- (562) 445-3363
- 8077 Florence Ave, #107
- Downey, CA 90240
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How do you feel before visiting the dentist’s office? For many people, visiting the dentist is fraught with anxiety and worry. Children especially suffer from fear about visiting a dental office, and others feel nervous about procedures as simple as teeth cleaning or fear of pain. If you have ever found yourself feeling anxious before a dental office appointment, sedation dentistry may be just the solution you are looking for.
Sedation dentistry uses modern techniques to help you feel relaxed during dental office visits. It is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry”, though most patients are not fully unconscious during most procedures. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you achieve multiple levels of sedation or relaxation which allows for a comfortable dental office visit.
Anyone can benefit from sedation dentistry, including children. Most often sedation dentistry is suggested for those who have a strong fear or anxiety about dental procedures. Sedation dentistry may also be recommended for anyone with a strong gag reflex, extreme tooth sensitivity, decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia, those with a large amount of dental work to be completed or patients with special needs.
Dental sedation is helpful to use when children are experiencing extreme fear about a dental office visit or refuse to cooperate during a dental procedure. Dental sedation can be a safe and gentle way to help a child relax and feel comfortable when visiting the dentist.
Downey Dental Arts offers 3 types of sedation. The type of dental sedation used is based on your specific needs. Factors to be considered in dental sedation include fear or anxiety level, length and type of procedure, personal health history, and personal preference and comfort level. Downey Dental Arts offers the following sedation options:
Conscious sedation techniques will leave you awake, but relaxed and relatively pain free during a procedure. Conscious sedation is often used for simple procedures like dental cleanings or fillings.
Twilight sedation describes a state somewhere between conscious and unconscious. Twilight sedation leaves you in a dream-like state where you can interact and respond to requests but may not remember the procedure once it has finished.
Unconscious sedation is also referred to as general anesthesia and is the strongest type of sedation. Unconscious sedation will put you completely to sleep and is often used for dental surgeries.
There are multiple ways to administer dental sedation. The level of sedation as well as the type and length of the procedure are factors in determining how dental sedation will be administered. Generally, there are three ways dental sedation may be administered during a dental office visit:
Oral sedation is taken by mouth, usually in the form of a pill. For young children it is also possible to take oral sedation medication in a liquid form. Often oral sedation is taken about an hour before a procedure begins. It can often produce drowsiness or grogginess, so your dentist may ask you to arrange someone to pick you up at the dental office once the procedure has been completed.
Commonly referred to as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is an inhaled medication that is administered through a mask or nose piece. Nitrous oxide helps you feel relaxed and can be administered at different levels by your dentist. The calming effects of nitrous oxide occur quickly, usually within three to five minutes. After your procedure your dentist may use oxygen in a mask to flush the remaining nitrous oxide out of your system. Because the gas wears off so quickly you should be able to drive yourself home after your procedure.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation is the quickest acting form of sedation because it is administered directly into your bloodstream. Intravenous sedation is typically the deepest form of conscious sedation available.
Dental sedation methods are usually quick and painless. Each sedation method delivers effects differently, so you can talk to your dentist about the timing and method of your dental sedation.
If you have received oral or intravenous sedation you will need to arrange a trusted person to drive you home after your procedure. If you have only received nitrous oxide, it should be safe for you to drive home once your dentist has released you from the office.
Nitrous oxide sedation will allow you to return to regular activities almost immediately because the gas leaves your system so quickly. If you have had intravenous or oral sedatives, you will need to give yourself the rest of the day before returning to normal activities. Some people may need to wait longer. You can talk with your dentist about what you need to do based on your dental history and current situation.
As long as your dental procedure allows, you can eat or drink immediately after dental sedation, though most people prefer to allow the numbness from local anesthesia to wear off first. Your dentist will provide you with instructions specific to your dental procedure and care before you return home.
Downey Dental Arts wants to make sure your next dental appointment is comfortable and free from anxiety or worry. Our office provides state of the art sedation methods with caring providers to make sure you receive the care that is right for you. We are always ready to answer your questions about dental sedation for your next appointment.
Enjoy the relaxation of your next appointment in the safety and comfort of the Downey Dental Arts office by calling us at (562) 445-3363 today!
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