t like the sensory experience — such as the sounds of the drill — during their dental treatment. 

It’ll make your treatment even more comfortable

It helps minimize discomfort from procedures, which makes the experience more pleasant. Don’t worry, though. Dr. Niki still provides a local anesthetic to keep you pain-free during your appointment.

You can receive multiple treatments at once

Sedation allows multiple treatments to be completed in one appointment, but you won’t feel like you’ve spent hours in the chair.

You won’t have vivid memories of your treatment

Many people feel relaxed and may have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. In fact, 82% of kids who received dental sedation experienced amnesia regarding their dental treatment.

How sedation dentistry works at CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki

We’ve talked about sedation dentistry and its benefits, but what happens when you receive sedation dentistry? Here’s how it works in our Lakewood, Ohio, dental office:

Talk to Dr. Niki

During your appointment with Dr. Niki, you’ll talk about your needs and whether sedation dentistry is right for you.

If sedation dentistry is right for you, Dr. Niki prescribes an oral medication for you and gives you instructions on when to take it.

Preparation

On the day of your appointment, take the prescribed oral sedation medication as directed.

Arrival

Be sure to have someone drive you to and from your appointment because sedation affects your ability to drive safely.

During your treatment 

You will feel deeply relaxed and calm. Some people even listen to music or briefly fall asleep during treatment. This is why sedation dentistry is sometimes called sleep dentistry. You aren’t put under general anesthesia, but you may just feel relaxed enough to sleep.

Recover

After your procedure, you’ll be taken home to rest. Dr. Niki will provide clear instructions for your recovery. Your specific instructions may vary depending on the type of dental procedure you had.

When to consider sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry isn’t just for those with dental anxiety, although it’s a common reason to seek it. You might also consider sedation if:

• You need multiple or lengthy dental treatments done in one visit
• You have a strong gag reflex
•  You have trouble sitting still for extended periods
• You have sensitive teeth or difficulty managing pain during dental procedures
• You have dental anxiety or fear that makes it hard to receive regular care

If any of these apply to you, sedation dentistry at CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki can help make your dental care easier, more comfortable, and less stressful.

Questions? Give us a call at 216-616-1385 or click here to get started.