Sedation Dentistry Evanston, IL
Dental phobia or extensive procedure? We have an answer.
At Stephens Dentistry, we care about the dental health of our patients and offer oral conscious sedation. For some individuals, visiting the dentist can be a very stressful time. High anxiety and fear may cause individuals to forgo dental treatment until it is too late.
We want to ensure that each and every patient gets the care they deserve no matter what level of anxiety they may experience.
In an effort to be able to provide quality dentistry to everyone, Dr. James Stephens became D.O.C.S. certified to provide conscious sedation dentistry to patients.
Conscious Oral Sedation Dentistry uses prescription strength medications to help ease your anxiety and may also reduce memories of the dental procedures. In oral sedation dentistry, there is no injections or IV necessary.
Before your appointment
Before you decide to go forward with your oral sedation appointment, you will meet with Dr. James Stephens. He will verify that you are a good candidate for oral sedation. To avoid any complications, Dr. James Stephens will review your medical history. Additionally he will review your dental history as well as the dental conditions present in your mouth. At your initial appointment, no work will be done. If you feel comfortable, the dental assistant may take x-rays to help Dr. Stephens diagnose your dental condition. These x-rays as well as a visual exam will allow the doctor to create a pre-treatment estimate.
Upon acceptance of the pre-treatment estimate and completion of the oral sedation forms, the staff at our front desk will set up an appointment for treatment with Dr. Stephens. As you will be medicated on the day of your appointment, payment is required prior to your appointment date. After payment is received and your appointment is scheduled, Dr. Stephens will provide you with the required prescriptions as well as instructions for the day of your appointment.
What to expect during your appointment
Appointments are usually scheduled on a Friday when our office is closed to offer you the most comfort and to help further ease any anxiety you may have. On the day of your appointment, you will take your medication and have a friend or family member drive you to your appointment. Your companion must remain at our office throughout your appointment.
During your appointment, Dr. James Stephens and his assistant will monitor your comfort level and vital signs. They will communicate with you throughout the appointment and will be happy to answer any questions that you have. Dr. James will do the treatment proposed on your treatment plan. When he is finished, you and your companion will travel home. We ask that you or your companion contact Dr. James, per the “After Sedation Checklist,” when you arrive safely at home. Dr. James will follow up with you in the next couple of days to see how you are doing.
If you believe that oral sedation may help you to receive the dental treatment you need, call our Evanston dental office to set up an initial appointment. Please inform the staff that you are interested in an oral sedation appointment so that they can schedule the appropriate amount of time with the dentist.
Printable Instructions
Sedation Appointment Checklist (pdf)
After Sedation Instructions (pdf)