5/5

Sedation Dentistry – Tukwila, WA

Pain and Anxiety-Free Dental Visits

  • Minimizing discomfort associated with some types of procedures
  • Easing your anxiety related to dental care
  • Avoiding sensitivity or extended numbness of the mouth
  • Minimizing the gag-reflex
  • Having all of your treatment completed during one session
  • Sedation dentistry for Tukwila, WA dentistry patients is a wonderful option for people who don’t enjoy going to the dentist or simply want to take their relaxation to the next level during their dental care. This approach is something that completely transforms how we offer dental care to our patients.

    Why Choose South Seattle Smiles for Sedation Dentistry?

    Patients of All Ages Welcome
    Same-Day Appointments Available
    Caring, Compassionate Dental Professionals

    Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

    There’s no checklist to find out whether or not you need sedation during your visit. We want all of our patients to be able to have access to comfort dentistry services! Even some of the most relaxed dental patients prefer to take advantage of sedation dentistry during their longer appointments to keep them comfortable.

    Types of Sedation Dentistry

    Dr. Timmerman and the rest of our team don’t practice cookie-cutter dentistry. Each patient has unique needs, so we cater treatment to meet those needs. That’s why we offer more than just one option to keep patients comfortable and calm. We can discuss your concerns with you to determine which type will best help you have a less stressful, more pleasant dental experience.

    Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry

    Whether you have severe dental anxiety or you’re undergoing a complex procedure, sometimes nitrous oxide sedation isn’t enough to put you into a relaxed state. Dr. Timmerman and our team can instead use oral conscious sedation, which entails taking a pill a few hours before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you should feel completely at ease. Although the medication doesn’t put you to sleep, you will likely not be able to remember details from your visit. The effects of oral conscious sedation can sometimes last for several hours, so you’ll need to have someone drive you to and from the appointment.

    Nitrous Oxide Sedation

    Nitrous oxide (“Laughing Gas”) is one of the most common forms of sedation used in dentistry. The gas can be safely inhaled along with oxygen to create a relaxed sensation. Effects of the gas start within the first few minutes, causing patients to feel calmer and experience warmness throughout the body, or even tingling in their fingers and toes. As soon as the procedure is complete, the patient is placed back on 100% oxygen for 5 minutes as the nitrous oxide gas clears the respiratory system. This helps a patient feel completely normal after their appointment with no lingering effects.

    Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

    Our team will be more than happy to discuss whether or not you’re a good candidate for nitrous oxide sedation. In most cases, we’ll recommend this option for those who:

    While this dental sedation is great for most people, it isn’t designed for everyone. For instance, we won’t recommend this treatment for patients who have high blood pressure, experience nasal congestion, have glaucoma, or are pregnant. Our team will discuss your medical history and overall health to determine if this is a good option for you before your treatment.

    How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

    For nitrous oxide sedation to work, we’ll first cover your nose with a small nasal mask. After mere moments of inhaling this mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide, you should start to feel light-headed, warm, and even euphoric. Although you’ll remain fully conscious throughout your visit, you’ll likely feel more relaxed and comfortable while undergoing any necessary dental procedures.

    A qualified team member will constantly monitor your vitals such as your heart rate to ensure your safe, and we can adjust your levels of sedation when necessary. Once we’ve completed your treatment, we’ll remove the mask, and you should start to feel back to normal after a few minutes.

    Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

    One major reason nitrous oxide sedation is so popular is the fact that the recovery time is almost non-existent. Other sedatives can make you feel groggy or sleepy for hours after your appointment, whereas “laughing gas” can begin to dissipate rather quickly.

    This means you’ll be able to drive yourself home or continue with your daily schedule after your treatment is over. Some patients have reported feeling slightly nauseous after undergoing nitrous oxide sedation, but this is very rare. In most cases, you won’t experience any long-term or immediate side effects from this treatment.

    Relax and Reclaim Your Dental Care

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    What Happens During a Sedation Dentistry Visit?

    Your sedation dentistry appointment is very simple. You are given a pill the night before treatment so that you can get a good night’s sleep (sometimes the anxiety is enough that you can’t get a good night’s sleep!). You take another pill an hour before arriving at our dental office, and another pill may be given as you are seated in the chair. You’ll begin to feel sleepy or even doze off since you’ll be so comfortable. The effects of the medication last as long as we need them to, and Dr. Timmerman will be able to provide most if not all of your dental treatment during the very same visit. This prevents you from having to return for multiple visits!

    After your treatment is completed, your medication will begin to wear off. You might not even remember anything about the appointment at all! Many sedation dentistry medications are amnesiacs, which means you’ll likely forget anything that actually happened.

    Who is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

    We literally offer sedation dentistry options to all of our healthy patients. It’s ideal for those who need more complex care, lengthy treatment plans, or are simply nervous about dental care. We invite you to ask us about our sedation options and which one is right for you when you visit us at our Seattle dental office.

    Sedation Dentistry FAQs

    Discover the answers to frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry with our comprehensive FAQs. Learn how sedation dentistry can help you achieve a relaxed and anxiety-free dental experience. Find out about different sedation options, safety measures, and their benefits at South Seattle Smiles in Tukwila, WA.
    Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medication to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. At South Seattle Smiles in Tukwila, WA, we offer various levels of sedation, including oral sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and IV sedation. These techniques are designed to alleviate anxiety, fear, and discomfort, ensuring a stress-free dental experience.
    Yes, sedation dentistry is a safe and widely practiced technique when administered by experienced dental professionals. Our team at South Seattle Smiles has extensive training and expertise in sedation dentistry to ensure the utmost safety and well-being of our patients. We closely monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure and take necessary precautions to minimize any potential risks.
    Sedation dentistry is beneficial for individuals who experience dental anxiety or fear, have a sensitive gag reflex, require extensive dental work, have difficulty sitting still, or have special needs that make it challenging to receive dental care. It provides a relaxed and comfortable environment, allowing even the most apprehensive patients to undergo necessary dental treatments with ease.
    Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before your dental appointment to induce a calm and relaxed state. The medication takes effect gradually, making you feel drowsy and less anxious during the procedure. While you’ll remain conscious and able to respond to instructions, you may experience a sense of deep relaxation and may not remember much of the treatment afterward.
    Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a safe and effective sedative that is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. It produces a euphoric and relaxed state while keeping you awake and able to communicate with the dental team. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, allowing you to resume your normal activities without any lingering effects.
    IV sedation, also known as intravenous sedation, involves administering sedative medication directly into a vein. This method allows for a deeper level of sedation and is suitable for more complex dental procedures or for patients with severe dental anxiety. With IV sedation, you’ll be in a state of deep relaxation and may have little to no recollection of the procedure.
    While sedation dentistry is generally safe, it may have some side effects depending on the type of sedation used. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and temporary memory loss. However, these effects are typically minimal and subside shortly after the procedure. Our dental team will discuss potential side effects and provide post-operative instructions to ensure your comfort and well-being.
    The duration of sedation depends on the type and level of sedation administered. Nitrous oxide sedation wears off quickly once the gas supply is stopped, allowing you to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. Oral sedation may result in longer-lasting effects, and you may feel groggy for a few hours following the treatment. IV sedation induces a deeper level of sedation, and the recovery time may take a bit longer.
    For safety reasons, it is generally recommended that you have a responsible adult accompany you to your appointment and drive you home afterward. The effects of sedation can impair your coordination and judgment, making it unsafe to operate a vehicle. It’s best to plan for someone to assist you and ensure your safe return home.
    To prepare for sedation dentistry at South Seattle Smiles, follow the instructions provided by our dental team. Generally, you will be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a specific period of time before the procedure, as sedation may cause nausea if your stomach is not empty. It’s important to disclose your complete medical history and any medications or supplements you are taking to ensure your safety during sedation. Our team will provide specific guidelines based on your individual needs.
    Meet Tukwila’s Most Trusted Dentist

    Meet Your Dentist

    Get to Know Lance Timmerman, DMD, PS

    Born and raised in Kirkland, Dr. Timmerman believes that a true dentist is also an artist, and he even displays works of art in our dental office (including a sculpture he made with his own hands) to demonstrate his aesthetic-minded eye.

    Seeing people smile brighter after their appointments is always a joy, which is why his dental office is open to new patients and families who are ready to achieve the dental health and happiness they deserve. If you’d like to learn more about him, just keep reading below.

    Find Your Perfect Style

    Incredible results and inspiring journeys; see some of our patients’ before and after photos the next time you visit our practice.

    Your new smile is only a few clicks away.

    Read What Our Patients Are Saying

    Our patients enjoy the very best when it comes to speed, convenience, and quality of care, and they just love talking about it online!
    Lorri Kurth
    5/5
    7 months ago
    I use Dr.Timmerman for Botox and I’m happy with my results. They were able to get me in the same day. Thank you!!
    Mai Trinh
    5/5
    10 months ago
    Dr. Timmerman took good care of his clients,he’s professional ,friendly,he’s always use the new technology …Thank you very much Dr.Timmerman and all staffs what you have done for me.
    Cherie Lang
    5/5
    11 months ago
    Lance and staff do great work. Lance is a very talented dentist. Gail cleaned my teeth today and she’s a soothing soul. Nice to have someone like that in a dental office😉
    Andrew Waters
    5/5
    1 year ago
    I have lived in the south Seattle area for 10 years and this is by far the best Dental office I have found in the area. Fast, efficient, and pleasant service. Exceptionally skilled and experienced staff. The dental work I have had done at this office is, hands down, the best quality I have ever had done (and I have had a lot done) Exceptional. Highly recommended.
    margaret english
    5/5
    1 year ago
    If you have embarrassment or fears concerning your teeth /mouth condition this is the place to come. Very professional! They put you immediately at ease. My teeth are in horrible condition. It was difficult for me to even make the apt as I’m so embarrassed to even open my mouth. From the receptionist to the doctor I was treated as if I was the only patient they had that day. They even helped me get financing! Make the call today you won’t be sorry.
    Pam Hendrickson
    5/5
    1 year ago
    Best dentist ever! I’ve been seeing Dr. Timmerman for over 20 years and he has done some really great work keeping my teeth looking and feeling good each and every year! My last visit was for teeth cleaning and the hygienist did a great job. They sparkle now and feel great.
    Richard Hanlon jr
    5/5
    1 year ago
    I had a very important visit to South Seattle smiles today. Doctor timmerman Took a full mouth scan Of my gum’s,tissues and implants. Everything went very smoothly and I am excited to see the results come back with my new set of full upper and lower Dental implants. Holly was very kind and helpful making sure the lab Receives everything they need .
    Michael Cereghino
    5/5
    2 years ago
    South Seattle Smiles is a top notch office! Dr Lance Timmerman proved friendly service, is a wealth of wisdom and made my entire experience the best that anyone could ever hope for! I have found my DFF!

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