Why People Choose Sedation Dentistry
The reasons for choosing sedation vary from person to person. Maybe you had a bad experience at the dentist when you were younger, or perhaps you have a strong gag reflex that makes dental work difficult. Some people just feel uncomfortable having someone work in their mouth, which is totally understandable.
Here’s what makes patients consider sedation:
- Past traumatic dental experiences that created lasting anxiety
- Difficulty getting numb with regular local anesthesia
- Sensitive teeth or a low pain threshold
- Complex procedures that take longer to complete
- Physical conditions that make sitting still challenging
The beauty of sedation dentistry is that it opens doors for people who might otherwise avoid the dentist entirely. When you skip regular checkups and necessary treatments because of fear, small problems become big ones. Sedation removes that barrier.
Types of Sedation We Offer
At Anthem Hills Dental, Dr. Wilson provides different sedation levels depending on your needs and the procedure you’re having done. Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is the mildest option and works great for patients who just need help relaxing. You breathe it in through a small mask during your appointment, and it wears off quickly once we turn it off. Most people can drive themselves home after nitrous oxide.
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment. You’ll feel drowsy and deeply relaxed, though you’ll still be awake and able to respond to Dr. Wilson. This option works well for moderate anxiety and longer procedures. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from our Anthem location since the effects take a few hours to wear off completely.
For patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing extensive treatments like dental implants, IV sedation provides the deepest level of relaxation while still keeping you conscious. An anesthesiologist administers the medication through an IV, and you’ll have little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
What to Expect During Your Sedated Appointment
Before any sedation appointment, Dr. Wilson reviews your medical history to make sure sedation is safe for you. He’ll ask about medications you take, any health conditions, and previous experiences with sedation or anesthesia. This conversation helps him choose the right sedation method for your situation.
On the day of your appointment, you’ll follow specific instructions depending on which type of sedation you’re receiving. For oral or IV sedation, you’ll need to avoid eating for several hours beforehand. The team monitors your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure everything stays safe and comfortable.
Most patients are surprised by how quickly time passes during sedated appointments. What might feel like minutes could actually be an hour or more of dental work. That’s one of the real advantages of dental sedation near me services—you get more done in fewer visits.
Making Dental Care Accessible
We know that cost concerns sometimes prevent people from getting the dental care they need. That’s why Anthem Hills Dental works with various insurance plans and offers financing options to make sedation dentistry more affordable. Our team can help you understand what your insurance covers and explore payment plans that fit your budget.
The investment in sedation often pays off in the long run. When you can complete multiple treatments in one visit instead of spreading them across several appointments, you actually save time and sometimes money too. Plus, maintaining good oral health prevents expensive emergency situations down the road.
Your Comfort Comes First
Dr. Wilson and the entire Anthem Hills Dental team understand that trusting someone with your dental care takes courage, especially if you’ve struggled with dental anxiety. That’s why we’ve built our practice around patient comfort and communication. We never rush you, and we always explain what’s happening during your treatment.
Ready to experience dentistry without the anxiety? Contact us to schedule a consultation where we can discuss your concerns and sedation options. You can also learn more about our practice and meet our team before your first visit. Taking that first step toward better oral health doesn’t have to feel scary when you have sedation dentistry on your side.