Do You Experience Dental Anxiety? Sedation Dentistry Can Help!

For many, dental anxiety is a significant barrier to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Common fears about visiting the dentist include worries about pain, bad past experiences, or embarrassment about oral health. These emotions often lead to missing out on essential treatments.

Common Reasons for Dental Anxiety

Fear of pain or needles
Negative past experiences at the dentist
A sensitive gag reflex
Difficulty sitting still for long periods
Extensive or complex procedures
Embarrassment about oral health conditions

Our Sedation Options in Plain City

Your Comfort, Your Choice

At Plain City Family Dental, we offer different levels of sedation tailored to your unique needs and comfort. Dr. Peter Mortenson and our experienced team ensure a personalized approach for every smile.

1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” offers a mild sedative effect that relaxes you while keeping you conscious.

Key Benefits

Induces a sense of calm and light euphoria.
Wears off quickly once the mask is removed.
Safe for children and adults alike.
Most patients can drive themselves home after treatment.

2. Oral Sedation

If you struggle with moderate to severe dental anxiety, oral sedation may be the best option. It involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before your appointment, helping you enter a deeply relaxed, drowsy state.

Key Benefits

It creates a deeper sense of tranquility compared to nitrous oxide.
Ideal for patients with higher levels of anxiety.
It often leaves patients with little to no memory of the procedure.
Enables the completion of multiple procedures in one visit.
Requires a trusted friend or family member to transport you to and from the office.

3. IV Sedation

IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, delivers sedative medication directly into the bloodstream through a vein. This technique offers a deeper level of relaxation and is commonly used for patients with severe dental anxiety or those undergoing complex procedures.

Key Benefits

It provides a profound level of sedation for maximum comfort.
It takes effect quickly and can be adjusted during the procedure for optimal results.
Ideal for longer or more invasive treatments.
Patients often have little to no memory of the procedure.
Requires assistance from a trusted companion for transportation to and from the appointment.

The Plain City Family Dental Sedation Process

At Plain City Family Dental, we focus on making every step of your dental care smooth and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect from our sedation dentistry process.

1. Initial Consultation

Share your concerns and dental history with Dr. Mortenson.
We’ll select the best sedation option based on your anxiety levels and treatment plan.
Get detailed explanations for full transparency and peace of mind.

2. During Your Appointment

Begin with relaxation techniques and comforting amenities like noise-canceling headphones and ceiling TVs.
Your dentist carefully administers sedation according to your chosen method.
Your safety is our priority; we continuously monitor vital signs throughout the procedure.

3. After Your Appointment

You are then provided with clear post-sedation instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
For oral sedation, a loved one should assist with your safe departure and supervise your rest for the day.

Why Choose Plain City Family Dental for Sedation Dentistry?

Your Partner in Comfortable Dental Care

Choosing a dental office isn’t just about convenience; it’s about finding a partner who prioritizes your comfort. Here’s why Plain City Family Dental stands out.

Compassionate & Understanding Team: We listen without judgment, supporting patients at every step of the process.
Skilled Sedation Experts: Dr. Mortenson and our staff are trained to administer sedation safely and effectively.
Comprehensive Comfort Amenities: From warmed anesthetics to noise-canceling headphones, your visit will feel like a 5-star experience.
Tailored Care Plans: Your sedation plan is as unique as your smile, creating personalized solutions for any procedure.
Advanced Technology: Cutting-edge tools like Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) allow precision procedures designed for patient comfort.

A Trusted Local Practice

Proudly serving the Plain City community, Plain City Family Dental is your home for friendly, gentle care. When you’re here, you’re family.

Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry

We understand you may have lingering concerns. Here are answers to a few FAQs about sedation dentistry.

Q: Am I asleep during sedation dentistry?

A: That depends on the level of sedation you choose. With nitrous oxide, you’ll stay relaxed but fully awake. You’ll feel drowsy with oral sedation and may briefly fall asleep; however, we’ll wake you as needed. IV sedation will put you completely to sleep.

Q: Is sedation dentistry safe?

A: Yes, sedation is very safe, especially in the hands of trained professionals like those at Plain City Family Dental. We comprehensively review your medical history and closely monitor you before, during, and after the procedure.

Q: How long do the effects of sedation last?

A: Nitrous oxide effects fade within minutes after treatment. The effect of Oral and IV sedation lasts a few hours, so you’ll need a companion to help you home and supervise you while you rest.

Q: Will I remember anything?

A: It depends on the sedation type. Nitrous oxide keeps you alert, so you’ll recall most of the visit. Oral sedation often leaves patients with little to no memory, which can help reduce anxiety for future appointments. With IV sedation, you will have no memory of the event afterward.

Q: What is the cost of sedation dentistry?

A: Costs vary depending on your sedation choice and the procedure’s complexity. We offer transparent pricing and work with insurance to maximize your benefits.

Laughing gas is $45 per appointment.

Oral sedation is $200 per appointment.

IV sedation pricing depends on the length of the appointment and the rates of the local anesthesiologist monitoring your sedation. It typically costs ~$500 for the first hour.