Sedation Dentistry in Auburn, ME – Sleep Through Your Visit, Wake Up With Confidence
Sedation dentistry helps patients feel calm, comfortable, and relaxed during dental procedures. At Taylor Brook Dental Associates, we offer three levels of sedation so your experience can be tailored to your comfort level – whether you need light relaxation for a routine cleaning or deeper sedation for extensive dental work. For patients with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or a need for longer treatments, sedation can make the entire visit easier and far more pleasant.
Book OnlineOur Sedation Options
Every patient is different, so we take the time to understand your health history, your level of anxiety, and the treatment you need before recommending a sedation option. Our three levels of sedation include:
Minimal Sedation – Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is delivered through a small mask placed over your nose. You’ll feel calm and relaxed while staying fully awake and able to communicate with our team. The effects wear off quickly after treatment, so most patients can drive themselves home. Minimal sedation is ideal for patients with mild dental anxiety or those undergoing shorter procedures.
Moderate Sedation – Oral Sedation
With oral sedation, you take a prescribed pill before your appointment to reach a deeper level of relaxation. You’ll remain awake and able to respond to verbal cues, but you’ll feel very calm and drowsy and may have little to no memory of the procedure. Moderate sedation is a great choice for patients with moderate anxiety or longer dental visits. A driver or escort is required after oral sedation.
Deep Sedation
Deep sedation allows you to sleep through your dental procedure, with no memory of the visit afterward. It’s best for patients with severe dental phobia or those undergoing extensive treatment, such as full-mouth restorations or multiple procedures in a single appointment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation may be a good fit for you if you:
- Feel anxious, fearful, or panicked about visiting the dentist
- Have had a negative dental experience in the past
- Have a strong gag reflex or sensitive teeth
- Have difficulty sitting still or getting numb
- Need a long or complex procedure, or several treatments completed at once
Treatments We Commonly Pair With Sedation
Sedation can be used with many of our services, including tooth extractions, root canal treatment, dental implants, All-on-4 dental implants, dental bone grafting, and crowns and bridges. Even patients who simply need a regular dental checkup or fillings can benefit from minimal sedation if anxiety has kept them away from the dentist.
Your Safety Comes First
Before any sedation, we review your medical history and current medications to make sure the option we recommend is safe for you. Throughout your procedure, our team monitors your comfort and vital signs closely. We’ll also give you clear instructions for before and after your appointment, including eating and drinking guidelines and transportation arrangements when needed.
Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from the care you need. Call Taylor Brook Dental Associates at (207) 784-1577 to talk with our team about sedation dentistry, or visit our New Patients page to get started.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. When provided by a trained dental team, sedation is very safe. We carefully review your health history and medications beforehand and monitor you throughout your procedure.
Which level of sedation is right for me?
It depends on your anxiety level, health, and the treatment you need. Nitrous oxide works well for mild anxiety and shorter visits, oral sedation for moderate anxiety or longer procedures, and deep sedation for severe phobia or extensive work. We’ll help you choose during your consultation.
Will I be asleep during my procedure?
With minimal and moderate sedation, you stay awake but relaxed. With deep sedation, you sleep through the procedure and won’t remember it afterward.
Can I drive myself home after sedation?
After nitrous oxide, most patients can drive themselves home because the effects wear off quickly. After oral or deep sedation, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home.
Will I feel any pain?
Sedation helps you relax, and we also use local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during their procedure.
Can sedation be used for routine cleanings?
Yes. If anxiety makes routine care difficult, minimal sedation can help you get through a checkup and cleaning comfortably so you can stay on top of your oral health.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Coverage varies by plan and by procedure. Our team will check your benefits and review any costs with you ahead of time. Visit our Financial page to learn about payment and financing options.