Sedation Dentistry in Stillwater, MN
Doctor Sara Cody Talks about Sedation Dentistry
Receive Carefree Dentistry With Sedation Options in Stillwater
Going to a dental visit is not everyone’s idea of a fun afternoon excursion. For some people, just thinking about setting foot in a dental office may send your heart racing and cause your palms to break out in a sweat. Not to worry, though, as the team at Lift Dental has you covered with our Stillwater sedation options. Sedation offers you all these benefits:
- A relaxing dental visit free from anxiety
- Comfortable dentistry if you have a sensitive gag reflex
- Lessened fear about future dental work
- A feeling of accomplishment that you’re taking care of your smile
Get the relaxing dental care you and your smile deserve. Call Lift Dental today at 651-439-4945 to schedule an appointment. Friendly, smiling faces will greet you warmly at each visit to our boutique dental office. Plus, we offer soft pillows, cozy blankets, heated aromatherapy towels, massaging chairs, and hand relaxation treatment – all designed to relieve your stress and help you unwind.
Dental Sedation Makes Beneficial Smile Care Possible
Not every patient can comfortably lie back while we work on their smiles. Some people get so nervous and fidgety that they put off dental care indefinitely. Others need an extended procedure or want to get several procedures completed at one time. For others, a sensitive gag reflex can make it hard to get the dental care they need.
Dental sedation can help in all these scenarios by making your treatment more comfortable. Over the years, we’ve been able to help countless patients relax using our sedation methods. There are many types of patients, so we offer you a choice of three great sedation options:
- Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide) – You’ll inhale this sweet-smelling gas through a small mask over your nose. In moments, you’ll begin to feel relaxed from head to toe as the sedative begins to take effect. Your arms and legs may even feel a big tingly. The effects will wear off quickly, however, and you’ll be able to drive yourself home safely.
- Minimal Oral Conscious Sedation – Dr. Cody will prescribe a small pill that you’ll take ahead of your treatment. It will put you in a completely relaxed state by the time your appointment begins. The effects will linger for several hours, so a friend or family member will need to drive you home.
- IV Sedation – This works well for lengthy or complicated procedures as it puts you into a dreamlike state. After your treatment, you may not remember much about your visit. Like oral sedation, you’ll want to arrange a ride home.
Don’t put off getting the care your smile needs to shine.
Call our office today at 651-439-4945 to learn more or book an appointment for your initial consultation.
We look forward to helping you smile a little brighter with sedation options in Stillwater!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation dentistry safe if I have high blood pressure or a heart condition?
Sedation dentistry can often be used safely for patients with high blood pressure or heart conditions, but it requires your dentist to know your full medical history and sometimes coordinate with your physician first. Certain types of sedation or medications may need adjustment depending on your condition and current treatments. Always share your complete health history, including all medications, before choosing a sedation option. Your dentist can help select the safest form of sedation for your specific health profile.
Is dental sedation safe during pregnancy?
Most elective sedation, especially oral conscious sedation and IV sedation, is generally avoided during pregnancy unless a dental emergency makes treatment urgent, since safety data on many sedatives during pregnancy is limited. Nitrous oxide is sometimes considered lower-risk but is still typically avoided in the first trimester as a precaution. Routine dental care, like cleanings and exams, remains safe and is actually recommended throughout pregnancy. Talk with both your dentist and OB-GYN before considering any sedation while pregnant.
Can children receive sedation dentistry, or is it adults-only?
Children can receive sedation dentistry, and it’s often used to help young or anxious patients get through longer procedures or multiple treatments more comfortably. Options and dosing are adjusted for a child’s age, weight, and health, and are typically more conservative than those for adult sedation. Nitrous oxide is commonly used first for kids since its effects wear off quickly. Ask your dental team whether sedation is recommended and appropriate for your child’s specific procedure.
How do I know which type of sedation (nitrous, oral, or IV) is right for me?
The right sedation option usually depends on your anxiety level, the length and complexity of your procedure, and your personal health history. Nitrous oxide suits mild anxiety and shorter visits since it wears off quickly, oral sedation offers deeper relaxation for moderate anxiety or longer appointments, and IV sedation is typically reserved for lengthy or complex procedures needing the deepest level of comfort. Your dentist will review your health history and treatment plan to recommend the safest, most appropriate option. A consultation is the best way to determine what fits your needs.
Do I need to avoid eating or drinking before oral or IV sedation?
Yes, most dentists recommend not eating or drinking anything, including water, for several hours before oral conscious or IV sedation, to reduce the risk of nausea or complications. Specific fasting instructions vary depending on the type of sedation and your dentist’s protocol. Always follow the exact instructions given by your dental team rather than general guidelines. Arriving on an empty stomach, as directed, helps your appointment go smoothly and safely.
Is it safe to take dental sedation if I'm on other prescription medications?
Many prescription medications can interact with dental sedatives, so it’s important to give your dentist a complete, current list of everything you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications, like some blood thinners, sedatives, or blood pressure drugs, may require special precautions or dosage adjustments. Your dentist may also consult with your physician for complex medical situations. Never adjust or stop a prescribed medication on your own before a dental appointment without your doctor’s guidance.
How long before I can drive or return to work after oral conscious sedation wears off?
Oral conscious sedation effects can last several hours, so most patients need someone else to drive them home and should plan to rest for the remainder of that day rather than returning to work or driving. Some grogginess or impaired judgment can persist even after you feel mostly normal. Most people are back to their regular routine, including work and driving, by the next day. Follow your dentist’s specific post-sedation instructions, since recovery time can vary by individual and dose.
Where can I find a sedation dentist near Stillwater, MN, for dental anxiety?
Lift Dental, led by Dr. Sara Cody, DDS, offers nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation for anxious patients in Stillwater, MN, and the surrounding St. Croix Valley, including Bayport and Lake Elmo. The office is located at 124 2nd Street S in downtown Stillwater. Call 651-439-4945 or book online to discuss sedation options for your next visit.
