Sedation Dentistry

Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire

Did you know that millions of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety, nervousness, or even outright fear? This condition is known as dental anxiety, and those who suffer from it are often in urgent need of dental care. If you have dental anxiety, Lake Forest Smiles offers sedation dentistry to help you feel calm and relaxed, while receiving the dental care that you need.

Sedation Dentistry at Lake Forest Smiles

Nitrous oxide: You may also know nitrous oxide as laughing gas. This chemical compound has a long history of use by medical professionals. Lake Forest sedation dentists Drs. Douglas Campbell and David Schmidt administer nitrous oxide to calm dental fears and anxiety. The gas is delivered through a mask worn over the nose. Mixed with oxygen, nitrous oxide produces an overall relaxed feeling. When under its effects, you will not fall asleep. You remain conscious and can have conversations with those around you, as well as follow instructions. You will be able to move your body and breathe on your own. However, you experience a diminished awareness of your surroundings and feel extremely relaxed during treatment. The effects wear off quickly once the procedure has been completed. You also will be able to drive afterward or return to work if you choose. The gas is safe but has been known to cause nausea in children. If your child has been scheduled for a procedure using nitrous oxide, limit their intake of food and drink for at least a few hours before the appointment.
Intravenous (IV) sedation: This method entails administering sedation through an IV in your arm. The IV is similar to ones used when giving blood. While more powerful than nitrous oxide, you will remain awake—although you will be in a highly relaxed, sleep-like state. Under IV sedation, you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure and likely will not even remember your dental treatment at all. In addition to being more powerful because the sedative is injected directly into the bloodstream, the level of sedation using IV can be controlled and adjusted throughout the procedure.

Since you will not be able to drive afterward, plan accordingly by arranging someone to drive you to the office and sit with you afterward. Plan on taking the day off from work as well, and going home to rest for the remainder of the day.

Who should consider sedation dentistry?

Sedation is not just for people with dental anxiety.

It also can be a good choice for individuals dealing with any of these pre-existing conditions:

Heightened gag reflex
Problems sitting still or remaining in the dental chair for prolonged periods
Difficulty keeping jaws open during dental work