Experience Stress-Free Dental Care: Your Guide to Sedation Dentistry at Smile Today Dental
Dental anxiety is a common issue that can prevent patients from getting the care they need. At Smile Today Dental in Glenview, Illinois, we’re committed to ensuring every patient feels at ease during their visit. That’s why we proudly offer sedation dentistry as part of our comprehensive services. With our tailored sedation options, we create a comfortable, stress-free experience for all our patients.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medications to help patients relax during dental procedures. Depending on your specific needs, different types and levels of sedation are available. At Smile Today Dental, we provide a range of options to ensure your comfort, whether you have mild anxiety or require deeper sedation.
What Types of Sedation are Available?
At our practice, we offer oral conscious sedation. This method involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment. The medication induces a deep sense of relaxation, allowing patients to stay calm and comfortable during their procedure.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill that helps you feel at ease. Although you’ll be awake during the procedure, you’ll experience a sense of relaxation and may even feel drowsy or doze off. This method is ideal for patients with more significant anxiety or those undergoing longer or more complex treatments.
Before your appointment, our team will provide clear instructions on when and how to take the medication. It’s important to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment, as the sedative can cause drowsiness for some time after the procedure.
How Do You Determine the Right Sedation Option for Me?
Our experienced dentists—Drs. Evelyn Kidonakis, and Jinyoung Yoo, —evaluate several factors before recommending a sedation option. We consider your age, medical history, level of anxiety, current medications, and the specific procedure you’re undergoing. Our goal is to provide personalized care that ensures your safety and comfort.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for anyone who experiences dental anxiety or discomfort during visits. It’s also helpful for patients with a sensitive gag reflex, difficulty staying still during procedures, or those needing extensive dental work. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether sedation dentistry is suitable for you and determine the best method based on your needs.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
What are the benefits of oral sedation dentistry?
Several sedation options exist, including IV and inhalation sedation. Oral sedation is yet another popular choice for many patients. One compelling benefit is the ease of administration. You simply take a sedation pill. It doesn’t involve masks or needles.
Many patients also love the amnesiac effect. This means you’ll likely remember a little bit about your procedure. This is helpful if you are anxious about dental smells, noises, and other sensations.
Is sedation dentistry really safe?
Yes. When administered by trained professionals, sedation is considered a very safe procedure. Remember, millions of dental patients use sedation every year without complications. We’ll review your medical history, medications, and allergies to ensure sedation is right for you. We’ll also monitor you throughout the procedure to optimize your safety.
Is anesthesia still necessary with sedation?
Yes. Sedation helps you stay relaxed, but local anesthesia is necessary to numb the treatment area. This ensures you feel no pain. Sedation keeps you calm, while anesthesia keeps you comfortable and pain-free.
Will I be unconscious under sedation?
No! Sedation dentistry isn’t the same as general anesthesia. Oral sedation does not put you to sleep. You will be awake enough to respond to your dentist, but you’ll feel deeply relaxed. You may feel drowsy or experience a brief period of drowsiness. However, you will remain conscious and breathe on your own the entire time.
What should I do/not do before my sedation appointment?
Typically, you should refrain from eating for 6 to 8 hours before your visit. This helps avoid nausea and other complications. You may need to avoid certain medications. Additionally, you must have a responsible adult drive you to and from the appointment. Our team will provide you with specific guidelines before treatment.
What does sedation feel like?
Most people say it feels like the edge has been taken off their anxiety. You are still awake, but your body feels heavy and unbothered. Time passes quickly, almost like you are drifting through the appointment. You stay aware enough to respond to your dentist, but you won’t feel tense or stressed. You may also not remember much of the procedure afterward, which is completely normal.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Dental insurance may unlikely cover sedation dentistry because it’s considered an elective procedure. Our team will review your coverage so you understand your benefits. Whether insurance covers treatment or not, don’t let costs hold you back. We offer dental financing with CareCredit to help you break down the cost into budget-friendly installments.
Does sedation dentistry have side effects?
Side effects are usually mild. You may feel groggy for a few hours. Some people experience dry mouth, light nausea, or headaches. These effects fade as the sedation wears off. However, avoid alcohol, driving, or operating machinery for at least 24 hours.
How much does sedation dentistry cost in Glenview, IL?
Costs vary depending on the type of sedation, treatment duration, and your individual needs. We’ll provide a cost breakdown after an in-office consultation. Rest assured, we won’t proceed until you are clear on costs.
Who offers oral sedation near me in Glenview, IL?
Don't let dental fear take control of your oral health. Make dental visits manageable and even enjoyable with sedation dentistry at Smile Today Dental. Call 847-440-3331 and schedule your appointment today. We proudly serve new and returning patients from Glenview, Des Plaines, Niles, Park Ridge, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette, and surrounding areas.
Dr. Evelyn Kidonakis has been treating patients for over 30 years. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago College and its School of Dentistry and the Levin, Crabtree, and Practice Growth Institute Programs. She is educated and has hands-on training in areas such as direct cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers and Lumineers, Invisalign orthodontics, occlusion, and facially-generated treatment planning. Dr. Kidonakis is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo has studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and New York University Langone Dental Medicine in San Diego, CA. She has received hands-on training in Botulinum toxin and training in Invisalign orthodontics. Dr. Yoo holds membership in the ADA, Chicago Dental Society, and Illinois State Dental Society and a Fellowship in the AGD.
