Sedation Dentistry in Berkley

What Is Involved With Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation for dental treatment uses medication that induces a deep sense of relaxation. While you’ll often hear this treatment referred to as sleep dentistry, you’ll usually be awake. The only time you’ll be put to sleep is if you do so as your body’s natural reaction to being relaxed or if the use of general anesthesia is required. Since you’ll be awake, you can still communicate with your dentist as needed, and oral sedation dentistry is perfect for helping you get through everything from teeth cleanings to more intensive procedures.

How Much Should You Expect Sedation Dentistry to Cost?

The cost of IV sedation dentistry depends upon multiple factors, much like other types of dental care. Most people find that sedation for dental treatment is worth it to help them maintain their oral health with routine care. If you have concerns about the sedation dentistry cost, then just ask about our office’s financing plans to find one that fits your budget.

Why Do Dentists Use Dental Sedation?

Many people avoid going to the dentist because they feel anxious, and dentists understand that this can get in the way of them receiving essential treatments that help preserve their smile. When you tell one of our dentists that you feel extreme anxiety or can’t avoid gagging during routine procedures, they may recommend using sleep dentistry to help you overcome these common obstacles.

What Are the Different Types of Sedation Dentistry?

Our offices offer several dental sedation options. The sedation for dental care options our dentist might suggest include the following.

• Deep sedation: This type of dental sedation involves your dentist giving you medication that puts you into a deep sleep. You should not wake up during the procedure, but you will soon after the medication wears off or is reversed.
• IV sedation dentistry: Our dentist can administer sedation medications through a vein, which helps you to relax quickly. This method also allows them more control over the medication’s delivery.
• Oral sedation: This is the most common form of sedation that we use in our clinics. Your dentist will ask you to take an oral medication, such as Halcion, that makes you drowsy. With oral sedation, you’ll remain awake throughout the procedure but will feel groggy. Occasionally, some people fall asleep but are easily awakened by their dentist when the procedure is over.
• Inhaled minimal sedation: You may have heard about nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, which is a medication that you breathe through a mask. One reason why dentists suggest this method is that they can control how much medication is delivered during the procedure. The effects also tend to wear off quickly compared to other methods.

What Are the Benefits of Sleep Dentistry?

The biggest benefit of using sedation during your treatments is that you won’t feel any dental anxiety. Using sedation dentistry could also be the easiest answer to your question of how to stop a gag reflex at the dentist. While your dentist may still choose to use local anesthesia, sedation also helps you to enjoy pain-free visits to our dental clinic.

Is Sleep Dentistry Covered by My Insurance?

Sedation dentistry insurance coverage can vary from one policy to another. Typically, this form of treatment is covered provided that it is deemed medically necessary, which includes being used to alleviate pain, anxiety, or gag reflexes. It’s best to talk to your insurance carrier to find out if the sedation dentistry cost is covered under your health or dental plan.

How Long Does Oral Sedation Dentistry Last?

The answer to the question of, “how long does IV sedation dentistry take to wear off,” can vary, but it can take several hours before you feel completely alert after the procedure is over. Other forms of sedation wear off quickly, and you can usually drive home after using inhaled sedation.

All of our dentists are happy to provide sedation dentistry in Berkley, and we understand that you may have lots of questions about adding this form of care to your treatment plan. Please feel free to reach out to our caring team to get answers to your questions and schedule an appointment with a dentist that prioritizes your physical and emotional comfort.