Sedation Dentistry Near You
At ByDesign Implant Dentistry, we’re proud to offer two types of sedation to enhance your comfort during dental visits: Mild Oral Sedation and Moderate Sedation.
What is Mild Oral Sedation?
Mild Oral Sedation is designed for patients with mild dental anxiety. The medication, in pill form, is placed under the tongue and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to take effect. This induces a mild level of sedation, allowing you to feel relaxed while remaining awake and responsive to instructions. After the procedure, you’ll stay in the office for a short period until you’re more alert.
What is Moderate Sedation?
Moderate Sedation, a form of conscious sedation, helps you stay relaxed during your visit without putting you fully to sleep. While under moderate sedation, you’ll be less aware of your surroundings but still able to respond to verbal cues or gentle touches. It’s commonly administered intravenously, though alternative methods are available for patients with needle anxiety.
Key Benefits of Moderate Sedation:
- Takes effect within minutes
- Allows real-time adjustment of dosage while monitoring vital signs
- Produces a lasting amnesic effect, so you won’t recall the procedure
- Enables longer or more complex treatments in a single visit
As with Mild Oral Sedation, patients are required to remain in the office after the procedure until they regain alertness. Moderate Sedation is an excellent option for those with moderate to severe anxiety or undergoing complex or lengthy dental procedures.
Preparing for Sedation Before Your Appointment
We’ll provide clear instructions to ensure a smooth experience. These may include:
- Wearing comfortable clothing
- Avoiding food and drink for 6-8 hours prior to your appointment
- Pausing certain medications as advised
- Undergoing a brief physical exam and sharing your full medical history
- Arranging for a trusted driver to bring you to and from the appointment and stay with you afterward
During the Procedure
Once you’re seated comfortably, our team will begin monitoring your pulse, breathing, and blood pressure to ensure your safety throughout. You’ll feel calm and less aware of the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental environment.
After the Procedure
Expect to feel drowsy for several hours following sedation. Your driver will receive post-procedure care instructions and take you home, where you’ll need to rest. For the next 24 hours, avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, unapproved medications, operating heavy machinery, or making major decisions. If any concerns arise, contact us immediately.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?
Before scheduling sedation, we’ll conduct a health evaluation, reviewing your medical history and any current medications. For older patients or those with significant health considerations, a consultation with your primary care physician may be required.
Candidates for sedation often include:
- Those with moderate to severe dental anxiety
- Patients with a strong gag reflex
- Individuals needing multiple or lengthy procedures
- Those undergoing complex surgical treatments
Our skilled team has undergone advanced training in sedation dentistry, ensuring your comfort and safety. If dental anxiety has kept you from seeking necessary care, sedation could be the key to a relaxing and stress-free experience.