Comfortable, Stress-Free Dental Care for Every Patient
At Family Dental Care in Merrillville, we understand that visiting the dentist can be a source of anxiety for many patients. Whether it’s due to a past experience, fear of discomfort, or a sensitive gag reflex, dental anxiety is more common than you might think. That’s why we offer safe and effective sedation dentistry to help you feel relaxed and at ease throughout your appointment.
Sedation dentistry allows us to complete procedures while you remain calm, cooperative, and often with little to no memory of the treatment. It's an ideal solution for patients who delay or avoid care due to fear—and it makes it possible to receive multiple treatments in one visit.
We proudly offer oral sedation as a non-invasive and reliable way to manage dental anxiety while keeping you conscious and responsive during your care.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel relaxed during dental procedures. While you remain awake, your body and mind are placed in a deeply relaxed state. This allows you to undergo dental work without the stress, tension, or fear you may normally experience.
At Family Dental Care, our primary method is oral sedation, which involves taking a prescribed pill before your appointment. The effects begin before your treatment starts and can last several hours, making it a practical solution for many patients.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is not just for those with severe anxiety—it can benefit a wide range of patients who:
- Experience fear or panic when visiting the dentist
- Have a low pain threshold
- Require extensive or multiple treatments
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Suffer from sensitive teeth or a strong gag reflex
- Have had negative dental experiences in the past
We also offer sedation options for children's dentistry patients, ensuring that young patients receive gentle care in a supportive environment.
How Oral Sedation Works
Oral sedation is simple, effective, and administered in pill form—typically taken about an hour before your procedure begins. You’ll remain awake but deeply relaxed throughout the treatment.
What to expect:
- Before Your Appointment
You’ll receive instructions on when and how to take the medication. You’ll also need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. - During the Procedure
You’ll feel drowsy and calm. Many patients remain semi-aware but unconcerned by the procedure. Others may drift into light sleep and have little memory of the appointment afterward. - Aftercare and Recovery
Because sedation can take several hours to fully wear off, you’ll rest at home for the remainder of the day. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions before you leave.
Oral sedation can be used during a variety of treatments—from routine dental cleanings to more advanced procedures such as tooth extractions or root canals.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes. When administered by an experienced provider like Dr. Chanbo Sim, sedation dentistry is a safe and predictable method of care. During your procedure, we closely monitor your vital signs and comfort level to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
Before prescribing any sedation, Dr. Sim will review your medical history and any current medications. Sedation is not recommended for some patients with certain medical conditions or pregnancy, so a thorough evaluation is always conducted first.
Comprehensive Care with Comfort in Mind
At Family Dental Care, patient comfort is a cornerstone of our approach. From sedation options to a welcoming office environment—with a kid-friendly playroom and calming amenities like music and coffee—we're committed to providing a stress-free experience for the whole family.
Our sedation services are available across a wide range of procedures, including:
- Cosmetic treatments such as veneers or whitening
- Restorative work including crowns, implants, and dentures
- Emergency care for urgent dental issues
- Periodontal and soft tissue treatments
No matter the reason for your visit, we tailor your care plan to include comfort-focused solutions when needed.
Serving Merrillville and Northwest Indiana
Our office is located on Cleveland Circle in Merrillville and proudly serves patients from surrounding communities, including:
- Crown Point
- Hobart
- Schererville
- Gary
- Valparaiso
- Griffith
If dental anxiety has kept you or a loved one from receiving proper oral care, we invite you to experience the difference at Family Dental Care. You’ll find the compassionate, judgment-free care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Will I be asleep during sedation dentistry?
No. With oral sedation, you remain conscious but extremely relaxed. While some patients doze off during treatment, you’ll still be able to respond to verbal cues if needed.
Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
Yes, under the supervision of an experienced dentist like Dr. Sim. For children, sedation options are carefully evaluated based on age, health, and the type of procedure needed. We often use sedation during children’s dental visits to reduce fear and discomfort.
How long does it take for oral sedation to wear off?
The effects typically last 4 to 6 hours but can vary. You’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you afterward until the sedation fully wears off.
Do I need sedation for every dental appointment?
Not necessarily. Some patients only use sedation for complex or lengthy procedures. Others choose it for every visit, especially if they have high anxiety levels. We’ll help you decide what’s best for your comfort and treatment goals.
Is sedation covered by dental insurance?
In some cases, yes—particularly when sedation is deemed medically necessary. For more information about insurance and payment options, visit our patient info page.
Schedule a Sedation Dentistry Appointment in Merrillville
Don’t let fear keep you from achieving a healthy smile. With sedation dentistry at Family Dental Care, you can experience stress-free visits and the personalized attention you deserve. Dr. Chanbo Sim and our team are here to help every patient feel comfortable and confident—no matter their dental history.
Phone: (219) 769-6316
Let us change the way you feel about going to the dentist. Contact us today to schedule your sedation consultation.