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Beat Dental Anxiety And Get Needed Treatments With Sedation

Why do people sometimes fear going to the dentist? There are many possible reasons. Maybe a treatment at another dentist’s office was unusually painful or difficult. Maybe you just heard too many horror stories about different offices. No matter the source, dental anxiety can cause you to skip the dental treatments you need for a winning smile — and the longer you wait, the worse problems usually get. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry at our Alma, MI dental office.

What Is Conscious Sedation?

When some people think of sedation, they imagine getting medicine that puts them to sleep. While that sort of sedation exists, it’s usually not necessary for dental treatments. Sedation is used when you have anxiety or fear that can interfere with needed work, which is why we offer conscious sedation. This allows you to remain awake for the treatment and answer any questions or give feedback during it. Even though you’re awake, the sedation will remove the anxiety and concerns you have, allowing you to get through almost any treatment without a problem.

What Kinds Of Sedation Do You Offer?

At our office, we offer two kinds of sedation: nitrous oxide and oral medication.

  • Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is inhaled through a small mask that rests over your nose. You breathe normally, and the gas induces a feeling of relaxation and comfort. These effects wear off almost immediately after taking the mask off, meaning you will be able to drive yourself to and from our office.
  • Oral medication offers a deeper level of relaxation. It comes in pill form, and you take it one hour before your scheduled appointment. You’ll be relaxed and calm as with nitrous oxide, but more so. However, because oral medication is stronger, you cannot drive yourself to or from our office.

And although it’s not technically sedation, having a lavender-scented pillow during treatment can make a difference as well.

Is Your Staff Trained To Help?

Nitrous oxide and oral medication are great tools to help you relax, but sometimes all it takes is feeling welcomed and respected. The staff here at Mid-Michigan Dental Excellence knows this, and that’s why we go out of our way to give you the respect, warmth, and small-town charm that helps make any experience better. Our hygienists are gentle but thorough, and Dr. McDonald has an incredible chairside manner to help put you at ease.

How Much Will Sedation Cost?

We charge a flat fee of $200 for sedation dentistry. Some dental insurance plans will cover sedation in certain cases, while others will not. We recommend contacting your insurance company to clarify prior to your visit. All of our sedation appointments are set for 8:00 a.m. so we can get you in first and have the time necessary to ensure the sedation is working and you are comfortable before proceeding.

How Can Waterlase Help Ease My Fears?

The Waterlase dental laser replaces a lot of the most anxiety-inducing parts of dental appointments. It replaces the traditional dental drill in most cases, and it is virtually pain-free, which allows many patients to forgo needles and numbing. We can use Waterlase to help remove decay from a cavity, treat gum disease, or make cosmetic alterations, like contouring your teeth. All of this can be done while you rest comfortably!

For more information about how we can help you beat dental anxiety and get much-needed treatments, or to make your next appointment, call us at (989)-773-2133 or fill out our online form today.