Sedation Dentistry in Birmingham, MI
Comfortable Visits With Our Birmingham Dentist
At Premier Birmingham Dentistry, we’ll help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your dental visits with the help of sedation dentistry. It’s not uncommon to feel anxious about visiting the dentist. However, many patients may miss routine dental cleanings and checkups due to anxiety, which can further harm their oral health.
Our Birmingham, MI dentist, Dr. Stone, provides nitrous oxide for patients wanting to calm their nerves and feel at ease while sitting in the dental chair.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry focuses on relieving anxiety and pain through sedation techniques. Dental sedation is beneficial for those who are sensitive to the sights, sounds, and feelings of dental work.
Dr. Stone is qualified to administer nitrous oxide at Premier Birmingham Dentistry. If you’re fearful of visiting the dentist, call our dental office at (248) 644-8520, and we can discuss sedation with you to determine if you would benefit.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
There are various reasons patients may need sedation dentistry. If you fall under any of these categories, talk to Dr. Stone at your consultation, and he’ll discuss your sedation options.
- Dental phobia — Extreme anxiety or fear of visiting the dentist is more common than you think. Up to 20 percent of people suffer from dental phobia. With sedation dentistry, patients can feel at ease and don’t have to worry about missing essential dental cleanings and checkups.
- Sensitive teeth —Dealing with extremely sensitive teeth can create uncomfortable dental visits. Our sedation options can dull the sensations of routine cleanings and allow you to relax throughout the entire appointment.
- Gag reflex — Suffering from a sensitive gag reflex can make your dental visits uncomfortable. Sedation dentistry can make your dental visits much more tolerable.
- Difficulty remaining still — We know that some people may have trouble sitting still in the dental chair while undergoing cleanings. Dental sedation can allow you to feel relaxed and minimize movement.
- Complex procedures — If you’re undergoing a complex cosmetic or restorative dental treatment, dental sedation is often necessary. It will help you feel relaxed and ease any pain.
Benefits of Dental Sedation
Sedation dentistry is a popular option as patients experience many benefits, including:
- Anxiety-free dentistry
- Comfortable and worry-free dental care
- Focus on safety
- Simple yet effective
- Better oral health
To learn more about our sedation options at our Birmingham dental office, call us at (248) 644-8520.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a low-level sedation option that can be used at almost any dental visit. It will make you feel very relaxed, your pain will subside, and your appointment will pass by quickly. Our Birmingham dental professionals will administer nitrous oxide to you through a small mask worn over your nose throughout your procedure.
The effects of nitrous oxide will wear off as soon as the mask is removed, and you’ll feel back to normal. This type of dental sedation can be used on both adults and children safely with no side effects. Our dentist and team will monitor you throughout your procedure, ensuring you’re completely safe and comfortable.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is administered in the form of a pill that you’ll swallow before 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. This is referred to as “twilight sleep.”
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 dental practice.
IV Sedation
IV (Intravenous) sedation is another conscious form of sedation to help you feel relaxed. You’ll experience minimal awareness of your surroundings with little to no memory of the procedure with IV sedation. The sedation is administered through a needle inserted into a vein. Effects of IV sedation take effect immediately.
*IV sedation is not offered at our Birmingham dental practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe! At Premier Birmingham Dentistry, Dr. Stone is experienced with dental sedation and has continued to stay current with the latest training and advancements. During your procedure with sedation, our Birmingham, MI team will continuously monitor you to ensure your safety and comfort.
The cost of sedation dentistry will depend on the type of sedation you use, how long you’ll need it, and if your insurance covers a portion of the cost. We encourage you to reach out to your insurance provider to get a more in-depth explanation of your coverage.
For our patient’s convenience, we offer dental financing options, including CareCredit and LendingPoint. Both companies provide patients with low-interest plans to help them pay for the costs of dental work. To learn more, call our Birmingham office today at (248) 644-8520.
No, you won’t experience any long-term effects of dental sedation. You’ll most likely feel groggy and dazed after your procedure, though. However, these effects should subside within a few hours. We strongly suggest that you bring someone along that can drive you home safely after a procedure with sedation.
Typically, patients won’t feel any pain during their procedure while on dental sedation. When using a sedative and a numbing agent, you’ll feel comfortable, relaxed, and senseless throughout the entire procedure. If you do end up feeling any pain, it will likely occur after treatment when the sedation wears off and you begin recovery.
Forget Your Fears at Premier Birmingham Dentistry
If you dread visiting the dentist, Dr. Stone can help make it easier and allow you to feel comfortable. Sedation dentistry can be a life-changing experience as you’ll be able to get the dental care you need without feeling anxious or discomfort.
To schedule an appointment at Premier Birmingham Dentistry, call our dental office at (248) 644-8520. You can also request an appointment online. We’ve worked with patients around the Birmingham area including Berkley, Clawson, and Beverly Hills, MI.