Skip to main content

Sedation Dentistry: What to Know and Expect

Written By Dental Center of Scottsdale on June 11, 2022

happy dental patient

Sedation dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ is the process of using a safe, gentle sedative to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in patients who are very nervous about having dental work done. Sedation dentistry is not anesthesia, and does not render a patient unconscious. Instead, it calms you down so that you won’t feel as stressed out and the procedure won’t seem traumatic. If you’re curious about sedation dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ, keep reading to learn more about what to expect. 

When is Sedation Dentistry Recommended? 

Sedation dentistry is recommended by us and many dentists when a patient has severe or extreme dental anxiety that may affect the success of a lengthy dental procedure. It is also sometimes recommended for young patients who have difficulty staying still, for patients with a severe gag reflex, and for patients with sensitive gums and teeth.

What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry? 

The most significant benefit of sedation dentistry is that it allows you to have dental work done without stress or anxiety. Other benefits are:

  • Reduces discomfort
  • Makes procedures feel shorter
  • Reduces recovery time
  • Allows for lengthier procedures
  • Makes dental care easier on younger patients
  • Prevents trauma

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe? 

Yes, sedation dentistry is completely safe. It is a gentle and effective way to calm the nerves of patients of all ages. 

What to Expect from Sedation Dentistry

When you opt for sedation dentistry with us in Scottsdale, AZ, we will have you arrive about an hour early in order to administer the sedation. Once it is in effect, one of our dentists will begin the dental procedure. 

The length of the procedure itself depends on the extent of the work you’re having done, but we will let you know ahead of time what to expect. After the procedure, you may need to wait a little while to ensure the sedation is wearing off effectively. You should arrange to have a ride to and from the dentist’s office. You should not return to work, drive, or engage in physical activity until the sedation has fully worn off, which may be several hours.

Is Sedation Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ Right for You? 

If you’re curious about whether sedation dentistry is right for you, ask our dentists in Scottsdale, AZ at the Dental Center of Scottsdale. We offer three types of safe, effective sedation dentistry techniques to help patients of all ages relax before their dental procedure. 

Call us today or schedule an appointment online.


Posted In: Sedation Dentistry