Receive dental care comfortably at Southfield Family Dental

Sedation Dentistry in Southfield, MI

For many patients, just thinking about the dentist can trigger anxiety, but it doesn't have to be that way. At Southfield Family Dental, our anxiety-free dental care puts you at ease from the moment you walk in. Whether you're nervous about discomfort, past experiences, or simply feel overwhelmed in a dental setting, our calming dental experience and professional sedation options can make your visit far more comfortable.

As a trusted dentist who offers sedation in Southfield, we provide personalized solutions to help you relax during cleanings, fillings, and more complex treatments. Our sedation techniques are safe, effective, and tailored to your needs, so you can get the care you need without the stress. Let us help you overcome dental anxiety and finally feel at ease in the chair.

Types of Dental Sedation Options for Metro Detroit Patients

Uncertainty can cause fear. At Southfield Family Dental Center, we prioritize your safety and comfort. We provide our patients with comprehensive education about our dental sedation options, ensuring they feel secure and informed. The more you know about these safe and effective techniques, the less you will have to worry about your upcoming treatment.

Laughing Gas

Laughing gas is a sedative in gas form that patients inhale using a mask throughout their treatment. The amount is easily adjusted and is the mildest of our sedation options. Laughing gas creates a mild euphoric feeling and is a good option for patients who have only mild dental anxiety. Before your appointment begins, you will be administered laughing gas, which is easy to breathe and will make you calm and relaxed.

Oral Conscious Sedation

With oral sedation, you'll simply take a small pill that swiftly ushers you into a state of relaxation, allowing you to tune out your surroundings. When you desire the benefits of moderate sedation without the use of needles, oral sedation is the way to go. This medication is a safe, fast-acting sedative with virtually no side effects, ensuring a stress-free dental experience.

IV Sedation arrow_forward_ios

IV sedation is an excellent choice for patients sixteen years and older who experience severe anxiety or fear with dental care.

IV sedation induces deep relaxation when administered intravenously. IV sedation takes immediate effect, and you will feel as if your procedure lasts only a minute or two. Before your appointment begins, you will be administered sedation medication through an IV.

For this IV sedation, patients must complete pre-op consent and evaluation. Depending on your health history or medication, you may also need a medical consultation.

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General Anesthesia arrow_forward_ios

General anesthesia results in no memory of the procedure and a loss of consciousness during treatment. After the sedative is administered through an intravenous line, the person is fully asleep. General anesthesia is the recommended sedation level for patients who are unable to tolerate dental treatment for mental or physical reasons.

General Anesthesia is an excellent choice for pediatric patients and patients with special needs (for example, Autism, Special Needs, and Developmental Disabilities) up to 20 years of age.

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Your Trusted Dental Sedation Experts

Dentist appointments are a common trigger for anxiety, but with sedation dentistry at Southfield Family Dental, you no longer have to worry. You can leave the past dental experiences behind you by using sedative medicine to help you relax and, in some circumstances, help you fall into a euphoric sleep state. By using sedation to ease your worries, our dental professionals can provide you with the utmost care during your appointment.

When you undergo sedation dentistry at our sedation dental clinic, your treatment can be completed thoroughly without any recollection of how long it took, the discomfort you experienced, or the noises you heard. Instead, you'll wake up with your dental problems solved and in a calm, relaxed state of mind.

Dentist treating the teeth of a sedated patient

Benefits and Advantages of Sedation Dentistry

Feel relaxed as one of our skilled dentists takes care of your dental needs.
Save time by consolidating your dental work into a single visit.
Walk into our office and walk out the same day with a beautiful and natural-looking smile you will be thrilled to show off.
Sedation dentistry can give you a whole new, positive outlook on dentistry.
Painless dental procedures
Reduces dental anxiety and fear of future visits
Makes lengthy or complex treatments more manageable
Ideal for patients with a strong gag reflex or sensitive teeth
Allows for easier treatment of patients with special needs or medical conditions
Helps you stay still and relaxed during procedures like root canals or extractions

Your Dental Sedation Questions, Answered

Why do I need sedation during my dental procedure?

There are many reasons a patient may require sedation during a dental procedure. Some include extremely sensitive teeth, fear of needles or shots, a strong gag reflex, difficulty with standard numbing, and dental-related fears or anxiety. If any of these symptoms sound like you, contact Southfield Family Dental today at (248) 569-6304 to discuss if sedation treatments are right for you.

What are my sedation options for dental anxiety?

If you're looking for a dentist for anxiety, we offer three effective sedation options: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Laughing gas is ideal for mild anxiety, oral sedation provides deeper relaxation while you're still awake, and IV sedation is best for severe dental fear or complex procedures. Our team will help you choose the right option for a calm, stress-free visit.

How long will I be sedated?

Sedation length varies based on the method used and the treatment you're receiving. Laughing gas fades within minutes, while oral or IV sedation may last a few hours after your appointment. We'll explain the timeline clearly before your visit, so you know exactly what to expect. We provide gentle dental care that keeps you calm and comfortable throughout your treatment.

Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry for dental work

Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for patients who have:

Dental fear or anxiety
A hard time sitting still for long periods.
Difficulty becoming numb from anesthetics.
An overactive gag reflex.
They would like to achieve lengthy dental procedures in one sitting.

What is sleep dentistry for adults?

The term "sleep dentistry" is sometimes used to describe sedation dentistry, but it is not entirely accurate. Sleep dentistry does not mean you fall asleep when you choose sedation dentistry. While some options may induce sleep, most sedation dentistry will only make you feel as if you have been asleep because you feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable.

What Should I Expect from my Sedation Dentistry Procedure?

Sedation for dental work allows you to stay relaxed and pain-free throughout your treatment. Your sedation dentist will explain everything in advance, including whether you'll need to take medication before your visit or arrange for a driver. The experience is smooth and supportive, with gentle dental care tailored to your comfort level.

Do you offer sedation dentistry for kids?

Yes, we offer safe and effective sedation dentistry for children who may feel anxious or have trouble sitting through treatment. Options like laughing gas help young patients feel calm and comfortable without putting them to sleep. For more involved procedures or children with special needs, we may recommend deeper sedation based on age, health, and treatment needs.

Is Sedation Dentistry Used for Anything Besides Dental Anxiety?

Even patients without a fear of the dentist can benefit from dental sedation.

For Busy Patients | Sedation dentistry allows patients to sit back and feel comfortable for hours while their dentist transforms their smile. You will be free from dental discomfort while progressing towards a healthy and stunning smile.
For Patients with Difficulty Getting Numb | If local anesthesia is not enough to make you comfortable, consider relaxing with dental sedation.
For Patients with an Overactive Gag Reflex | An overactive reflex can make treatments uncomfortable or even impossible. Dental sedation puts the muscles at ease and allows you to receive dental care.
For Other Patients | Many problems may cause a patient to struggle throughout their time in the dental chair. If you have any concerns about your next appointment, please don't hesitate to ask us about dental sedation. We are sure one of our options will make you feel comfortable during any dental treatments you may need.

Do I Need Someone to Drive Me on the Day My Sedation Procedure is Performed?

Except for nitrous sedation, you will need to bring someone to drive you to and from your sedation dentistry procedure. This person must have a vested interest in your well-being. A family member or friend must remain present for the procedure and watch after you until you are alert. Any form of public transportation does not qualify.

Discover Comfortable, Anxiety-Free Dentistry

If dental visits have caused stress in the past, we're here to change that. Our practice focuses on gentle dental care with proven sedation options to help patients of all ages feel calm and confident during treatment. Whether you're coming in for a routine cleaning or a more advanced procedure, you'll receive personalized care from a dentist for anxiety who truly understands your needs. Don't let fear delay the dental care you deserve. Schedule your appointment today and experience how safe, effective sedation can transform your time in the chair.

Contact Us Today

If you experience dental anxiety, dental sedation can help you receive the dental work you need. Southfield Family Dental Center offers sedation in the Southfield and Metro Detroit area.

Call our office today to learn more about sedation dentistry and to set up a dental sedation appointment.

Schedule your dental appointment today!

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About Us

At Southfield Family Dental, we provide comprehensive general, cosmetic, sedation, and pediatric dental care. As the Southeast MI leading dentist, we believe everyone deserves affordable and quality dental care.

(248) 569-6304 18800 West 10 Mile Road
Southfield, MI 48075 contactus@southfieldsmile.com

Office Hours

Monday 8:00 - 5:00

Tuesday 9:00 - 7:00

Wednesday 9:00 - 7:00

Thursday 8:00 - 5:00

Friday 8:00 - 2:00

Saturday 8:00 - 2:00

Sunday Closed