Sedation Dentistry in Sterling Heights, MI
Comfortable Visits at Our Sterling Heights Dental Office
If you fear visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. At Sterling Heights Dentistry, we want all of our patients to feel comfortable during their time with us. That’s why our Sterling Heights, MI dentist offers sedation dentistry options to ensure you receive the oral health care you need without fear.
Dental anxiety is a common condition that prevents many people from visiting the dentist. Whether it’s due to a fear of needles, drills, or the sounds associated with dental work, it prevents many from receiving the dental care they need to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
To learn more about sedation dentistry, call our Sterling Heights dental office today at (586) 939-5151.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry helps patients feel calm and relaxed during their dental treatment. It also eliminates any pain during a procedure. Dental sedation can help patients who feel afraid or anxious and is useful for those who are sensitive to the sights, feelings, or sounds that accompany dental work.
At Sterling Heights Dentistry, Dr. Hindi offers nitrous oxide sedation, also known as laughing gas. This dental sedation method is safe for patients of all ages, and won’t have any long-lasting effects.
Why People May Need Sedation Dentistry
People may need sedation dentistry for multiple reasons. If you fall under any of the following categories, let Dr. Hindi know and she’ll discuss your sedation options with you at your appointment.
- Dental Phobia/Fear: A fear or anxiety of visiting the dentist is more common than you may think. For those suffering from a fear of dental work, sedation dentistry can help them feel at ease during regular teeth cleanings or other treatments.
- Tooth Sensitivity: For anyone dealing with extreme tooth sensitivity, regular dental cleanings can be uncomfortable and painful. Sedation dentistry can help dull the sensations of a cleaning and allow you to relax.
- Gag Reflex: If you have a sensitive gag reflex, it can make your dental visits uncomfortable.
- Difficulty Remaining Still: Not everyone has an easy time remaining still while sitting in the dental chair. With dental sedation, patients will feel relaxed, helping to minimize movement.
- Complex Treatments: Sedation dentistry is often necessary for patients undergoing a complex cosmetic or restorative dentistry treatment.
Sedation Dentistry Benefits
Not only does sedation dentistry provide pain-free treatments, but it also provides patients with the following benefits:
- Anxiety-free dental care
- Comfortable and worry-free visits
- Focus on safety
- Simple yet effective treatment
- Better oral health
Different Types of Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a low-level sedation that can be used at almost any dental visit. It makes patients feel very relaxed, allowing their appointments to pass by quickly. Our Sterling Heights dentist will administer nitrous oxide to you through a small mask worn over your nose before the procedure begins.
Any effects of nitrous oxide will wear off almost immediately after the mask is removed, and you’ll feel back to normal. It can be used safely for children and adults with no side effects or major risks. The team at Sterling Heights Dentistry will monitor you closely throughout your treatment with nitrous oxide, ensuring it’s safe and comfortable.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is administered in pill form before your treatment. It won’t put you to sleep, but you’ll be much less aware of your surroundings as you enter a state of relaxation. This is often referred to as “twilight sleep.”
Your appointment will pass by quickly while under oral conscious sedation. It will take some time for the side effects to wear off, so be sure to have someone with you that can safely drive you home after treatment.
*Oral conscious sedation is not offered at our Sterling Heights dental practice.
IV Sedation
IV (intravenous) sedation is a form of conscious sedation that’s administered through the bloodstream via a needle. You’ll experience minimal awareness of your surroundings with little to no memory of the procedure. The effects will take effect immediately, and will also take some time to wear off.
*IV sedation is not offered at our Sterling Heights dental practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not common for insurance to cover the costs of sedation dentistry. It’s often categorized as a non-essential dental procedure, meaning most plans won’t cover any costs associated with sedation. However, it’s also advisable to reach out to your insurance provider to discuss the details of your coverage.
Yes! Sedation dentistry is a safe option that individuals utilize every day. While there’s always a chance of risk when using certain types of sedation, it’s a tried and tested practice that’s typically safe when administered by professionals. Qualified dental professionals will be monitoring vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure everything runs smoothly.
No, there aren’t any long-term effects of sedation dentistry. It’s common to feel groggy and dazed after your procedure with sedation, but these effects should subside within a few hours. It’s strongly recommended that you bring someone with you that can safely drive you home after your procedure.
No, patients don’t typically feel any pain while under dental sedation. With sedatives and numbing agents, you’ll feel comfortable, relaxed, and senseless throughout the entire treatment. If you do end up feeling any pain, it will likely occur after the procedure when the sedation wears off.
Visit Sterling Heights Dentistry Today!
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, Dr. Hindi and our Sterling Heights team can help you feel at ease during your appointment. Sedation dentistry can be a life-changing experience because you’ll be able to get the care you need without feeling discomfort or anxiety during your treatment.
For more information about sedation dentistry and to decide if it’s the right option for you, contact our dental practice by calling (586) 939-5151 or by filling out our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to meeting you!