Sedation Dental Care
For many people, visiting the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether it's due to a past negative experience, fear of pain, or general dental anxiety, these feelings can make it difficult to seek necessary dental care. Fortunately, LAT Dentistry offers minimal sedation dentistry: a comfortable and stress-free solution.
What Is Minimal Sedation Dentistry?
Minimal sedation, is a light to moderate form of sedation that helps patients feel relaxed We achieve this through: Oral sedation (a small pill taken the night before the appointment and the day of the appointment).
Unlike deep sedation or general anesthesia, minimal sedation keeps you conscious and able to communicate with your dentist, making it a safe and effective option for many patients. Many patients will also have some amount of “fog” when remembering the procedure afterwards, allowing people to form positive associations with dental care!
The Benefits of Minimal Sedation Dentistry
1. Reduces Anxiety and Fear
One of the biggest advantages of minimal sedation is that it helps ease dental anxiety. Patients who might normally avoid the dentist due to fear can feel calm and at ease throughout their visit.
2. Enhances Comfort
Minimal sedation reduces sensitivity to pain and helps prevent discomfort during procedures, making even routine cleanings or fillings a more pleasant experience.
3. Makes Treatment Feel Faster
Many patients report that their appointment seems to go by quickly under minimal sedation. This is especially helpful for longer procedures or multiple treatments in one visit.
4. Helps with Gag Reflex
If you have a sensitive gag reflex, sedation can relax the muscles in your throat, making dental procedures much easier.
5. Encourages Regular Dental Visits
Because sedation dentistry helps patients feel more comfortable, it can encourage better oral health habits by reducing the fear of returning for future visits.
What to Expect During Your Visit
If you're considering minimal sedation for your next dental appointment, here's what you can expect:
Consultation: Dr. Thorn will review your medical history and discuss the best sedation option for you.
Preparation: If taking oral sedation, you’ll be instructed to take the medication properly the night before your appointment and the morning of your appointment. We ask all sedation patients be driven to and from the office, arrive 30 min – 1 hr early to take the AM pill in office, and ideally avoid eating a heavy meal ahead of the appointment.
Relaxation Begins: You’ll feel calm, light-headed, and at ease within minutes.
Comfortable Procedure: While awake, you’ll remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the treatment. You’ll be able to respond to questions and advocate for your needs, and at the same time, you’ll feel extremely calm.
Recovery: Oral sedation wears off within several hours, so many people will typically go home to rest afterwards. We encourage all oral sedation patients to not make any important decisions, drive a vehicle, and avoid purchases/payments the day of sedation.
Is Minimal Sedation Right for You?
Minimal sedation is a great option for patients who experience:
✅ Mild to moderate dental anxiety
✅ Fear of needles or dental tools
✅ A strong gag reflex
✅ Discomfort sitting through lengthy procedures
If you’ve been avoiding the dentist due to fear or anxiety, minimal sedation could help you take control of your oral health and enjoy a stress-free dental experience.
Ready to Experience Stress-Free Dentistry?
If you’d like to learn more about minimal sedation and whether it’s right for you, contact our office today!
A comfortable, anxiety-free dental visit is just one appointment away.
