Does the thought of dental appointments give you sweaty palms? You are not alone because dental anxiety affects millions of Americans. Good news! It’s now more comfortable than ever to receive treatment with sedation dentistry in or near El Segundo, California. Beachside Smiles offers several sedation options to help you maintain good oral health without stress.
How do I know I have dental anxiety?
Recognizing the signs of dental anxiety is crucial for addressing and managing this apprehension effectively. Here are the common signs of dental fear.
- Physiological symptoms: Unexplained perspiration, including sweaty palms, is a typical response to dental anxiety. Elevated heart rate, dizziness, or feelings of queasiness can be a manifestation of dental anxiety.
- Emotional and behavioral symptoms: Do you delay or cancel dental appointments because of dental apprehension? Trouble sleeping the night before a dental exam? These emotional responses are a sign of dental anxiety, and you need to talk to your dentist for help.
What are the sedation dentistry options?
No two patients are alike. We offer several sedation dentistry options to cater to different needs. Enjoy relaxed, stress-free dental care with the following sedation options.
- Nitrous oxide: Laughing or happy gas is the mildest form of sedation dentistry. It’s administered through a nasal mask, and the effects kick in within minutes. Nitrous gas produces a euphoric, calming sensation when inhaled, although you remain awake during treatment. The effects wear off in minutes, making inhalation sedation safe for all patients.
- Oral conscious sedation: The dentist prescribes anti-anxiety medication before your treatment. Pill sedation makes you deeply relaxed, although you’ll remain conscious during treatment. This sedation creates anterograde amnesia, so you’ll not remember the sights, sounds, smells, and other anxiety-invoking sensations. Unlike nitrous gas, the sedation effects last several hours, so you need someone to escort you to and from the office.
When you are undergoing complex procedures like multiple surgical extractions or implant surgery, you may need general anesthesia (GA). General anesthesia renders you completely unconscious, ensuring you feel no pain and have no awareness during dental procedures. GA may also be ideal for patients with severe gag reflexes or who have trouble staying still in the dental chair.
What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?
Are you considering sedation dentistry? Here are the benefits you can expect:
- Safety: Sedation dentistry is completely safe when administered by qualified personnel. We use FDA-approved medications and thoroughly review your medical history to optimize your safety.
- Anxiety relief: Sedation dentistry overcomes your anxiety so that you can enjoy treatment without worry.
- Faster treatment: Because you remain relaxed in the dental chair, we’ll work faster on you. We can also combine multiple treatments in a single appointment.
- Reduced gag reflex: A sensitive gag reflex may prevent the dentist from completing the dental procedure or exam. Sedation dentistry can suppress your gag reflex to ensure it doesn’t disrupt your treatment.
Ready to meet your El Segundo sedation dentist?
How you feel when you come to our office for treatment matters greatly. So, if you have increased anxiety during dental treatment, please let us know. Dr. Don Mungcal and Camille Loria offer numerous sedation dentistry options to ensure everyone enjoys dental care without worry. Call (310) 643-6004 and discover relaxing dental visits with sedation dentistry in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, West Chester, Inglewood, and beyond.
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