Sedation Dentistry
Northbrook, Illinois
Some people avoid the dentist for years because of one bad experience, sometimes decades old. At Northbrook Family Dental, we strive to transform the dental care experience, and one of the ways we do that is by offering sedation dentistry options. It's true. You can relax in the dentist's chair. Contact our Northbrook practice to experience a new level of care.
Our Treatments
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses calming medication to help reduce anxiety during dental treatments. It is sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry, although most forms of sedation allow you to remain fully conscious and responsive during treatment.
At Northbrook Family Dental, we offer a range of sedation dentistry options, including the following:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): This mild form of conscious sedation involves breathing a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask placed on your nose. You will soon feel calm and relaxed while remaining awake and responsive during your treatment. Nitrous oxide wears off shortly after treatment, allowing you to drive safely and resume your daily routine without interruption.
Oral Sedation: Oral sedation involves taking oral medication before treatment for a deeper level of relaxation. You will feel drowsy and may even drift off into a light sleep, but you will remain conscious throughout treatment. Oral sedation has some amnesic properties, meaning you may not remember much, if any, of your treatment. The effects of oral sedation can linger, so you'll need to have a trusted adult accompany you and drive you home. Your Northbrook dentist is certified in administering oral sedation, ensuring your comfort, safety, and well-being at every step.
Who May Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry can be beneficial for any patient who needs a little extra help relaxing during treatment. Candidates include the following:
- Patients with extreme dental anxiety or phobia
- Patients who've had past traumatic dental experiences
- Patients with a strong gag reflex, which makes routine dental work uncomfortable
- Patients with sensitive teeth or a low pain threshold who want a pain-free experience
- Patients undergoing complex or lengthy procedures
- Patients, including young children, who struggle to sit still for long
- Patients who experience jaw fatigue and discomfort during longer appointments
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Here is a look at some of the benefits of sedation dentistry:
- It Reduces Anxiety: Sedation dentistry helps patients feel calm and relaxed during treatment, providing a more comfortable and positive experience.
- It Helps Make Time Fly By: When it comes to oral sedation, the deep state of relaxation can create a "time distortion" effect. A multi-hour procedure can feel like it only lasted a few minutes.
- It Blocks Pain Sensations: Combined with local numbing, sedation ensures you won't feel any discomfort, enhancing your patient experience.
- It Allows for Fewer Dental Visits: Sedation dentistry allows us to complete more dental procedures in a single visit, meaning you'll need fewer appointments.
- It Reduces Fear of Future Dental Care: Comfortable dentistry can help build positive associations with the dentist, reducing the fear and avoidance of future dental care.
Sedation Dentistry Near Me in Northbrook, IL
If you are worried about an upcoming dental appointment, our team at Northbrook Family Dental is here for you. We may recommend sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide or oral sedation, to help you feel calm and relaxed while receiving top-tier, personalized care.
We invite you to call us at (847) 498-5970 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!
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We Are Accepting New Patients.
Whether you are looking for a new dental home for your family, exploring your options for dental implants, or just overdue for a cleaning, we are here and ready to help. Give us a call to schedule your first appointment.