Sedation Dentistry – Bloomfield, CT
Breeze Through Your Dental Appointments
Between 30 and 40 million people in the U.S. avoid the dentist due to fear. At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, we want to help even our most anxious patients relax during any dental visit. Sedation dentistry has helped many people who fear the dentist get the oral health care they need. In addition to helping patients with dental anxiety, sedation can also help people with a sensitive gag reflex, who need complex procedures, and who have very sensitive teeth or gums. Our dental office offers three levels of sedation dentistry in Bloomfield, CT: nitrous oxide, oral conscious, and IV dental sedation.
Why Choose Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield for Sedation Dentistry?
- Multiple Sedation Options Available
- Safety Is a Top Priority
- Stay Relaxed Even During Major Treatments
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is unique because it can be administered before you ever leave home. This is ideal for patients who have severe dental anxiety. Your dentist will prescribe a medicinal sedative that is taken at home before your appointment, or as soon as you arrive at our dental office. Oral sedation relaxes patients a bit more than nitrous oxide. While most remain awake during the procedure, almost all patients claim they do not remember their visit. Medicinal sedatives affect everyone differently, but most patients are fully functional within 12 hours.
IV Dental Sedation
Intravenous anesthesia sedation is the deepest form of sedation offered at Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield. Still only considered a moderate level of sedation, some patients sleep through the procedure while others remain awake. It is rare that a patient will remember any part of the procedure after receiving IV sedation. Even though IV sedatives offer a much deeper level of sedation, patients are usually still able to return to their normal activities within 12 – 24 hours.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
As a sedation dentist in Bloomfield, your safety is our highest priority. Sedation dentistry, which includes oral conscious sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation, has been used safely for many years and has a track record of effectiveness.
Before recommending sedation, we will thoroughly review your medical history, current medications, and any health concerns. This careful approach helps us determine the safest and most effective method for your needs.
You will be closely monitored throughout your procedure, so we can take fast action on the off-chance that you have a bad reaction to sedation.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant?
In most cases, dental procedures that require sedation should be postponed until after pregnancy, as the safety of certain sedatives has not been fully established for developing babies. There is a risk that the medications used will pass through the placenta and affect the fetus.
Fortunately, local anesthesia is considered safe during pregnancy, so if you need a procedure that cannot be delayed, you can still have a relatively comfortable treatment process.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
With oral conscious sedation, you will likely remember little, if anything, from your procedure. This form of sedation does not put you to sleep, but it does produce a state of deep relaxation and may cause you to feel drowsy or detached from the procedure. Most patients report that the entire appointment feels like a brief, dreamlike experience.
IV sedation is also likely to cause a degree of memory loss. Although it does not induce unconsciousness, it is sometimes called “sleep dentistry” because it can make you feel as if you were unconscious.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?
When you receive oral conscious sedation, you should feel calm, relaxed, and free from anxiety. The medication typically takes effect before your procedure begins, helping you feel at ease from the moment you arrive. You may feel slightly drowsy, but you will remain conscious and able to communicate with our team if needed.
With IV dental sedation, you will experience a deeper level of relaxation, and many patients report feeling as though they are drifting in and out of sleep. The effects set in quickly as the medication is administered directly into your bloodstream. You will remain responsive to verbal cues but may not recall details of your visit.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
The cost of sedation dentistry varies depending on the type of sedation used and the complexity of your dental treatment. IV dental sedation is typically more expensive than oral conscious sedation, reflecting the additional expertise and monitoring involved during the procedure.
Prior to your appointment, we will provide you with a detailed explanation of all costs involved so you can make an informed decision. Our staff is happy to discuss payment options and help you maximize any dental insurance benefits you may have.