Dental Sedation
In the Norton Shores & Muskegon Area
Sedation Dentistry
Many people feel anxious before and during dental procedures. It's okay to feel nervous or even fearful when anticipating an appointment. We understand that our patients aren't all the same, and we have great news: you have options! You can experience dental treatment in a comfortable, customized approach with several different methods of sedation.
The most common forms of sedation used in dentistry are inhalation, oral, and intravenous sedation. While making dentistry much easier for you, it is important to understand that they are not pain-killers, and regular numbing medications still prove essential. But sedation will make every part of your treatment more enjoyable if you're anxious.
Inhalation Therapy - Inhalation Sedation is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. The sedation is inhaled through a mask and produces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain. Nitrous oxide is designed to make procedures easier for nervous patients and has been effective for many years.
Concerns? Questions? We are happy to provide you with the options that may work best for you! We want you to feel safe and confident through every step of your dental care. Call our office today!
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry:
• Reduced Anxiety and Discomfort: Patients feel relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure, making their dental experience more pleasant.
• Efficiency in Treatment: Allows for multiple or complex procedures to be performed in fewer visits, saving time and reducing stress for the patient.
• Enhanced Patient Cooperation: Sedation helps patients remain still, aiding in the precision and speed of the treatment.
• Safe and monitored sedation options: Administered by trained professionals like Blane M. Bowen, DDS & Thomas M. Smith, DDS, sedation is safe and monitored throughout the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when performed by a trained and experienced dental professional. We carefully monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
What types of sedation do you offer?
At Norton Shores Family Dentistry, we offer a range of sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (pills), and IV sedation. The right choice for you will depend on your level of anxiety and the procedure being performed.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
It depends on the type of sedation used. With nitrous oxide or oral sedation, you’ll likely be awake but deeply relaxed. With IV sedation, you may be in a light sleep, but you’ll still be able to respond to instructions.
How long does the sedation last?
The duration of sedation varies depending on the type. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after the mask is removed, while oral and IV sedation may take a few hours to fully wear off.
"Like a lot of people I don't go to the doctor unless I'm sick, so for the dentist I wasn't doing regular visits and low and behold ended up with cavities. Dr. Tom was super nice and professional, no one in the office made me feel bad about my teeth, they just immediately moved on to the treatment steps. Got my cavities filled and all the jaw pain I had for months was gone by the time the numbing wore off. Super grateful for Dr. Tom and his wonderful staff. Also liked how modern their office was, I didn't realize how old school my old dentist was until I came here - the up to date technology made a big difference."
