Sedation Dentistry

If you have dental anxiety or are otherwise nervous about dental treatment, sedation dentistry can help. Many residents in and around Lakewood, Ohio, rely on Niki Cochran, DDS, of CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki, for compassionate dental care, including sedation dentistry services. Online booking is fast and easy, or you can always call during regular business hours.

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a condition characterized by feelings of fear, excessive worry, or anxiety surrounding dental care. It’s more common than you might think and affects both children and adults. 

Some people develop dental anxiety after a negative experience in the dental chair. For others, pervasive negative portrayals of dental care in movies and on television create a sense of dread at the mere thought of seeing a dentist.

If you find yourself delaying or going without routine dental care because of these kinds of negative thoughts, you might have dental anxiety. It’s important to find a way to make dental visits more comfortable so you can get the preventive and restorative care you need. 

How can sedation dentistry help with dental anxiety?

Sedation dentistry is an approach that makes it easier for people with dental anxiety to meet their dental health needs. It relies on medication to help you relax before and during your visit.

Your dentist provides a prescription for medication that makes you feel relaxed and a bit sleepy. You’ll still be able to respond to instructions, but you’ll experience a sensation of deep relaxation throughout your visit. 

With sedation dentistry, many people can have multiple treatments performed during the same visit. This cuts down on the number of times you need to come into the office and combines the recovery process.  

How does sedation dentistry work?

The first step involves letting CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki know you have dental anxiety and want to explore sedation dentistry. Dr. Niki has years of experience helping people move beyond their dental anxiety and is here to assist. 

On the day of your visit, take your medication as prescribed. Be sure to have someone bring you to your appointment and drive you home, as it is unsafe to drive while taking sedative medications. 

Expect to feel relaxed and calm during your visit. You can even listen to music during your treatment and may even briefly fall asleep. Once your treatment is complete, you can head home to recover. Dr. Niki explains what to expect before your treatment so you have all the information needed to make your recovery as smooth as possible. 

To explore sedation dentistry in more detail, book your visit with CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki online or over the phone today. 

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