We want you to feel safe and comfortable at every dental visit. Often, fear and anxiety can cause patients to skip dental visits or avoid seeing a dentist all together. At Dentist of Bixby Knolls, we have the tools to help you make it through your next appointment with ease. With sedation dentistry our staff can assist you in feeling comfortable and relaxed through any procedure.
Sedation Dentistry is a practice used to help patients feel calm and relaxed through dental visits and procedures. Sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry”, dental sedation techniques and intensities vary depending on patient preferences and needs. Dental sedation is an excellent tool for patients experiencing fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist.
Many patients experiencing anxiety about a dental visit or procedure find that sedation dentistry allows them to relax. Some procedures are difficult or even impossible to perform without dental sedation to ease a patient’s pain or anxiety. Dental sedation is an excellent tool for adults and children to make visiting the dentist a positive experience.
Conscious sedation allows you to remain awake but relaxed during your dental procedure. Conscious sedation is induced using pills or inhaled nitrous oxide gas to lessen pain and anxiety. Local anesthesia may also be used to numb areas of the gums and mouth. This option is ideal for minor and routine procedures including dental cleanings.
Unconscious sedation puts you fully asleep during a procedure. This option is done with general anesthesia and is typically used for patients with extreme anxiety or fear, or patients undergoing dental surgery procedures.
Twilight sedation refers to a state of deep, dream-like relaxation that is intended to last for the duration of a dental procedure. During twilight sedation you will not be fully conscious, however you will still be able to interact with or answer questions from your dentist. This option is often induced using nitrous oxide gas or IV delivered medications. Many patients do not fully remember their dental visit after twilight sedation.
If you experience intense fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist, you may be a candidate for sedation. Patients with a severe gag reflex, extreme tooth sensitivity, or pain may also benefit from sedation dentistry.
Be aware that some factors may exclude you from being a dental sedation candidate. Allergies, pregnancy, and sleep apnea are common conditions that may require a consultation with our helpful staff members to determine if sedation is right for you.
Sedation dentistry is a safe option for most dental patients. Your dentist will review your medical history before deciding if sedation dentistry is right for you.
Typically, dental sedation patients may experience reduced pain and amnesia type side effects. Some other side effects may include drowsiness, headache, or slower reflexes until all sedation effects wear off.
The recovery time after dental sedation varies based on the sedation type and intensity. For most patients, unconscious sedation side effects are few and recovery time is quick. It is important to schedule someone else to drive you home after dental sedation, and to avoid making important decisions for 24 hours after sedation procedures.
Dental sedation costs vary by the type of procedure, but many are covered under dental insurance. Our staff is happy to speak with you about costs and payment options.
Contact us at (562) 287-5175 to discuss if dental sedation is right for your next appointment.
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