Functional – Seamless – Natural-Looking

Sedation

Patients suffer anxiety at the mere thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair can rest comfortably during an appointment at our office. Our team offers relaxation dentistry including: intravenous (IV) conscious relaxation, oral sedatives, and local anesthetic. Make Dentistry Relaxing!

Sedation Options

Many people avoid going to the dentist because they experienced traumatic care as a child, suffered painful procedures as an adult, or are influenced by the stereotypes they see on TV and movies. Even when they experience warning signs like pain in the mouth, many people avoid seeking treatment because of the fear they experience. At our office we understand these feelings and want to help. Whether you just need a routine cleaning or a brand-new smile, we offer sedation dentistry to make your experience comfortable and relaxing.

Girl smiling at dentist

A Path Free From Fear!

Sedation dentistry is used by many dentists to provide a relaxing, calming experience for patients who are afraid of going to the dentist and/or having dental procedures performed. There are many forms of sedation that can be administered in a variety of ways offering us the flexibility of three levels of sedation – minimal, moderate, and deep – depending on the level of anxiety the patient experiences.

Oral Sedation

Our office offers oral sedation dentistry. Oral sedation dentistry allows us to relieve anxiety without the use of needles or intravenous tubes. Additionally, patients who traditionally have trouble getting numb have no problem when sedated and relaxed.

About an hour prior to the appointment, the patient will be asked to take a small pill that will make he/she drowsy. By the time a companion accompanies the patient to our office for the appointment, the patient will be feeling relaxed and calm. We will escort him/her to a comfortable room and cover him/her with a warm, thick blanket.

Once the patient is comfortable and completely relaxed, the doctor and experienced clinical team will complete the dental procedure. During the entire procedure, the patient’s vital signs will be monitored to ensure their health and safety. After the treatment is completed, the companion will take the patient home to rest and sleep for a couple of hours after the appointment.

Asian woman puts her hand on her mouth and feels toothache; against isolated background
Dental laser being used on a patient

Intravenous (IV) Conscious Sedation

IV Conscious Sedation is an effective technique for managing moderate to severe dental anxiety. While not as readily available in most dental offices, we believe it is a valuable tool for ensuring a patient’s complete relaxation during a procedure they would not ordinarily have had done due to extreme fear.

Prior to the procedure, drugs are administered intravenously. Drugs administered by IV are far more effective than those taken orally because the doctor can control exactly how much is administered directly into the blood stream.

During the procedure, monitoring devices are placed on the patient to monitor their heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, and breathing. The patient will be awake through the whole procedure, allowing the dentist to give them directions, which they will be able to follow. However, the medications administered during IV conscious sedation leave the patient with amnesia of the procedure. The patient will remember nothing about their experience!

In order to provide IV Conscious Sedation dentistry, specialized advanced training and certification by the state Board of Dental Examiners was required and completed.

Local Anesthetic

For certain dental procedures, your dentist will need to numb parts of your mouth. In order to do so, medicine is injected into your gum or inner cheek. This medicine is called a local anesthetic.

Lidocaine is the most common local anesthetic used in dentistry, however, there are many others. All types of numbing drugs are combined with other medications to make the numbing last longer. Numbing usually lasts several hours but wears off over time.

Numbing just the area where dentistry needs to be performed allows the dentist to perform procedures without pain or discomfort. Because you are still conscious, you can answer prompts and commands quickly and easily. And, because you have not been sedated, you can usually drive yourself home or go back to work immediately after the appointment.

Girl laying in dental chair

Comfortable – Caring – Comprehensive

You May Be A Candidate

Candidates for Sedation Dentistry include people who have:

  • High fear
  • Had traumatic dental experiences
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A bad gag reflex
  • Very sensitive teeth
  • Limited time to complete their dental care
  • Complex dental problems
  • A fear of needles and shots
  • An aversion to the noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental care
  • Fear or embarrassment about their teeth

Dr. Thomas Bilski offers a variety of oral health solutions. Whether your mouth is in need of gum recession treatment or you wish to replace missing teeth with dental implants, Dr. Thomas Bilski in Independence, OH can provide you with what you need. Schedule an appointment to visit our office today.

Testimonials

Linda S.
“Initial visit, Everything was explained in layman terms. Great also to have someone to explain about insurance, even better than our benefits manager.”
Gayle S.
“Very friendly, great dental services and PAIN FREE!! Everyone made me feel comfortable. Dr Bilski Was thorough and completed everything in one appointment. It feels great. I would recommend him wholeheartedly!”
Tom E.
“High quality service. I got two fillings replaced and didn’t feel a single thing. It was a great experience with a friendly staff. I have gotten much work done there and will continue to do so.”