Sedation Dentistry

Adults and children alike who have not been introduced properly or at all to a good, professional, and comforting dental team have a hard time going to the dentist. This is due to anxiety and fear of not knowing what to expect. If a patient old or young tends to experience severe nervousness due to this being a very first visit or perhaps it has been many years since a previous traumatic experience, we as dental experts will make it our priority to make them as comfortable as possible before any treatment is started.  Conscious Sedation Dentistry is the best option for an extremely nervous patient. This method puts patients in a state of calm or sleep allowing the dentist to do all dental work without the patient feeling or remembering anything. Age, behavior, and the treatment being done are all considered when choosing the most effective type of Conscious Sedation, therefore the Dentist and the patient together will decide what will be the most appropriate option.

 As far as young children are concerned, our staff is highly trained in calming techniques that may not require any drugs. During the initial visit we will get to know each child and introduce them to the dental team while making it a fun and educational experience. 

Have questions about anxiety and dental sedation? Interested in learning more? Call our Chicago practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zelikow.

We provide a wide range of anesthetic options depending on the type of procedure being performed and how nervous you may be. We are able to make you comfortable with sedation or even put you safely under with general anesthesia. Your safety and comfort are our highest priority and every option will be discussed with you in detail prior to treatment.

Dentistry has advanced to the point in which pain is almost a thing of the past.

Powerful pain-killing medications known as anesthetics not only help a patient avoid discomfort during a procedure, but post-operatively as well.

Some patients, especially children, may require higher doses of anesthetic than others.

Types of pain-killing medications include:

• Analgesics - These are also called pain relievers and include common non-narcotic medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Analgesics are usually used for mild cases of discomfort, and are typically prescribed following such procedures as a root canal or tooth extraction.
• Anesthetics - Anesthetics can either be topically applied, injected or swallowed. Dentists often apply topical anesthetics with a cotton swab to an area of the mouth where a procedure such as a restoration will be performed. This numbs the affected area. Topical anesthetics are used in many dental procedures such as tooth restoration. Topical anesthetics also are used to prepare an area for injection of an anesthetic. Novocaine and Lidocaine are the most common kind of injectable anesthetics. Such medications block the nerves from transmitting signals and are used for more major types of procedures, such as fillings and root canals.
• Sedatives - Sedatives are medications designed to help a patient relax. This can be a powerful tool in avoiding pain. Sedatives are sometimes used in combination with other types of pain relievers and pain-killers. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a form of sedative. Conscious sedation involves administering a sedative while the patient is alert and awake. Deep sedation or general anesthesia involves administering a medication that places a patient in a state of monitored and controlled unconsciousness.