What to expect with dental sedation?
Gentle, Stress-Free Dentistry With Sedation
For many patients, the thought of going to the dentist brings on feelings of anxiety or fear. Whether due to past experiences, a sensitive gag reflex or nervousness about dental procedures in general, this kind of stress can make it hard to seek the care you need. At Total Dental Care, we understand and we’re here to help. As a leading dentist in Pekin IL, we offer safe, effective dental sedation options that help our patients feel relaxed, calm and in control throughout their appointments. If you’re considering sedation, you may be wondering what to expect with dental sedation. Let’s walk through how it works, what kinds we offer and how we use it to create a positive, comfortable experience from the moment you walk in.
Calmer Dental Experience Starts With The Right Environment
At Total Dental Care, we know that the foundation for stress-free dental care starts before sedation is even discussed. Our office is designed to feel warm and welcoming, not clinical or intimidating. From the front desk to the treatment chair, our team is committed to making you feel comfortable, respected and at ease. Our providers take time to answer your questions, explain your options and ensure you feel in control of your treatment plan. Sedation isn’t about “knocking you out” or making you unaware. It’s about helping you stay calm and comfortable while we do the work that keeps your smile healthy.
What Is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation refers to medications used to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s often called “sleep dentistry,” though in most cases, you remain awake and able to respond during treatment. Sedation is especially helpful for patients who:
- Experience dental anxiety or fear
- Have a low pain threshold or sensitive teeth
- Need multiple procedures at once
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Have a strong gag reflex
At Total Dental Care, we specialize in two types of sedation that are safe, proven and easy to administer: inhalation conscious sedation and oral sedation.
Inhalation Conscious Sedation
You may know this as laughing gas. Inhalation conscious sedation is a mild form of sedation administered through a small mask placed over your nose. You breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, which induces a relaxed, slightly euphoric state within minutes. Here is what to expect:
- You stay awake and can respond to your dentist
- You may feel light, calm or even a little giggly
- You’ll still be aware of what’s happening, but you won’t feel anxious
- The effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed
- Most patients can drive themselves home afterward
Inhalation sedation is ideal for patients with mild anxiety or those undergoing shorter procedures. It’s gentle, non-invasive and can be adjusted throughout your visit to suit your comfort level.
Oral Sedation
For patients who need a deeper sense of calm, or who have moderate to severe dental anxiety, oral sedation may be the best choice. This involves taking a prescribed sedative pill, usually from the benzodiazepine family, about an hour before your appointment. Here is what to expect:
- You’ll feel deeply relaxed, but still awake
- You may feel drowsy or groggy, and some patients don’t remember the procedure afterward
- You’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment
- The calming effects can last for several hours after treatment
Oral sedation is effective for longer procedures or for patients who have put off care due to fear or past trauma. It’s a safe way to take the edge off without turning to general anesthesia.
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
Yes. Both inhalation and oral sedation are considered extremely safe when administered by trained professionals. At Total Dental Care, our team is certified and experienced in sedation dentistry. We review your health history in detail, monitor your vitals during the procedure and ensure you’re fully informed before moving forward. If you have any chronic conditions or take prescription medications, we’ll work closely with you and your physician (if needed) to determine the safest sedation method for your situation.
What Happens During A Sedation Appointment?
Here’s how a typical sedation visit might go at Total Dental Care:
- For oral sedation, you’ll be given detailed instructions on when to take your medication and how to prepare before your appointment
- For nitrous oxide, there’s no prep needed. Just show up a few minutes early to get settled
- You’ll be guided to a treatment room in our calming, comfortable environment
- Sedation is administered, and once you’re relaxed, we begin treatment
- We monitor you closely to ensure your safety and comfort
- With nitrous oxide, you’ll recover quickly after your appointment and may resume normal activities
- With oral sedation, you’ll rest at home for several hours and need assistance getting there
- You may feel tired afterward, but most patients are surprised at how easy and painless the experience feels
How Sedation Supports Long-Term Oral Health
Dental anxiety is more common than people realize. Avoiding the dentist due to fear often leads to larger issues down the road. Sedation dentistry helps break that cycle by making dental care more approachable and less stressful. At Total Dental Care, we’ve helped countless patients who were once afraid to schedule even a cleaning. With sedation, they’ve been able to take care of neglected issues, complete treatments they once feared and finally feel at peace in the dental chair.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
Choosing the right dentist in Pekin IL means finding someone who not only provides excellent care but also understands your needs as a patient. At Total Dental Care, we believe that fear should never stand in the way of a healthy, confident smile. Our sedation options, combined with a compassionate approach and a peaceful office environment, make it easier than ever to get the dental care you deserve.
Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just want to learn more about what to expect with dental sedation, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call us today at
309-347-7055 or visit www.pekintotaldentalcare.com to schedule your consultation.