Dental anxiety is a very real and debilitating condition. The condition prevents many people from getting basic dental care and more advanced treatments. Instead of sacrificing your oral health because of worries about being at the dentist or having someone work on your teeth, ask the dental team at Beachside Smiles about sedation dentistry and how this option can help you have a positive dental experience.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Several types of sedation dentistry are available and, depending on the work you’re having done, they can be used along with numbing treatments. This combination prevents the patient from feeling physical discomfort and allows both body and mind to relax.
- Nitrous oxide: More commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask placed over the nose during the entire treatment. Within a minute, the calming effects are felt, and most patients remain conscious during their procedure. Typically, there are no side effects and the gas wears off after the mask is removed.
- Oral conscious sedation: Patients who need a heartier sedation during their dental care can opt for oral conscious sedation. A prescription medication is taken just before the dental visit to produce a sense of calm and relaxation. You may not drive to or from your appointment when a sedative is administered. You will remain fully alert throughout treatment, but anxiety and fear will disappear, and some people do not even remember getting dental work done.
- IV sedation: With IV sedation, a sedative medication is delivered directly into a vein for the deepest form of relaxation. With this form of sedation dentistry, you may doze off into a light sleep while in the dentist’s chair. All sedated patients are closely monitored for comfort and safety. IV sedation is a good choice for patients undergoing multiple procedures or tooth extractions.
Reasons to Get Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry can be used for teeth cleanings, porcelain veneers, root canals, extensive mouth reconstruction, and nearly every dental procedure. Here are some of the most common reasons patients want sedation dentistry for their dental visit:
- Scared of the dentist: Dental anxiety is so high for some patients, often because of a bad prior experience, they need this type of dentistry to spend any time in the dentist’s chair.
- Having multiple procedures done at once: Your dentist can work more efficiently when you are calm, and patients who need multiple treatments can get all their work done during fewer visits when sedated.
- Want to minimize number of appointments: Don’t have extra time to spare for several dental visits? Sedation dentistry lets you rest through your appointments while your dentist works faster to reduce how many appointments you need, saving both time and money.
- Sensitivity: If you have a gag reflex, fear the dentist’s hands and tools being in your mouth, or are jumpy in the dental chair, sedation can take you to a place of calm where typical worries do not interfere with dental care.
- Severe pain or trauma: If you suffer a serious mouth injury or trauma or you are in severe pain, sedation dentistry helps reduce the panic and fear so your dentist can do the emergency work that needs to be done quickly.
Get Sedation Dentistry in Manhattan Beach
There are some dental procedures that automatically qualify a patient for this type of dentistry so they can be at ease. These include dental implants, wisdom tooth extraction, root canal therapy, and emergency dentistry. Sedation, though, can be used for any dental procedure. If you feel you need something to calm you down, contact your Manhattan Beach dentist at Beachside Smiles to discuss the options. Find out how sedation dentistry can help you get the dental care you need.
FAQs
Is it okay to get sedated at the dentist?
At Beachside Smiles of Manhattan Beach, California, we understand that receiving oral health and dental treatments can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience for some individuals. This is why we are excited to offer sedation dentistry as a choice for our patients.
Sedation dentistry usually involves using medication to help our patients relax and be more at ease during their oral health procedures. It can also benefit individuals with a fear of needles or those with sensitive gag reflexes.
There are different levels of sedation in dentistry that can be utilized depending on the patient’s specific level of anxiety and the type of dental procedure being performed. These include:
- Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is a light form of dental sedation that helps patients feel calm and relaxed.
- Oral conscious sedation. This involves taking a prescribed medication, usually a pill, before the procedure, which will make the patient feel drowsy and less aware of what is happening.
- IV sedation is a deeper form of dental sedation administered directly into the bloodstream through an IV. It allows the dentist to adjust the level of sedation throughout the dental procedure.
What is the best dental sedation?
The type of sedation a patient uses varies depending on their unique situation and specific anxieties. Drs. Don Mungcal and Camille Loria discuss the options with you and decide which type is best for your needs.
Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry, and what sedation methods are available?
Sedation dentistry is often an excellent solution for our patients who experience extreme anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist. It can also benefit individuals with special needs, such as those with physical or cognitive impairments that make it challenging for them to sit still for long periods.
Moreover, sedation dentistry can be advantageous for patients needing multiple procedures in a single visit or those with a low pain tolerance. It allows them to relax and feel more comfortable throughout the treatment process.
How long does dental sedation last?
The duration of a patient’s dental sedation depends on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide usually wears off quickly after the procedure when patients are administered oxygen, while oral conscious sedation can last for several hours. IV sedation can take longer to wear off, and patients may need additional time to recover before leaving the office. They need to arrange transportation to and from the office to safely travel after having IV sedation and oral conscious sedation.
Can you feel pain during sedation dentistry?
With sedation dentistry, patients are typically relaxed and may even fall asleep during the procedure. They should not feel any pain or discomfort throughout the treatment process. However, some patients may experience slight sensations or pressure during specific guidelines, but these can be minimized with local anesthesia.
Can you walk after dental sedation?
While patients may feel drowsy or groggy after sedation dentistry, they can typically walk and move around independently. However, for their safety, it is recommended that they have someone they trust accompany them to the office and drive them home after receiving IV sedation or oral conscious sedation.
Who can I call to learn more about sedation dentistry?
The team at Beachside Smiles can be reached by calling (310) 643-6004 to request an upcoming visit with Drs. Don Mungcal and Camille Loria at 1590 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite N, Manhattan Beach, California.
