105 E. 10th Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854
208-773-8388 
If you experience anxiety about visiting the dentist, have a sensitive gag reflex or struggle to remain comfortable during treatment, sedation dentistry may be a helpful option for you. At 7 Day Dental Smiles, we understand that the thought of dental work can cause discomfort for some patients, and sedation can make the process easier and more manageable.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel more relaxed during dental treatment. The type of sedation recommended depends on your health, level of anxiety and the procedure being planned.
Before recommending sedation, our dentists will review your medical history, current medications and treatment needs. We will also explain how to prepare for your appointment and what to expect afterward. Call 208-773-8388 to schedule a consultation and learn more about sedation dentistry in Post Falls, Idaho.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry may be appropriate for patients who feel anxious about dental treatment or have difficulty remaining comfortable during an appointment.
It may be helpful for patients who:
- Experience dental anxiety or fear
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Have difficulty sitting comfortably for longer appointments
- Need extensive dental treatment
- Have had stressful dental experiences in the past
- Feel especially nervous about certain procedures
Sedation is not appropriate for every patient. Our dentists will review your health history and treatment needs before recommending an option.
Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety can range from mild nervousness to significant fear that makes it difficult to schedule or complete needed treatment.
If you feel tense, worried or overwhelmed before dental visits, tell our team. We can discuss ways to make your appointment more comfortable and determine whether sedation dentistry may be appropriate.
Sensitive Gag Reflex
A sensitive gag reflex can make certain dental procedures uncomfortable or difficult to complete. Sedation may help some patients feel more relaxed and better able to tolerate treatment.
Our dentists will consider the procedure being performed and your individual needs before recommending sedation.
Fear of Dental Treatment
Some patients avoid dental care because they are afraid of pain, injections, sounds, smells or previous negative experiences.
Our goal is to help you feel informed and comfortable throughout your visit. We will explain what to expect, answer your questions and discuss whether sedation may help reduce fear during treatment.
What Type of Sedation Is Available?
The type of sedation available at 7 Day Dental Smiles depends on the services provided by our office and your individual treatment needs.
Our dentists will discuss the sedation options that are currently available, explain how each option works and determine whether sedation is appropriate based on your medical history and planned procedure.
Because sedation methods can differ in how deeply they affect alertness and how long their effects last, preparation and recovery instructions may also vary.
What Happens Before Sedation?
Before receiving sedation, our dentists will review information that may affect your treatment and safety.
This may include:
- Your medical history
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Allergies
- Previous experiences with sedation or anesthesia
- Your level of dental anxiety
- The procedure being planned
You will receive instructions explaining how to prepare for your appointment. Depending on the type of sedation used, these instructions may include guidance about eating, drinking, taking medications and arranging transportation.
Follow the instructions provided by our team carefully.
What Happens During Dental Sedation?
During treatment, sedation medication is used to help you feel more relaxed. Your level of awareness will depend on the type of sedation provided.
Our team will explain what you can expect before treatment begins and will monitor you throughout your appointment according to the sedation method being used.
Sedation does not replace local anesthetic when numbing is needed for a procedure. Your dentists will discuss both comfort and pain-control measures as part of your treatment plan.
What Should I Expect After Sedation?
Recovery varies depending on the type of sedation used and your individual response.
Some patients may feel tired, groggy or less alert for a period of time after treatment. You will receive instructions about:
- When you may return to normal activities
- When you may eat or drink normally
- Whether you should avoid driving
- Any medications you should take or avoid
- When to contact our office with concerns
Follow all post-treatment instructions provided by our team.
Do I Need Someone to Drive Me Home?
Whether you need a driver depends on the type of sedation you receive.
Some sedation methods may require a responsible adult to drive you home and remain available while the effects wear off. Other forms may not require the same transportation arrangements.
Our team will tell you in advance whether a driver is required for your appointment. If transportation is necessary, please arrange it before arriving for treatment.
Sedation Dentistry for Different Dental Treatments
Sedation may be considered for a variety of dental procedures depending on the patient’s needs and the type of treatment planned.
It may be discussed for patients receiving:
- Emergency dental care
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extractions
- Dental implant treatment
- Restorative dental treatment
- Longer or more involved dental procedures
Not every patient or procedure requires sedation. Our dentists will discuss whether it may be beneficial for your particular situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Do you offer sedation dentistry in Post Falls?
Yes. 7 Day Dental Smiles offers sedation dentistry in Post Falls, Idaho, for patients who may benefit from additional help relaxing during dental treatment. Our dentists can review your health history, anxiety level and treatment needs to determine whether sedation may be appropriate.
What happens during dental sedation?
Sedation medication is used to help you feel more relaxed during dental treatment. Your level of awareness depends on the type of sedation provided. Our team will explain what to expect and monitor you throughout your appointment.
Is sedation dentistry appropriate for dental anxiety?
Sedation dentistry may be helpful for some patients with dental anxiety or fear of treatment. Our dentists will discuss your concerns and determine whether sedation is appropriate based on your health and the procedure being planned.
Can sedation help with a sensitive gag reflex?
Sedation may help some patients with a sensitive gag reflex feel more relaxed and comfortable during treatment. Whether it is appropriate depends on your individual needs and the procedure being performed.
Will I be awake during sedation?
Your level of awareness depends on the type of sedation provided. Some forms allow patients to remain awake and relaxed, while other methods may cause greater drowsiness. Our team will explain what to expect before treatment.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
It depends on the type of sedation you receive. Some sedation methods require a responsible adult to drive you home after treatment. Our team will tell you in advance whether transportation is required.
Is sedation available for children?
Sedation options for children depend on the child’s age, health, treatment needs and the sedation services currently provided by 7 Day Dental Smiles. Contact our office so our dentists can discuss whether sedation may be appropriate for your child.
How do I know whether sedation is appropriate for me?
The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation. Our dentists will review your medical history, medications, anxiety level and planned treatment before recommending whether sedation is appropriate.
Ask About Sedation Dentistry
If dental anxiety, fear or a sensitive gag reflex has made dental treatment difficult, sedation dentistry in Post Falls, ID, may help make your visit more manageable.
Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles or call 208-773-8388 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rheanna Burnham, Dr. Scott Lake, Dr. Wade Dinse, Dr. Stephen Gloudeman or Dr. Nora Svihl and learn whether sedation may be appropriate for your care.
