Gentle Care with Sedation Dentistry at Forum Dental Group, Mill Creek, WA

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective approach that helps patients reduce fear and discomfort during dental care. For many, dental anxiety can make it difficult to get necessary treatments, but sedation makes visits easier and far less stressful. At Forum Dental Group, we provide safe sedation options to support our patients' comfort and well-being.

Our team is here to guide you through your options and provide gentle care that fits your specific needs. To schedule your consultation, please call our Mill Creek office at (425) 357-1818 today.

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Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry helps patients feel calm during their treatment, ensuring their visit is both safe and comfortable. While some patients worry about discomfort, others experience significant stress even before an appointment begins. Sedation is a proven tool that helps manage these feelings and allows patients to receive the care they need without delay.

Sedation dentistry is beneficial for:

• Patients with dental anxiety or phobia: It calms feelings of fear, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
• Individuals with a strong gag reflex: Sedation can relax this reflex, making treatment more comfortable for both the patient and the dentist.
• Those who need long or complex treatments: It allows patients to remain comfortable during extended procedures, often enabling more work to be done in a single visit.
• Children or adults who struggle to sit still: Sedation can help patients remain calm and cooperative in the dental chair.
• People with a low pain threshold: It can make dental procedures more manageable by raising the threshold for discomfort.

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Our Sedation Options for Your Comfort

We offer different levels of sedation to match the needs of each patient and the complexity of the planned procedure. The dentist will help you choose the option that ensures your peace of mind.

Nitrous Oxide (Mild Sedation)
Also known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a very mild and safe type of sedation.

• How it works: It is inhaled through a small, comfortable mask placed over your nose and mouth. Within minutes, you will feel a sense of calm and relaxation.
• What to expect: You will remain fully awake and able to talk with the dentist. Patients often describe the feeling as light and peaceful.
• Recovery: This is one of the biggest benefits of nitrous oxide. The effects wear off just a few minutes after the mask is removed. Most patients can safely drive themselves home and return to their daily activities immediately after discharge.

Oral Sedation (Moderate Sedation)
Oral sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation and is ideal for patients with moderate anxiety or those undergoing longer treatments.

• How it works: It is taken as a prescription pill about an hour before your appointment.
• What to expect: You will feel very calm and drowsy, and may even doze lightly during the procedure. You will still be able to respond to the dentist, but many patients remember little of the visit afterward.
• Recovery: The effects of oral sedation last for several hours. Because of this, you must have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you until the medication has fully worn off. We recommend resting for the remainder of the day.

IV Sedation (Deep Conscious Sedation)
IV sedation is the deepest type of sedation offered in our dental office and is used for complex or extended treatments.

• How it works: The sedative is administered directly into a vein, allowing it to take effect very quickly. The dentist can adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure.
• What to expect: You will enter a state of deep relaxation, often called "twilight sleep." You will not be fully unconscious, but you will remember little to nothing about the procedure.
• Recovery: Similar to oral sedation, the effects take time to wear off. You must arrange for a driver to take you home and plan to rest for the rest of the day.

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Our Commitment to Safety and Monitoring

Patient safety is our highest priority during any sedated procedure. Our dental team is highly trained to utilize advanced technology, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the entire process. We carefully monitor vital signs in real-time, which allows us to respond immediately if needed.

Our monitoring tools include:

• Digital heart monitors
• Pulse oximeters to check oxygen levels
• Blood pressure trackers

With this skilled approach and advanced technology, sedation dentistry at our office is a safe option for both children and adults.

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Choosing the Right Sedation Option for You

The right sedation option depends on your comfort level, the length of your procedure, and your overall health. During your consultation, the dentist will carefully review your medical history and any medications you are currently taking to recommend the safest and most effective treatment option for you. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and share any concerns you may have.

At Forum Dental Group, our goal is to match each patient with the best option for their health and overall well-being.

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Meet Dr. Matthew Ho

Dr. Matthew Ho is a qualified dentist with over 14 years of experience. He holds two Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees and has advanced training in periodontics and implantology, allowing him to care for both routine dental needs and more complex treatments. Dr. Ho takes the time to understand each patient's unique goals and guides them through their dental journey with clear and effective care.

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Payment and Insurance

At Forum Dental Group, we make it easy for patients to get the care they need. We accept multiple major insurance plans, including:

• Delta Dental
• Premera
• Aetna
• Ameritas
• Cigna
• Dentimax
• Lifewise
• Lifemap
• Metlife
• Sunlife/Assurant
• GEHA
• Guardian
• Regence
• United Concordia
• United HealthCare
• And more

Even if you don't have insurance, we offer in-house discounts. Contact us by phone or text to learn more.

Contact Information:
Forum Dental Group
15129 Main St Suite #202
Mill Creek, WA 98012
(425) 357-1818