Our 3 Locations
Sedation Dentistry
Peak Family Dental Sedation Dentistry
Dental phobia and anxiety can prevent many patients from seeking the dental care they need. However, avoiding regular treatment can have devastating effects on their oral health. It is of the utmost importance that you undergo necessary care to prevent further damage, decay, or more costly procedures in the future. Fortunately, at Peak Family Dental Care, we provide sedation dentistry so that our patients can relax during procedures. Sedation can benefit many patients including children, special needs patients, or those with claustrophobia. Your best interest is our priority, and we provide gentle, compassionate treatment in the most comfortable environment possible.
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Tailored to Your Needs
Sedation dentistry uses anti-anxiety and other sedative medications to complete dental procedures. Sedation can be used to help patients relax during treatment and each type of sedation has different effects. We offer our patients three types of sedation.
Pain Relief
Sedation will relieve your anxiety and fear of discomfort but does not relieve pain. To ensure your comfort, we will also provide a local anesthetic. Local anesthesia is typically injected at the procedure site to prevent sensation in that part of the mouth or face. Sedation and a local anesthetic are typically paired together for optimal results.
After Your Treatment
The safety of our patients is very important to us. If you are planning to undergo oral conscious or IV sedation, you will need to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home from your appointment. You should avoid operating any heavy machinery for 24 hours and contact us in case of any side effects.
Best Candidates for Sedation Dentistry
While sedation is most commonly provided to patients with dental anxiety, candidates for sedation dentistry may also include:
- Patients with a strong gag reflex
- Special needs patients
- Children
- Patients undergoing oral surgery
- Those with a fear of needles
- Patients unable to remain sitting for long periods of time
By allowing patients sit comfortably during their procedures, sedation can make visiting the dentist easier and allow you to regularly maintain your oral health. This proven technique can also help those who need to undergo multiple treatments in one visit or lengthy procedures such as dental implant placement. Your doctor can help you determine if you or a loved one should receive sedation and which type will be best suited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. Our dentists in Cottonwood, Flagstaff, and Sedona carefully evaluate each patient's health history before recommending any sedative option. For IV sedation, we bring in a board-certified dental anesthesiologist to ensure the highest level of safety and precision.
Will I be unconscious during my procedure?
Not necessarily. Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation keep you awake but relaxed, while IV sedation induces a deeper state where most patients have little to no memory of the procedure.
How do I know which type of sedation is right for me?
Your doctor will discuss your anxiety level, medical history, and the procedure you need during a consultation. From there, you will receive a personalized recommendation for the sedation option that best fits your situation.
Can children receive sedation dentistry?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is well-suited for younger patients who have difficulty sitting still or feel anxious about dental visits. Our team takes special care to ensure children are comfortable and safe throughout their treatment.
Will my insurance cover sedation?
Coverage varies by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your appointment to understand your benefits. Our team is also happy to help you navigate your options.
How should I prepare for a sedation appointment?
Your doctor will provide specific pre-appointment instructions based on the type of sedation you receive. In general, plan to have a trusted adult drive you home if you are receiving oral conscious or IV sedation.
Gentle, safe sedation can help you relax and remain comfortable during your treatment.
Further Improvements for Your Comfort
Pain is not an option for our patients. We believe that dental appointments can be a positive experience when the right measures are taken. In addition to sedation and local anesthetic, our doctors and the entire team are devoted to making your feel comfortable throughout your entire visit.
For many procedures, we can use the Solea® laser to provide gentle, virtually painless care. The Solea laser can replace the need for a dental drill, eliminating painful vibrations and friction as well as harsh sounds. Laser dentistry has allowed us to complete procedures without the need for anesthesia or sutures, reduce treatment times, and significantly improve your overall experience.
Experience Comfortable Care
If you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry and the types we offer, visit us at one of our locations today. We are committed to treating our patients as we would our own family members through comfortable, anxiety-free care.