St. Clair Shores
Sedation Dentistry

Stay comfortable, relieve anxiety

sedation Dentistry

If you have dental anxiety, or you are in need of extensive dental surgery, Dr. Cassleman will help you feel calm and comfortable at St. Clair Tooth Co. We offer sedation dentistry options for every treatment to help you relax in the dentist’s chair and get the treatment you need to preserve your oral health. Call our St. Clair Shores office today to learn more about our sedation options.

Can i be sedated

During my appointment?

Yes! If you are free of any health issues that would prevent sedation from being administered, you can be sedated during any treatment at our office. Many patients with dental anxiety choose sedation because it helps them stay calm throughout their procedure. However, sedation is also often chosen by those with other issues like a strong gag reflex or a fear of needles.

Relax in the dentist's chair

with oral sedation

Oral sedation is taken in pill form about an hour before your procedure. This medication will make you feel groggy and calm, and you might even fall asleep during your procedure. However, if you choose oral conscious sedation, you cannot drive yourself home after your appointment, since the effects don’t wear off immediately. Make sure to a ride home from our St. Clair Shores office! You may also feel more groggy, or experience side effects like a headache or nausea, in some cases.

The benefits

of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry has a number of great benefits. These options make it easier for patients with dental anxiety to get the oral care they need and it can reduce feelings of fear and anxiousness before dental surgery. Sedation can even allow Dr. Cassleman to work faster because patients who are sedated will not react as strongly to various sensations throughout the procedure. This is particularly true with younger children, who may have a tendency to squirm and difficulties sitting still for long periods of time.

Is Dental Sedation Safe?

Dental sedation is considered safe when administered by a board-certified experienced professional. However, not everyone is considered a good candidate for sedation. This is why we review your medical history and any medications that you are currently taking to determine your level of risk. 
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There are different levels of sedation, ranging from mild to deep. On the mild end of the spectrum, nitrous oxide is considered the safest option with oral conscious sedation being the second safest. 
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As you are put into a deeper state of sedation, such as being put to sleep, this carries more risks and requires more monitoring. As highly experienced professionals, we have the tools available to monitor your vitals while you are being sedated and can respond quickly in the event of an unlikely emergency.

How Is Sedation Used

For Patients With Anxiety? 

Dental sedation has many benefits but by far its most common usage is in treating patients with significant dental anxiety. Patients may feel apprehensive about going to the dentist because of past dental trauma, a fear of needles, or just general feelings of fear in medical settings.
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Sedation enables us to make the patient feel calm and relaxed while your St. Clair Shores dentist can get more done during the appointment with a cooperative patient who feels at ease. Oral conscious sedation is a very effective and safe sedative that is taken about an hour before a patient’s appointment. 
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It typically takes about an hour to kick in. Once the sedative has taken effect, you will feel relaxed and sleepy while negative feelings of anxiety, stress, and worry all dissipate. The sedative will also reduce sensations of pain and suppress a sensitive gag reflex. 
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While you will feel sleepy, you will remain completely conscious and aware during the appointment. If the dentist asks you a question, you’ll be able to respond. Some patients may fall asleep but can be easily woken. You are unlikely to remember the procedure after the sedative has worn off which can be preferable for those with anxiety.

Can Anyone Be Sedated At The Dentist?

No, as previously mentioned, we review your medical history to determine if you would make a good candidate for dental sedation. Those with certain medical conditions such as sleep apnea, respiratory diseases, or bronchitis are not good candidates, nor are pregnant or breastfeeding women. 
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Other factors that may affect your eligibility include old age, allergies to the sedative, taking medications that can interfere with the sedative, or even just having a stuffy nose (when the sedative is administered through a nasal mask).
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A good candidate is someone who is in good overall health, is not of advanced age, pregnant, or breastfeeding, and suffers from dental anxiety.

Caring, Gentle Dentistry

Contact us for a consultation today

Whether you suffer from dental anxiety, have a strong gag reflex, or will be undergoing dental surgery, we offer expert sedation dentistry services at St. Clair Tooth Co. To learn more and schedule an appointment, contact us at (586) 404-4911, or come to our office at 21321 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.