Sedation Dentistry in Birmingham, MI
Ease Your Dental Anxiety
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. Many patients struggle with dental fear and anxiety, causing them to miss regular checkups, leading to possible untreated dental issues. Luckily, at Birmingham Dentistry, Dr. Stone offers safe sedation options to help our patients feel comfortable and at ease during their treatments.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Dental sedation is used to help patients relax while in the dental chair. It can help if you feel afraid or anxious, and sedation is very useful for people who are sensitive to the sights, sounds, or feelings of dental work.
Dr. Stone is qualified to administer nitrous oxide in his dental practice. He’ll make sure you’re comfortable and safe throughout the entire procedure, so you can relax while we take care of your beautiful smile.
Safe Sedation Methods
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is low-level sedation that can be used for most dental visits. Nitrous oxide will make you feel very relaxed, your pain will be eased, and your appointment will pass by quickly.
The nitrous oxide gas is administered through a small mask that you wear over your nose throughout your procedure. Its effects wear off soon after the mask is removed so you should feel back to normal quickly and you can safely drive yourself home.
Nitrous oxide can be used in both adults and children safely, with no side effects. Our professional dental team will monitor you throughout the procedure, ensuring you or your child is completely safe and comfortable.
Oral Conscious Sedation*
Oral conscious sedation is administered in the form of a pill that you’ll swallow prior to your procedure. While this form of sedation won’t put you to sleep, you’ll be much less aware of your surroundings and you’ll be in a state of relaxation.
Time will pass by quickly, so your appointment will feel like it took almost no time before it’s done. The sedation may take a while to wear off, so you’ll need to make sure someone else is with you and can safely drive you home.
*Oral conscious sedation is not offered at our Birmingham practice.
Is Sedation Right for Me?
If you’ve experienced one or more of the following situations, then sedation dentistry can be a great option for you:
- A fear of dental work
- A terrible past dental experience
- Are difficult to numb
- A bad gag reflex
- Have sensitive teeth
- Have complex dental problems
- Have a fear of needles
- Have a sensitivity to smells and tastes related to dental work
- Have a physical condition that does not allow traditional dental work
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of time dental sedation lasts varies on the type of sedation administered for the procedure. Our sedation options allow for patients to be conscious during their procedure but they’re less aware of their surroundings and won’t be in any pain.
It’s safest to allow 24 hours for sedation to fully wear off. Make sure to bring someone with you that you trust to drive you home after your procedure and avoid performing any tasks that may put you in danger due to the sedation.
Typically, patients don’t feel any pain during their procedure with dental sedation. When we provide you with a sedative and numbing agent, you’ll feel comfortable, relaxed, and senseless throughout your treatment. If you do end up feeling pain, it’s likely to occur at the end of your procedure when the sedation wears off or during your recovery period.
Sedation is extremely safe at Birmingham Dentistry. Dr. Stone is experienced with sedation dentistry and has continued to stay current with the latest training and advancements. During your procedure with dental sedation, our dental team will continuously monitor you to ensure your safety and comfort.
No, there aren’t any long-term effects of sedation. It’s likely you’ll feel groggy and dazed after your procedure when using sedation. However, this should subside within a few hours. We strongly suggest that you plan a designated driver to take you home, especially if you undergo oral conscious sedation.
Forget Your Fears With Sedation Dentistry
If you dread dental appointments, Dr. Stone can help make it easier for you. Sedation can be a life-changing experience because you’ll be able to get the dental care you need without feeling discomfort or anxiety while in our office.
For more information about sedation dentistry and to find out if it’s the right option for you, contact our Birmingham office by calling (248)-644-8520. You can also fill out our online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.