Our specialists use sedation therapy to help control anything from anxiety to medically complex patients. Sedation helps calm the patient, reduce pain and enable our team to focus on the procedure. We offer various levels of sedation and anesthesia appropriate for each treatment case.
Oral conscious sedation
This form of mild sedation uses prescriptions given specifically for a particular procedure to help relax the patient while in the dental operating room. Although strict monitoring is done while in the office, the patient cannot travel alone and must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Nitrous oxide
Commonly referred to as "laughing gas," it’s a colorless and odorless gas administered through a mask placed over the patient’s nose. It’s intended to calm the patient and make them comfortable, not put them to sleep. Patients are still able to hear and respond to directions given by the doctor during their procedure. It’s normal to feel slightly light-headed or tingling in your arms and legs. This service is available at Schaumburg, Roscoe Village and Water Tower.
Conscious sedation and general anesthesia
Conscious sedation and general anesthesia are both options at our offices. However, to ensure our patients are getting the best care, we work closely with a skilled and trusted dental anesthesiologist who comes to our offices to provide sedation treatment.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
If you feel nervous about dental procedures, you’re not alone. Sedation dentistry helps patients feel calm and comfortable during treatment, making it possible to receive the care you need without fear or stress.
Whether you have questions about safety, what to expect, or which option is right for you, we’re here to provide clear answers. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry at Renovo Endodontic Studio.
What is sedation in dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It ranges from mild relaxation to deeper sedation, depending on your needs and the complexity of your treatment.
Most patients remain awake and responsive, feeling calm and at ease throughout the procedure. Sedation allows you to complete necessary dental work without anxiety or discomfort.
What sedation is used for dentistry?
There are three main types of sedation used in dental procedures.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is inhaled through a mask and provides quick, mild relaxation.
- Oral sedation involves taking a pill before your appointment to help you feel drowsy and calm.
- IV sedation delivers medication directly into your bloodstream for a deeper state of relaxation, often called “twilight sleep.”
Each sedation option offers a different level of relaxation to match your comfort needs and the complexity of the procedure. Your dentist can help determine which method is the safest and most effective choice for you.
Are you completely asleep during sedation dentistry?
No, most sedation dentistry keeps you awake but deeply relaxed. With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you remain conscious and can respond to questions or instructions. IV sedation puts you in a twilight state where you’re technically awake but extremely calm and may not remember the procedure.
Only general anesthesia makes you completely unconscious, which is different from standard sedation dentistry.
What will I feel during sedation dentistry?
What you feel during sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation used, but most patients experience a strong sense of calm and relaxation throughout the procedure. With nitrous oxide, you remain awake yet comfortable, and many patients notice reduced anxiety and less awareness of their surroundings.
Oral and IV sedation create a deeper level of relaxation and may make you feel drowsy, with little to no memory of the procedure afterward. Your dental team will carefully monitor you throughout the visit to ensure your safety and comfort and help visit as stress-free as possible.
How long does sedation last after a dentist?
The duration depends on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes after the mask is removed, allowing you to drive yourself home.
Oral sedation can last several hours, so you’ll need someone to drive you and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. IV sedation effects typically last a few hours, and you’ll need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you until you are fully alert.
Is dental sedation safe?
Yes, dental sedation is safe when administered by trained professionals. At Renovo Endodontic Studio, our team monitors your vital signs throughout the procedure to maintain your safety and comfort.
We carefully review your medical history and current medications before recommending sedation options. Serious complications are rare, but we take every precaution to minimize risks and provide the safest experience possible.
How do you prepare for dental sedation?
Preparation depends on the type of sedation you’ll receive. For nitrous oxide, no special preparation is needed, and you can eat normally beforehand.
For oral or IV sedation, you’ll typically need to avoid food and drinks for about 6 to 8 hours before your appointment. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you afterward.
Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry benefits patients with dental anxiety, phobia, or fear of needles. It’s ideal for those undergoing lengthy or complex procedures or individuals with a sensitive gag reflex.
Patients with special needs, difficulty sitting still, or those who need multiple treatments in one visit also benefit from sedation. Your dentist will evaluate your medical history to determine if sedation is right for you.
What's the difference between sedation and general anesthesia?
Sedation keeps you relaxed but awake and responsive during your procedure. You can follow instructions and communicate with your dentist, though you may feel drowsy or have little memory of the treatment.
General anesthesia makes you completely unconscious with no awareness or memory of the procedure. Sedation is safer for most dental procedures and allows for quicker recovery with fewer side effects.
What should I do after sedation dentistry?
Rest for the remainder of the day and avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions. Have a responsible adult stay with you until the sedation fully wears off.
Stick to soft foods and stay hydrated, following any specific dietary instructions from your dentist. Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after your appointment.
