Does dental anxiety keep you from getting the care you know you need? In that case, sedation could be a great option for you.
Sedation dentistry uses safe, prescription oral medications to help you feel deeply relaxed throughout your dental procedure — no anxiety, just calm.
The benefits go beyond simply taking the edge off. Most patients leave with little to no memory of their time in the chair, meaning the sights, sounds, and smells that once triggered fear simply don’t register. For anyone who has put off dental care because of anxiety, that’s a game-changer.
Time also moves differently under sedation — hours can feel like minutes. That means your dentist can work more efficiently and accomplish more in a single visit, reducing the number of appointments you need overall. Whether you’re coming in for crowns, extractions, dentures, fillings, gum care, whitening, bonding, or a routine cleaning, sedation dentistry lets you get it all done comfortably, on your schedule.
Your experience begins with a consultation and health history review, giving Dr. Rickabaugh everything he needs to build a treatment plan tailored specifically to you — including the right sedation medications and dosages for your situation.
From there, the process is simple. You’ll typically receive a prescription pill to take the night before your appointment and again about an hour before you arrive. By the time you walk through the door — accompanied by a companion who will drive you — you’ll already feel relaxed and at ease. Dr. Rickabaugh will then administer any additional medication needed to keep you comfortable throughout your treatment.
Sedation dentistry benefits people who have:
Dental Anxiety or Fear
If the thought of sitting in the dental chair fills you with dread, sedation dentistry can help you finally get the care you need — comfortably and without the stress.
Past Traumatic Dental Experiences
A bad experience in the past shouldn’t define your dental care forever. Sedation gives you the chance to start fresh with a calm, positive visit.
Difficulty Getting Numb
Some patients need more than a standard local anesthetic to feel comfortable. Sedation works alongside numbing agents to ensure you don’t feel a thing.
Extremely Sensitive Teeth
Heightened tooth sensitivity can make even routine care feel unbearable. Sedation reduces your awareness so treatment feels like nothing at all.
Extensive Dental Work Needed
If you have a lot of work to catch up on, sedation allows Dr. Rickabaugh to complete multiple procedures in a single visit — saving you time and repeated trips.
A Strong Gag Reflex
An overactive gag reflex can make dental work difficult for both patient and dentist. Sedation relaxes the reflex so treatment can proceed smoothly.
Sensitivity to Sights, Sounds, and Smells
The sounds of instruments, clinical smells, and bright overhead lights can be overwhelming for some patients. Under sedation, these triggers simply fade away.
Self-Consciousness About Dental Health
There’s no judgment here — only care. Sedation helps patients who feel embarrassed about the state of their teeth relax and focus on moving forward.
Here at Rosehill Dentistry, we offer a couple options for sedation depending on what is the right fit for you:
The sedative works to put you in a semi-conscious state, so you are unaware and unable to remember the events happening around you, although you can still respond to your dentist’s requests.
When the sedative takes effect, our patients generally feel extremely relaxed, similar to a dream-like state of mind. Following the procedure, most say they didn’t even realize how much time had passed and that their appointment was already over.
Before the appointment:
After the appointment there will be a short period where you will be allowed to recover and must be fully alert before you are released to your companion. You may feel a little drowsy when you come around, so you will need to take it easy for the rest of the day. If you received oral conscious sedation, your companion will be responsible for driving you home.
It can take 24 hours for the medication to leave your body, so avoid alcohol and take any medication prescribed as directed. Also, avoid driving and strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
No. You will be in an extremely relaxed state and will most likely not remember the appointment. However, you will be conscious and responsive the entire time.
Yes, at all times. Your vital signs will be taken throughout the sedation appointment. One of our team members will always be with you.
Yes, you will need a companion to drive you to and from your appointment if you are receiving oral conscious sedation.
If you are receiving nitrous oxide sedation, you do not need a companion to drive you.
Each person’s recovery time is different based on their body as well as the medications and dosages used. Plan on relaxing at home for the remainder of the day after your appointment. Have your companion stay with you until you’re fully recovered.
We are happy to help you book an appointment or answer your questions. Please fill out our contact form and we will get back to you shortly!
