Clinical preparation
Dr. Lee identifies which aspects of examination or treatment are difficult for the patient and incorporates that information into the appointment plan.
Dental care for anxious patients in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee treats dental anxiety as a clinical factor that can change how care should be planned and delivered.
She uses her training in sedation and pain management to determine whether communication, treatment pacing, conscious sedation, or anesthesiology support should be incorporated into the plan.
Anxiety-aware treatment planning
Why tell your dentist about dental anxiety?
Anxiety can affect a patient's ability to tolerate examination, procedures, time in the chair, and the sensations associated with treatment.
Dr. Lee addresses those factors before treatment begins so the clinical plan and comfort strategy are designed together rather than treating anxiety as an afterthought.
- Identify the parts of treatment that create difficulty
- Plan communication and treatment pacing
- Evaluate conscious sedation when clinically appropriate
- Coordinate deeper sedation support when required
How does Dr. Lee help nervous patients?
Conscious sedation
Her advanced training in sedation and pain management supports light to moderate conscious sedation when that level of care is clinically appropriate.
Anesthesiology support
For treatment needing deeper or IV sedation, Dr. Lee works with an anesthesiologist.
What can I expect at my first visit if I'm nervous?
- Identify the anxiety pattern. Dr. Lee determines which parts of dental care are difficult and whether previous experiences or specific sensations affect treatment tolerance.
- Define the dental need. The required examination or procedure establishes what the patient will need to tolerate clinically.
- Choose the support level. Communication, pacing, conscious sedation, or anesthesiology support is selected according to the patient and treatment.
- Integrate the plan. The anxiety-management strategy is incorporated into the same treatment plan as the dental procedure.
Can Dr. Lee help if dental visits make me anxious?
Anxiety-focused dental planning can help when fear makes an exam or treatment difficult to complete. It can also help patients return to care after avoiding dental visits because of anxiety.
Tell the office what makes a dental visit difficult for you. Dr. Lee can discuss the planned steps, treatment pace, and whether sedation is appropriate for your care.
When should I mention my dental anxiety?
Anxiety should be addressed before the procedure is underway, especially when it may affect the ability to complete the planned care.
Dr. Lee considers your anxiety, medical history, and the planned treatment when deciding whether sedation is appropriate and what type may be used.
What affects the cost of care for dental anxiety?
The dental procedure itself and any sedation or anesthesia services are separate components of the treatment plan. Cost depends on the care required, sedation level, provider involvement, and applicable benefits.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Tell us what helps you manage a dental visit; Dr. Lee can discuss the options appropriate for your care.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee has advanced training in sedation and pain management through OHSU and DOCS Education. She applies that training to safely treat patients experiencing dental anxiety and works with an anesthesiologist when deeper or IV sedation is required.
Frequently asked questions
Can dental anxiety be treated with sedation?
Sedation can be part of the plan when Dr. Lee determines that conscious sedation is appropriate for the patient and procedure.
Do I need sedation just because I am nervous?
No. The support level is based on the severity of the anxiety, treatment being performed, medical history, and what is needed to complete care safely.
What if I have avoided the dentist for years because of anxiety?
Dr. Lee starts with the current condition and incorporates anxiety into the plan rather than using the time away from care as a judgment about the patient.
Can deeper sedation be arranged?
When treatment requires deeper or IV sedation, Dr. Lee works with an anesthesiologist.
What accommodations does Smile Art provide?
Tell us what has made dental visits difficult. Dr. Lee can explain the planned treatment, discuss pacing, and assess whether conscious sedation is appropriate. Call to ask about any specific accommodation you need.
Does insurance cover sedation for anxiety?
Coverage depends on the dental plan, treatment, and sedation level. Smile Art can help verify applicable benefits.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.