What is Sedation Dentistry?
Does your heart begin to race as you drive over to your dental appointment? Do your palms sweat when you’re in the waiting room? Dental phobias and anxiety are problems that affect nearly 36% of the American population. Many people result in avoiding the dentist altogether which further impact their oral health and even their quality of life.
Luckily, there are various sedation treatments available that can help ease your worries and fears associated with the dentist. Sedation dentistry may eliminate some or all of a patient’s anxiety using a calming medication that helps them relax or doze off during a procedure.
At Smile Creator of Bingham Farms, Dr. Kosinski may offer different options of sedation for our patients who are undergoing surgery or even for anyone who’s too nervous for their checkup. Explore sedation dentistry in Bingham Farms and see how you can benefit from our treatment options.
General Candidacy for Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Kosinski doesn’t want to see any of our patients turn down treatment due to their dental phobia or anxiety. Maintaining substantial oral health is crucial for your smile and your wellbeing. Living with an untreated, damaged smile can have major effects on your psychological health such as reducing your self-esteem and causing depression.
If you’re afraid of seeing the dentist, don’t hesitate to ask about sedation options. It can truly save you and your overall health by receiving the necessary care. Aside from being fearful, other reasons for sedation dentistry include:
- Undergoing multiple or complex procedures
- Feeling helpless and the loss of control
- A patient is afraid due to previous bad dental experiences
- Bad gag reflex
- Sensitive teeth
- To subdue a low pain threshold
- Can’t sit still in a dental chair
Types of Dental Sedation at Smile Creator
Here in Bingham Farms, we want our patients to feel comfortable and confident when undergoing treatment with our team. We offer two types of dental sedation at our office that are safely administered by Dr. Kosinski.
Our sedation methods include:
- Oral Sedation: One of our most popular options, oral sedation, is provided to you prior to your procedure with a medication that you’ll orally take before coming to our office. The medication will help you relax and feel at ease, and depending on the dosage, some patients will even fall asleep.
- Intravenous Sedation: Also known as IV sedation, this method is ideal for patients with acute dental anxiety or undergoing complex procedures. It’s safely and effectively administered through an IV and will be monitored throughout your entire surgery so you’re completely stress-free.
Levels of Sedation
Depending on your procedure or the severity of your dental phobia or anxiety, Dr. Kosinski may control the levels of sedation during your procedure. The different levels of sedation include:
- Minimal — You’ll be awake but completely relaxed and at ease
- Moderate or “Conscious” — You’ll be a bit drowsy and slur words when speaking and you might not remember much of the procedure
- Deep — You’ll be on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened easily
- General anesthesia — You’ll be completely unconscious and asleep
Don’t Let Your Fear Stop You From Getting the Care You Need
Professional dental care is vital when caring for any possible problems in your oral health. Dr. Kosinski doesn’t want any patient to pass up the opportunity to restore or enhance their smile due to a dental phobia or anxiety.
At Smile Creator, we provide a tranquil environment, sedation dentistry, and a confident team that helps you relax and feel comfortable in any treatment you receive. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our dental sedatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anxiety-free dentistry safe for me?
Anxiety-free dentistry is completely safe. Before starting your treatment, we’ll review your medical history and closely monitor you while you’re relaxed. We’re fully qualified and trained to ensure your safety during the procedure.
We offer a couple of different types of sedation depending on your procedure and level of anxiety you have. We’re happy to discuss these options with you and help determine which type is most suitable for you.
If you have any questions, give us a call at (248) 646-8651 and we’ll be happy to explain the process.
Will I really be completely relaxed?
Yes, you’ll receive just enough medication so that you’ll feel completely relaxed throughout your treatment. Dr. Kosinski will ensure you’re safe during your procedure and that the levels of sedation you receive are suitable for you.
Depending on the type of sedation you receive, you may be conscious during your procedure. Despite this, you’ll hardly notice what’s going on around you because you’ll be relaxed. Your procedure will likely feel quicker than it is due to this.
Will I remember anything?
Many patients have reported having little to no memory of their dental visit after treatment. Depending on the type of sedation you receive, you may be in a sleep-like state or conscious. Even if you’re conscious, you’ll be relaxed and your procedure will pass by quickly.
You’ll be less aware of your surroundings and to any sensations that occur during your procedure, and your memory of the entire procedure will likely be vague.
Will I feel any pain?
No, you likely won’t feel any pain during your procedure. We take precautions to ensure your procedure is as comfortable for you as possible and causes as little damage to your mouth so you won’t feel pain after the sedation wears off.
If you opt for conscious sedation, you may feel some sensations and pressure in your mouth. Pain is not likely to be one of these sensations, though.
Will I be groggy after my treatment is over?
After your treatment is over, you’ll feel fine but you may be slightly groggy depending on the type of sedation used. For your safety, we do require that you have a family member or friend drive you home and stay with you for a few hours.
While you might think you can drive yourself home, your reaction times may be impaired as the sedation wears off.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
Each insurance company is different, which is why we recommend contacting your provider to get an understanding of your coverage. If you’d like, our staff can review your insurance coverage and, if necessary, make financial arrangements to ensure you get the care you need.
We accept a variety of payment options and can offer financing plans through a third-party company. These companies can help break your treatment costs down into affordable monthly payments.
Before & Afters
