Sedation Dentistry in Mequon

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is sometimes thought of as going to a dentist that puts you to sleep for treatment. In actuality, sedation dentists usually use methods that allow patients to stay awake during their dental work. General anesthesia is the only approach in which patients are unconscious. With other forms of sedation for dental treatment, you will feel calm and unbothered, but you will remain conscious. Dental sedation can be useful during routine tooth cleanings, and it can also help patients who need more involved treatments.

Why Do Patients Choose Sedation at the Dentist?

Dealing with dental anxiety is a challenge for many patients, and it can keep them from pursuing important dental care. Additionally, many dental patients are curious about how to avoid gagging at the dentist. Dental sedation can help patients deal with these concerns. With safe and effective sedation, you can feel calm and confident about receiving the dental care that you need.

What Types of Dental Sedation Are There?

Our office specializes in several types of sedation dentistry in Mequon. We can help you identify the sedation that will best suit your preferences.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is a safe, medically supervised way to help children sleep comfortably through dental treatment. Your child will be fully asleep while a specialized anesthesia team closely monitors their breathing, heart rate, and overall, well‑being the entire time. This option is helpful for little ones who feel anxious, have special healthcare needs, or need extensive dental work. By partnering with the expert team at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, we’re able to provide high‑quality dental care in a setting designed specifically for kids’ safety and comfort.

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is one of the most common gases used for dental and oral surgeries. Also known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that has been used in medicine for over 150 years. It is frequently used as a pain reliever during dentistry procedures and can be administered through a mask or nasal cannula.

IV Sedation Dentistry

The intravenous approach to sedation delivers the sedative directly into your bloodstream. The medication starts to work quite quickly, and your dentist can adjust the level as needed during your dental work. If you opt for conscious IV sedation dentistry, the medication will not knock you out, but it will help you feel comfortable. You may even be at-ease enough to take a short nap during the procedure. For more information, ask our dental team, "What is IV sedation dentistry?" We're happy to answer your questions about sedation for dental work.

Why Is Sleep Dentistry Beneficial for Patients?

Sedation is useful as a dental anxiety treatment. Patients often put off care for fear of pain or discomfort. With sedation, you will feel at ease during your procedure. That will allow the dental team to effectively care for your oral health. Also, if you're wondering how to stop gag reflex at dentist, you will be glad to know that sedation and sleep dentistry can take care of that problem.

What Is the Cost of Dental Sedation and Is It Covered by Insurance?

The cost of dental sedation varies based on several factors, including the type of sedation provided and your individual treatment needs. IV sedation costs can differ depending on the complexity of care and your level of insurance coverage. Insurance may cover sedation or anesthesia that is considered medically necessary, while elective sedation may not be fully covered. To better understand your sedation dentistry cost, insurance benefits, and available financing options, we recommend contacting your dental insurance provider or speaking directly with our Mequon office so we can review options for affordable care.

How Long Will My Child Be Sedated at the Dentist?

Before agreeing to take a sedative, it's common for patients to wonder, "How long does sedation last?" It depends on the type of sedation for dental treatment that you choose. If you want to drive yourself home after the appointment, consider inhaled nitrous oxide. IV sedation medications and general anesthesia may affect you for several hours. Before selecting the best sedation method for you, ask our team questions, such as, "How long does IV sedation take to wear off?" We will help you explore the options so that you can feel confident about the type of sleep dentistry that you choose.