245 Center St, Unit 2, Auburn, ME 04210
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to help you feel calm, comfortable, and at ease during dental care. Sometimes called conscious sedation, it allows you to stay relaxed and less aware of any discomfort while you receive treatment. Many patients remember little about the procedure afterward, which makes dental visits far more positive and manageable.
For patients who have avoided the dentist out of fear, sedation can be the key that finally opens the door to a healthy, confident smile. At Auburn Dentures & Implants, we want every visit to feel calm and stress-free, especially for treatments like extractions and implant placement. Dr. Kessler and our caring team serve patients throughout Auburn, Lewiston, and the greater Androscoggin County area, and we are here to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
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Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is a great option for many patients, not just those with anxiety. You may benefit from sedation dentistry if you have:
- Dental anxiety or fear that makes visits stressful
- A fear of needles or dental instruments
- A strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
- Very sensitive teeth or a low pain threshold
- Trouble sitting still for longer periods
- Claustrophobia or discomfort during dental work
- Longer or more involved procedures such as multiple extractions or implant placement
If any of these sound like you, sedation can help you get the care you need in comfort. During your consultation, we will talk through your concerns and recommend the approach that is right for you.
Levels and Types of Sedation
Sedation is tailored to each patient based on their needs and the length of treatment. It ranges from minimal sedation, where you stay awake but relaxed, to moderate sedation, where you feel drowsy and may forget much of the procedure, up to deeper levels of sedation for more involved cases. Common types of sedation used in dentistry include:
- Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. Breathed in through a small mask, it helps you relax within minutes. The effects wear off quickly, so in most cases you can drive yourself home afterward.
- Oral sedation. Taken as a pill about an hour before your appointment, this option leaves you very relaxed and drowsy, and some patients rest lightly during treatment.
- IV sedation. Delivered through a vein, this is a deeper form of sedation ideal for patients with significant anxiety or for longer procedures. You will likely remember little to nothing afterward.
The right choice depends on your comfort level, your health history, and the treatment you are having. Dr. Kessler will review the available options with you and help you decide.
Your Safety Comes First
Your safety is always our top priority. Before recommending any form of sedation, we review your medical history and current medications. During treatment, your comfort and vital signs are carefully monitored by trained professionals from start to finish. If you receive a deeper form of sedation, its effects can linger for several hours, so you will need a companion to drive you home and help you until you have fully recovered. We will give you clear instructions so you know exactly how to prepare and what to expect.
Preparing for Your Sedation Appointment
To keep you safe and comfortable, we will share clear guidelines to follow before your visit. Depending on the type of sedation, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a period beforehand, with small sips of water allowed for any necessary medications. Please let our office know if you develop a cold or illness in the days before your appointment, since this can affect your treatment. For deeper forms of sedation, plan to have someone drive you home, and avoid driving or operating machinery until the following day.
Comfortable Care for Extractions and Implants
Sedation pairs especially well with the treatments we specialize in. Whether you are having failing teeth removed, getting dental implants placed, or moving toward a full new smile, sedation can help the entire experience feel calm and comfortable. Many patients tell us that sedation made a procedure they had long dreaded far easier than they ever expected.
Why Choose Auburn Dentures & Implants
- Focused expertise in dentures and implants, which is all we do
- A gentle, patient approach built around your comfort
- Honest, transparent pricing with a clear plan before treatment begins
- In-network with most major insurance plans
- A warm, judgment-free team that treats you like a neighbor
Find the Right Treatment for You
Sedation can make many treatments more comfortable. If you are facing tooth removal, learn more about extractions. If you are ready to rebuild your smile, explore a single-tooth implant, an implant bridge, snap-in dentures, or All-on-4. And if you need to prepare your jaw for implants, bone grafting may be part of your plan. Dr. Kessler will help you choose the best path at your consultation.
