Sedation Dentist – Downers Grove, IL
A Calm Dental Visit Every Time
If the thought of visiting the dentist causes feelings of fear or anxiety, you are not alone. For some patients, sedation is a great option to ensure a comfortable and relaxing experience. Here at Dentique Dental of Downers Grove, our dentists are one of only a handful in the state who offer a safe form of conscious sedation dentistry known as oral sedation.
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
Feeling anxious about your upcoming dental appointment? Dental fear is common among patients, and it’s not typically a problem unless it keeps you from getting the care you need. Fortunately, we offer oral conscious sedation to help you feel calm and comfortable during treatment. If you’d like to know if it’s right for you, read on or call our office to learn more.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a popular option in sedation dentistry. No needles or face masks are required. Instead, you simply take a prescribed pill before your appointment. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history and current medications to ensure it’s a safe and effective option for you.
Once approved, you’ll take the pill as directed before your visit. By the time you arrive, you should feel relaxed and at ease. The level of sedation can be adjusted depending on your needs. Mild sedation may make you feel drowsy, while stronger doses can cause you to lightly doze off during your procedure.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
The sedative promotes deep relaxation without fully putting you to sleep. Many patients report remembering little or nothing about the procedure, which can be ideal for those with severe anxiety. Despite feeling sleepy, you’ll still be able to respond to your dental team if needed, and your vitals will be closely monitored throughout your visit to ensure your safety.
Because the sedative’s effects last for several hours, you should arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment. Plan to rest and avoid regular activities until the medication fully wears off, typically within 24 hours.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
If you experience any of the following when thinking about going to the dentist, then you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry in Downers Grove or Lemont:
- Afraid of needles, shots, or pain
- Bad memories of past dental experiences
- Dental fear and anxiety
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Sensitive teeth
- Needs or prefers several procedures done in a single visit
Oral sedation assists in creating a calm, relaxing appointment. With the help of a small pill, our patients can be comfortable and minimally sedated through the entire dental visit. Oral sedation is less invasive, less expensive, and less debilitating than other forms of sedation. It helps eliminate the anxiety and pain sometimes associated with dental visits. We know that if you avoid visiting the dentist due to fear or anxiety, you’re not getting the treatment that you need. We are committed to providing the most comfortable and relaxing experience possible.
Am I a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
If you experience any of the following when thinking about going to the dentist, then you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry in Downers Grove or Lemont:
- Afraid of needles, shots, or pain
- Bad memories of past dental experiences
- Dental fear and anxiety
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Sensitive teeth
- Needs or prefers several procedures done in a single visit
Oral sedation assists in creating a calm, relaxing appointment. With the help of a small pill, our patients can be comfortable and minimally sedated through the entire dental visit. Oral sedation is less invasive, less expensive, and less debilitating than other forms of sedation. It helps eliminate the anxiety and pain sometimes associated with dental visits. We know that if you avoid visiting the dentist due to fear or anxiety, you’re not getting the treatment that you need. We are committed to providing the most comfortable and relaxing experience possible.
Dental Anxiety and Fear
If the thought of visiting the dentist causes feelings of fear or anxiety, you are not alone. In fact, up to 75% of American adults report having some degree of anxiety about visiting the dentist. At Dentique Dental of Downers Grove, we want you to feel calm and relaxed. A team member will go over all the treatment planned, explain the process so that you know what to expect ahead of time, and answer all of your questions. We are proud to offer oral sedation dentistry as an option to assist in creating a calm, relaxing appointment. Our dentists provide all of your services in a comfortable environment while providing you with an excellent dental experience.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
For most patients, sedation is very safe. The majority of people react well to the medications used in oral conscious sedation. Plus, as a sedation dentist in Downers Grove, our team takes precautions to reduce the risk of adverse events. For example, we will take a thorough medical history to determine whether you have any risk factors that might make sedation unsafe for you, such as certain allergies or respiratory conditions. We will also monitor you closely during your procedure so we can take quick action if something goes wrong.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant?
Sedation is generally not recommended during pregnancy. That is because sedative medications can pass through the placenta and affect a developing fetus. In turn, that could affect the child’s health.
Most dental procedures can be safely completed with only local anesthesia as a comfort measure, and it has been shown to be safe during pregnancy. If sedation is required, you may need to wait until after you give birth to undergo your treatment.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
Even though oral sedation does not cause complete unconsciousness, it may make you feel tired and even cause you to fall asleep. It can also affect your ability to remember what happens during your procedure. Many patients like this aspect of sedation because they dislike the sounds, sights, and sensations of undergoing dental treatment.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?
The exact sensations that you experience will depend on the specific medication used for your sedation, the dosage, and how your body reacts to it. Under conscious sedation, most patients feel very relaxed. You could also notice a “heavy” sensation in your limbs, and time may seem to pass more quickly than usual. You might drift off to sleep, but it should remain easy for our team to awaken you with a gentle shake.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
The cost of sedation dentistry can vary depending on the dosage administered and other factors. It may raise the total cost of your care by a few hundred dollars. However, you can view it as a smart investment because it may allow you to undergo procedures that you would otherwise be reluctant to commit to. Therefore, it can play a pivotal role in improving your oral health and helping you avoid future oral health emergencies.
Sedation might even help you save money. For example, if fear holds you back from getting treatment for a small cavity, you might allow the problem to worsen until it becomes severe and requires a crown or even needs to be completely replaced. Such procedures tend to cost quite a bit more than a simple filling. Sedation can help you get the treatment you need when you need it.