Light to moderate conscious sedation
Dr. Lee is trained in light to moderate conscious sedation and remains current on continuing education related to that care.
Sedation dentistry in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee uses light to moderate conscious sedation as part of dental care when anxiety, treatment complexity, or another clinical factor makes sedation appropriate.
For treatment requiring deeper or IV sedation, she works with an anesthesiologist rather than presenting deeper sedation as a service she personally administers.
Conscious sedation
Why is sedation used in dental care?
Sedation changes the patient's level of relaxation and awareness during treatment while the dental procedure itself is still planned according to the underlying clinical need.
Dr. Lee evaluates medical history, anxiety, procedure type, and the required depth of sedation before determining the appropriate pathway.
- Support treatment for dental anxiety
- Match sedation depth to the clinical need
- Incorporate medical history into sedation planning
- Coordinate anesthesiology when deeper sedation is required
What sedation care does Dr. Lee provide?
Sedation planning for anxiety
Dental anxiety is treated as a clinical factor in the treatment plan rather than as a front-desk accommodation.
Deeper or IV sedation
When treatment requires deeper or IV sedation, Dr. Lee works with an anesthesiologist.
What happens before I have sedation?
- Review medical history. Dr. Lee evaluates health conditions, medications, previous sedation experiences, and other factors that affect sedation safety.
- Define the dental treatment. The procedure, expected treatment demands, and patient's anxiety level establish the clinical context for sedation.
- Select the sedation level. Dr. Lee determines whether light to moderate conscious sedation fits the case or whether deeper anesthesia support is required.
- Coordinate the appointment. The treatment and sedation plan are organized together so monitoring and provider roles match the selected level of care.
Am I a candidate for dental sedation?
Sedation may be considered for patients with significant dental anxiety, difficulty tolerating treatment while fully alert, or procedures where conscious sedation adds value.
Dental anxiety is one part of the sedation decision. Dr. Lee also reviews your medical history, the planned procedure, and whether you can safely receive the proposed level of sedation.
When should I ask about sedation?
Sedation should be planned before the treatment appointment so Dr. Lee can review medical factors and determine the appropriate level of care.
For patients with previous sedation reactions, significant medical conditions, or complex treatment needs, additional review and medical coordination may be required before scheduling sedation.
What affects the cost of sedation dentistry?
Cost depends on the level of sedation, treatment duration, provider involvement, monitoring requirements, and dental or medical benefits that may apply.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Sedation instructions and coverage depend on the level of care and your treatment plan.
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 is trained in light to moderate conscious sedation and works with an anesthesiologist when deeper or IV sedation is required.
Frequently asked questions
Does sedation mean I will be asleep?
Not necessarily. Light to moderate conscious sedation is different from deep anesthesia. The appropriate level depends on your medical history, anxiety level, and the planned procedure.
Does Dr. Lee provide IV sedation herself?
No. For deeper or IV sedation, Dr. Lee works with an anesthesiologist.
Who decides which sedation level I need?
Dr. Lee evaluates the dental procedure, anxiety level, medical history, and safety considerations before recommending the sedation pathway.
Can sedation be used for restorative treatment?
It can be incorporated when Dr. Lee determines that light to moderate conscious sedation is appropriate for the patient and procedure.
Do I need a separate consultation?
The sedation plan needs to be established before treatment. The exact scheduling process depends on the procedure and level of sedation required.
Does insurance cover sedation?
Coverage varies widely by dental plan, procedure, 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.