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Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you feel calm and relaxed while you get the dental care you need. If nerves have kept you out of the chair, sedation dentistry with our Grand Rapids, MI dentists may make your next visit feel much easier.
Here's what you need to know before you book.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation helps your body and mind settle down during treatment. The ADA notes that sedation can come from , and your dentist weighs the procedure, your health, allergies and anxiety level when choosing one.
With most dental sedation, you stay awake and able to respond. Your dentist still numbs the area, so the goal is comfort from start to finish.
Laughing Gas for Lighter Nerves
Laughing gas is a mild option you breathe through a small nose mask. Many patients feel light and at ease, yet they stay awake and can talk with the dentist.
It wears off quickly once the mask comes off. That makes it a good fit for shorter visits and mild to moderate dental anxiety.
Oral Conscious Sedation for Deeper Calm
Oral conscious sedation is a prescribed pill that brings a deeper level of relaxation. You remain conscious, but you may feel drowsy, and time often seems to pass quickly.
Some patients remember very little afterward. Because the medication takes longer to wear off, you will need a ride to and from your appointment.
Who Might Benefit From Sedation?
Sedation is not only for people with severe fear. It may help if you:
- Feel anxious or have had a hard dental visit in the past
- Have a strong gag reflex or very sensitive teeth
- Find it hard to sit still or relax in the chair
- Need a longer or more involved procedure
That last point matters for bigger treatment plans. Patients weighing dental implant treatment or work that improves your smile sometimes find sedation makes a long appointment far more manageable.
What to Expect on Treatment Day
Your dentist gives you the sedative first, then numbs your teeth and gums once you feel relaxed. Cleveland Clinic explains that after oral sedation you before driving and should plan to take it easy.
Tell your dentist about every medication you take. Some can change how sedation affects you.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for You?
For most healthy adults, dental sedation is considered safe when a trained team monitors you. Before your visit, our dentists review your medical history, medications and allergies to decide whether sedation is a good fit.
If you are pregnant or have certain health conditions, your dentist may suggest a different plan. Regular care for the whole family, a big part of the reasons to see a family dentist, still matters either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be asleep during sedation at Bander Dental Group?
No. Bander Dental Group offers laughing gas and oral conscious sedation, and both keep you awake and able to respond during treatment.
The practice does not provide general anesthesia in the office. With oral sedation you may feel deeply drowsy, and some patients remember very little of the visit afterward, but you can still communicate with the dentist the whole time.
Can I drive myself home after sedation?
It depends on the type. Most patients who have laughing gas can drive themselves home, because the gas wears off within minutes after the mask is removed.
Oral conscious sedation is different. Plan for a friend or family member to drive you to and from the appointment, and Cleveland Clinic advises waiting 24 hours before you drive again.
What else does Bander Dental Group offer to help nervous patients relax?
Bander Dental Group aims for a spa-like setting that helps patients unwind, even without sedation. Comforts listed on the practice website include massage chairs, headphones and aromatherapy.
Some people find that music and a massage chair are enough for a cleaning. Others pair those comforts with laughing gas or oral sedation for longer visits, so you can choose what feels right.
Should I eat before my appointment?
For laughing gas, a light meal an hour or two before your visit may help lower the chance of nausea. For oral sedation, you may be asked to skip food and drink for several hours first.
Your dentist will give you exact instructions based on the type of sedation and your procedure. Follow those directions closely, and call with questions.
Does dental sedation have side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Cleveland Clinic lists headache, nausea, dry mouth and lingering drowsiness as possible effects, and most fade within a day.
With laughing gas, effects tend to clear once the gas leaves your system. Call your dentist if you still feel groggy the next day or have nausea that will not go away.
Feel Calm at Your Next Visit
Sedation dentistry can turn a stressful appointment into a calm one, whether you need a cleaning, an implant or cosmetic care. Our Grand Rapids, MI family dentists will help you choose the level of comfort that fits you, and you can view all of our dental services anytime.
Call Bander Dental Group today at (616) 949-5980 or request an appointment online.