What is sedation dentistry, and how can it help ease my dental anxiety?

Sedation dentistry is a unique field of dental work that focuses on ensuring patient comfort. At Irvington Dental in Streamwood, Illinois, we offer a wide range of dental services that can be paired with sedation for a more comfortable experience at the dental office.

What methods of dental sedation are available at Irvington Dental?

We are pleased to offer dental sedation for patients in and around the community of Streamwood, Illinois, and pride ourselves in providing various options for patients to choose from. These include:

Little Girl is Touching a Dummy Crown
  • Oral conscious sedation. With oral conscious sedation, you will take a pill in the form of medication before your appointment. The medicine helps to relax and calm you both before and during the dental procedure. Patients who choose this form of sedation will need to arrange transportation to and from their dental appointment.
  • IV sedation. IV sedation is a fast-acting form of medication delivered intravenously to help you feel both relaxed and comfortable during your procedure. It is best for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety.
  • General anesthesia. Anesthesia is another option for extreme dental anxiety. Our anesthesiologist will carefully monitor your vitals to ensure that the anesthesia provides a safe and effective way of managing discomfort and anxiety.

Which type of dental sedation is right for me?

If you have dental anxiety and want pain-free dentistry, we encourage you to talk to us about using sedation dentistry techniques during your upcoming appointments. We can ease dental phobia by calming your body using any of the above solutions. During a consultation appointment, we can talk about your level of anxiety and educate you on how we can alleviate your fears and improve your experience at our office!

Schedule a visit with Irvington Dental today to learn more about sedation!

If you have struggled with dental anxiety and phobia and have an upcoming dental procedure, we invite you to talk to our team about your concerns to determine if you are a proper candidate for sedation dentistry. Call (331) 233-1747 to request an appointment at our facility in Streamwood, IL, at 945 West Irving Park Road.

Who needs sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is helpful for patients who feel anxious or fearful about dental treatment. It can also be beneficial for individuals with:

  • A strong gag reflex.
  • Very sensitive teeth.
  • Difficulty sitting still.
  • Inability to numb with local anesthesia.
  • Have special needs or sensory sensitivities.
  • Require lengthy or complex procedures.

We have encountered patients who have skipped necessary care for many years because of dental anxiety. However, sedation has changed their experiences, and they now look forward to their visits. Sedation is welcome news for patients who want a more relaxed and comfortable dental experience.

Will I feel pain during treatment?

Sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed during treatment, greatly reducing discomfort and anxiety. In addition to sedation, your dentist will also numb the treatment area with local anesthesia to prevent pain. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during their procedure.

Will I be asleep during sedation?

It depends. With nitrous oxide, you’ll remain awake during your treatment. You’ll even communicate with our team whenever necessary. For oral sedation, you’ll be awake but deeply relaxed. You may sometimes fall asleep, but you can be easily awakened if need be. IV sedation can induce deep sleep, but it depends on the dosage used. Many patients prefer twilight sedation, where they remain in a semi-conscious state, feeling relaxed while having little to no memory of the procedure. General anesthesia is the only option that knocks you out.

Is sedation safe?

Yes! Sedation has been around for many years and is considered safe when administered by trained personnel. We screen your eligibility before treatment and monitor you throughout the procedure to maximize your safety.

How do I prepare for sedation?

Before your sedation, it’s important to follow the instructions given by our team. Depending on the type of sedation, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before treatment. This helps avoid nausea or vomiting during sedation. Your doctor may also advise you to stop certain medications before treatment. These steps help maximize the safety and efficiency of your sedation.

Can I drive home after sedation?

It depends. Nitrous oxide wears off immediately, so you can resume your normal life at home, work, or school after treatment. Nonetheless, both oral and IV sedation can make you feel sleepy and less aware for a few hours. This requires you to have someone drive you after your appointment. You should also avoid operating machinery or participating in activities that require your focus or concentration for at least 24 hours.

How much is sedation dentistry in Streamwood, IL?

Cost varies depending on the type of sedation and length of treatment. We’ll share a cost breakdown during your consultation, including the available payment options.

Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?

Coverage varies. Most insurance plans consider sedation as elective, so it’s typically excluded from your benefits. However, coverage may apply if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Our team will help you understand your coverage and share a pre-treatment estimate before any procedure begins.

Where can I find a sedation dentist near me in Streamwood, IL?

Do you have dental anxiety? You don’t have to put off the next dental appointment because of dread. Regain your confidence in the dental chair with sedation dentistry at Irvington Dental, serving Streamwood, Hanover Park, Schaumburg, Elgin, Bartlett, and Hoffman Estates. Dial (331) 233-1747 and discover how relaxing dentistry can be.