Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calm and comfortable during dental procedures. It’s especially helpful for those with dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, or who need longer, more complex treatments.
Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to reduce stress, fear, or discomfort during dental care. Sometimes called “conscious sedation” or “twilight sleep,” it allows patients to stay awake and responsive while feeling deeply relaxed and less aware of pain. In most cases, you won’t remember much of the procedure afterward, helping make dental visits more positive and manageable.
Dentists may recommend sedation if you have dental anxiety or phobia, fear of needles, a strong gag reflex, very sensitive teeth, claustrophobia, or difficulty sitting still for treatment. It can also be helpful for patients with physical, behavioral, or cognitive challenges, or for those undergoing longer procedures such as periodontal surgery or implant placement.
At Smart Arches, we typically use general anesthesia (delivered via IV) for our dental implant procedures.
There are different levels of sedation that is tailored to each patient’s needs and length of the treatment, ranging from minimal sedation (you remain awake but relaxed), to moderate sedation (you may slur words or forget much of the procedure), to deep sedation (you’re on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened), and finally general anesthesia (you’re fully asleep).
Typically, there are several types of sedation for dentistry:
At Smart Arches, we have an in-house anesthesiologist who administers general anesthesia via IV sedation. Unlike lighter forms of sedation, you will be completely asleep and unaware of what’s happening, and you won’t feel any pain. Your vital functions are carefully monitored by an anesthesiologist or trained professional throughout the procedure to keep you safe. Local anesthetic may also be given to ensure you are pain-free during surgery.
Afterward, you’ll slowly wake up in a recovery area, with little to no memory of the procedure. As anesthesia can cause drowsiness for up to 24 hrs, patients must arrange for a companion to drive you home after the procedure and assist until you are sufficiently recovered to care for yourself.
For your safety, please follow all pre-procedure guidelines that we share carefully. You will be asked to avoid eating or drinking the night / morning before surgery, except for small sips of water with certain medications. Notify our office if you develop a cold or illness in the week before your appointment. Avoid driving or operating machinery until the following day.
The cost of general anesthesia is included with our Single Arch and Double Arch / Full Mouth procedures. For single implant procedures, we typically use local anesthesia. Please see our guides for more information about the cost of implants.
You will be completely asleep and comfortable under general anesthesia for the procedure. It is common to experience discomfort during the first week after surgery, but many patients find that over-the-counter pain relief is adequate.
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Explore implants for a single tooth, implant-supported bridges for multiple teeth, or comprehensive full mouth implant solutions including All-on-X systems that secure entire arches with fewer implants. Advanced options like zygomatic and pterygoid implants serve patients with insufficient bone, while full mouth reconstruction combines implants with restorative work for complete smile transformation.
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Smart Arches patients save
33-40%of the cost of full mouth implants vs. other implant providers.
1,200+ 5-Star Reviews
While other clinics require multiple visits and offer only basic services, Smart Arches provides comprehensive dental implant care from experts using advanced technology.
Smart Arches | Other Dental Clincs | |
|---|---|---|
Advanced 3D Imaging | ||
On-site 3D Prosthetic Printing | ||
Placed 2,000+ Arches and 20,000+ Implants | ||
Same Day Implants / 24-Hour Implants | ||
On-site Full Time Anesthesiologist | ||
Pioneering Research in Zygomatic & Pterygoid Implants | ||
Board-Certified Implantologists |
Follow along as we take you through exactly what happens at your complimentary consultation. You’ll meet with your patient ambassador, review your dental needs, medical history, and properly educate you on the full procedure. We’ll also take CT scan as well as 3D facial scanning that allows us to create a digital simulation of your future smile! You’ll leave with a clear treatment plan, cost and understanding of financing options.
Answer a few quick questions about your oral health and get instant results on your eligibility for permanent tooth replacement. No appointment needed – discover your options right now.
