What is Sedation Dentistry?

Put simply, sedation dentistry is dental treatment that is performed while the patient is sedated. Sedation puts most people to sleep, and it creates a reduced awareness of sights, sounds, and any other feeling throughout the procedure. The term “sedation dentistry” usually consists of either oral sedative medication or IV sedation.

In many cases, dental offices advertising sedation dentistry offer oral sedation, where the patient takes a pill. At Designer Smiles, we strive to provide excellent dental care for our patients, and that includes the sedation that we offer. Dr. Ann Haggard became certified to perform IV sedation through a rigorous training process. While oral sedation is safe in most cases, IV sedation is not only safer; it is also more effective.

Advantages of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry allows you to combine multiple dental treatments into a single visit. For patients with busy schedules and a long treatment plan, this option lets you accomplish a much larger amount of treatment in one appointment. This is because you experience no fatigue, sensitivity, pain, or anxiety while sedated.

People with a serious fear of the dentist can have all of their dental treatment completed without experiencing any of the sensations typically associated with it. The amnesia effect created by the sedative medications means that even patients who seem “awake” during treatment have no memory of it afterward.

With IV sedation, we are able to maintain your sedation and comfort level continually throughout your entire appointment. Because we are constantly monitoring the sedation medication in your system, there is no risk of it wearing off early or being ineffective for you.

Sedation allows us to give vital dental care to people who may not be able to otherwise tolerate dental treatment, like those with special needs.

Interested in Sedation Dentistry?

Call Designer Smiles today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Ann and Dr. Lauren. We will make sure you receive the dental care you need and deserve.