Smooth & Comfortable Procedures With Sedation Dentistry
At Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry, our talented Belvidere dental team understands that dental anxiety is a serious issue that can cause patients to avoid visiting the dentist and do lasting harm. To help you feel safe and comfortable, we offer sedation dentistry options that can help combat dental anxiety, so you get the dental care you deserve.
Dental anxiety, or dental phobia is an extreme nervousness or fear of the dentist, which can occur for a variety of reasons such as negative past experiences, or widely held stereotypes about the dental field. Regardless of the reason, if you experience dental anxiety, it may be stopping you from getting the dental care you need. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry to our patients in the Belvidere/Rockford area.
To learn more about our sedation dentistry services, read our patient friendly guide below.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the practice of safely using sedatives to help patients relax during dental visits. When you’re comfortable and relaxed during your visit, procedures go by quicker and you’re less likely to skip an appointment.
With sedation dentistry, we can help you overcome your anxieties and phobia, no matter where they come from or how intense they may be. Our Belvidere dentists will help you learn more about our available sedation dentistry options during your consultation. At Chapko and Shah Modern Dentistry, we offer three different forms of dental sedation for your convenience.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the most commonly used form of sedation dentistry. It takes the form of a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable gas that produces feelings of giddiness and euphoria, hence the nickname ‘laughing gas’.
You’ll inhale nitrous oxide through a mask shortly before your procedure and it will begin taking effect almost immediately. Nitrous oxide also produces a mild anesthetizing effect that can be used on its own or alongside a more powerful anesthetic for more invasive, complicated procedures. While laughing gas will relax you, it’s not designed to put you to sleep.
You may be a candidate for nitrous oxide sedation if:
- You have to drive yourself home
- You want a sedative that works and wears off quickly
- You don’t like needles
- You may not remember to swallow a pill
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation takes the form of a pill that you swallow before your procedure. It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes for oral conscious sedation to kick in, so by the time you arrive, the sedative should be working. With oral sedation, you’ll be conscious during your treatment but you won’t remember many details as your sensations will be extremely dulled.
Depending on your procedure, you may also have an anesthetic prescribed that you’ll take alongside your sedative. Much like laughing gas, oral conscious sedation isn’t designed to put you to sleep. However, unlike laughing gas, the effects of oral conscious sedation can last up to 24 hours before they fully wear off.
You may be a candidate for oral conscious sedation if:
- You don’t like needles or laughing gas
- You can secure a reliable ride to and from your appointment
- You can take time off to recover
IV Sedation
IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, is administered by injecting the sedative directly into your veins. Because the sedative goes directly into your bloodstream, it takes effect almost immediately and can last as long as 24 to 48 hours after your initial dosage is administered.
This form of sedation will put you in a “twilight sleep,” meaning that you’ll be awake and responsive but in a deep state of relaxation. You’ll have little to no memory of your procedure when you come out of IV sedation.
You may be a candidate for IV sedation if:
- You’re not likely to remember to swallow a pill
- You don’t like laughing gas
- You can take time off to recover
- You can secure reliable transportation to and from your appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of your sedation dentistry services will depend on a number of factors. These factors include the form of sedation chosen and how long the procedure lasts. If you have any questions about our sedation dentistry services and their costs, don’t hesitate to call our Belvidere office at (815) 544-5144 where one of our team members will be happy to assist you.
Thanks to advancements in dental technology, sedation dentistry is safer than ever. Rest assured that our team at Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry are trained in safe and effective sedation techniques and will monitor you throughout your procedure. Your dentist will also be sure to review your medical history beforehand for factors that can negatively influence the use of sedation.
You may need to consult your primary care provider before undergoing sedation if you experience any of the following health problems:
- Cardiac disease
- Respiratory disease
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
Unfortunately, most basic dental insurance plans don’t cover sedation, in spite of the benefits it offers. To help make your sedation option more affordable, Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry does offer third party financing through CareCredit and Wells Fargo. For more information about the cost of sedation dentistry services, call our Belvidere office at (815) 544-5144.
Typically, you’ll need to refrain from eating or drinking anything other than small sips of water at least six to eight hours before your procedure. During your consultation your dentist will give you more specific instructions on what to do before your procedure to avoid complications.
