Sedation Dentist – Palos Heights, IL

Feel Comfortable & At-Ease in the Treatment Chair

Woman smiling while visiting sedation dentist in Palos Heights

If you’re receiving a lengthy treatment or experience fear or anxiety at the thought of visiting the dentist, we offer IV sedation to make your experience at our dental office more relaxing and comfortable. At Revival Dentistry, our team’s priority is to ensure that every visit you have with us is positive. For some patients, the only way to achieve this comfort is through some form of sedation. If you have questions about sedation dentistry in Palos Heights, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team!

Why Choose Revival Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?

  • Comprehensive Dentistry for the Whole Family
  • Compassionate & Kind Dental Team
  • Private Dental Sedation Room in Office

IV Dental Sedation

For some patients, the mere thought of visiting a dentist is enough to make them feel fearful or nervous. If you’re guilty of delaying necessary dental work because of concerns about the sights and sounds at the dentist’s office, we’ve got a solution for you. At Revival Dentistry, we can help make your visit more comfortable with IV sedation. It’s a safe and effective way to feel more relaxed during your appointment. To find out if this method is right for you, continue reading.

What Is IV Dental Sedation?

closeup of IV drip

IV sedation is commonly provided for patients undergoing extensive treatment or for surgical dental procedures such as dental implant placement and wisdom tooth extractions. Administered directly into the bloodstream through an IV, the effects are almost immediate. Despite remaining conscious throughout the procedure, many of our patients aren’t able to remember a thing afterward, and our skilled team will be assisting you during the procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Dental Sedation?

patient smiling while talking to dentist

IV dental sedation is typically recommended for patients:

  • Undergoing intensive or lengthy treatments
  • With severe dental phobia or anxiety
  • With a sensitive gag reflex
  • Who have difficulty achieving numbness

Before administering IV sedation, Dr. Young will review each patient’s medical history to ensure there are no allergies to the sedative. This thorough evaluation helps ensure this solution provides a comfortable and effective experience.

The Benefits of IV Dental Sedation

woman smiling after IV sedation

On the fence about IV sedation? Here are some key benefits to consider:

  • It can help you undergo treatments you might otherwise avoid due to nervousness
  • By getting the care you need, you can prevent dental issues from worsening
  • The effects are felt almost immediately
  • Dosage can be adjusted throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort
  • It induces a deep state of relaxation, minimizing the creation of new traumatic dental memories
  • When administered correctly, it’s considered safe for most patients

Dental Anxiety

Close up of man placing white pill in his mouth

As with all forms of anxiety, dental anxiety is a spectrum. It is normal to have some anxiety when coming to the dentist. For milder forms of anxiety that are preventing treatment, oral pills are an excellent option for patients do not want to be sedated. For those who have moderate to severe dental anxiety, IV sedation is the best option to help calm the experience. Because the effects of the medication can linger, you'll need to have a trusted friend or family member planning to drop you off and pick you up from your visit.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Is sedation dentistry safe? 

The risks associated with sedation are quite low, especially when it is administered by a qualified team. Any side effects of sedation, such as grogginess or a headache, are usually temporary and easy to manage.

At our practice, sedation dentistry is planned with your health, comfort, and safety in mind. As a conscientious sedation dentist in Palos Heights, Dr. Young and our team will review your medical history, medications, allergies, and the type of treatment you need before recommending IV sedation or oral conscious sedation. We will account for any risk factors and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

During your procedure, you can rely on us to monitor you closely and act quickly if you have an unexpected bad reaction to the sedation.

Is sedation dentistry safe while pregnant? 

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please tell us before your visit. Many necessary dental treatments can be completed safely during pregnancy, but sedation decisions are more individualized. In most cases, we avoid sedation because the medications used in it can pass through the placenta and might affect your baby. The good news is that the majority of procedures can be safely performed with only local anesthesia, which is quite safe during pregnancy.

Will I remember anything with dental sedation? 

You may remember very little. IV sedation often creates a “twilight” experience: you are deeply relaxed and able to respond when needed, but you will likely have virtually no memory of the procedure. Oral conscious sedation can also make memories feel fuzzy or incomplete. This is one reason why many anxious patients choose sedation; it can shield you from sights, sounds, and sensations that you may find unpleasant.

What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist? 

Most patients describe sedation as peaceful, heavy, and calm. With oral conscious sedation, you may feel sleepy before we begin. With IV sedation, relaxation comes on very quickly once the IV is placed, and we can fine-tune the medication as your treatment progresses. Many patients drift off to sleep when they are under the influence of sedation, though it does not cause total unconsciousness.

How much does sedation dentistry cost?

The cost of sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation, the length of your appointment, and other factors. IV sedation typically costs more than oral conscious sedation because it requires additional medication, monitoring, equipment, and clinical time.

We will review your options and estimate costs before treatment so there are no unpleasant surprises. Many patients agree that sedation is worth the extra cost because it makes treatment much easier to tolerate. It might even help you save money because it can allow you to get the care you need in a timely manner, without waiting until your dental problem becomes an emergency.