Sedation Dentistry

If the thought of visiting the dentist leaves you feeling anxious, you are not alone. Many people experience varying levels of dental anxiety, preventing them from receiving their needed care. Dr. Kim and her team at The Dental Suite offer a range of sedation dentistry options to take the edge off of dental visits, ensuring a more stress-free, positive patient experience.

young woman smiling and pointing at her pretty smile

What Is Sedation Dentistry and Who Is a Candidate?

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help reduce anxiety during dental treatments. It is often referred to as sleep dentistry, although that’s not entirely accurate as most forms of sedation allow you to remain awake and responsive during treatment.

Sedation dentistry can be helpful for any patient requiring a little extra support. It is especially beneficial for the following:

Patients with extreme dental fear or anxiety
Patients with sensitive teeth or a low pain threshold
Patients with a strong gag reflex
Patients who require complex or lengthy dental work
Patients who struggle to remain seated still for extended periods
Patients with past traumatic dental experiences

What Are Your Sedation Dentistry Options?

Dr. Kim and her team are pleased to offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help you relax in the dentist’s chair.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Also known as laughing gas, this inhaled form of sedation involves breathing a mixture of nitrous oxide with oxygen through a mask we place on your nose. You should soon experience a euphoric feeling that spreads through your body. You will stay awake and able to communicate with your team during treatment, but you should feel calm and relaxed. The calming and relaxing effects of laughing gas wear off soon after we remove your mask, allowing you to drive home and get back to your daily activities with minimal interruption.

Oral Sedation: Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed oral medication before treatment, providing you with a deeper level of relaxation. It is ideal for individuals who experience moderate to severe dental anxiety or patients undergoing more complex procedures. You may feel sleepy but will remain conscious and responsive. You may not remember much of your procedure. Because oral sedation takes time to wear off, you will need a trusted adult to drive you home. Dr. Kim is certified in administering oral sedation, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry offers many advantages, including the following:

Reduced Anxiety:If the thought of visiting the dentist leaves you feeling stressed and anxious, sedation can help you feel more at ease.
Minimizes Discomfort: Sedation helps reduce sensitivity to pain, allowing for a more comfortable overall procedure.
Saves You Time: Sedation dentistry allows us to complete more complex or lengthy procedures in a single visit.
Helps Overcome Dental Phobia:Sedation dentistry can help build positive associations with the dentist, allowing patients with dental phobia to receive their needed dental care.