(907) 615-3700 3539 Thomas St., Fairbanks, AK 99709

Sedation Dentistry

Common Procedures | Preventive Care | Teeth for Life | Gum Disease | Pediatric Dentistry | Sedation Dentistry | Oral Cancer Screening | Emergency Dental Care

We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:

  • A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
  • A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
  • A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:

  • Treatment experience is more comfortable
  • Anesthetic may be more effective and last longer
  • Relaxed jaw muscles, less discomfort after treatment
  • Less fear or anxiety during treatment

Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.

I am nervous about being unconscious. What levels of sedation are available to me?

We offer mild sedation at our office. You will be relaxed but not unconscious.

  • Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. After your appointment, you must have someone available to drive you home.

How are sedatives administered?

  • Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription pill which, taken about 20 minutes before your appointment, will have you fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.

Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for you.