Sedation Dentistry

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a service your dental team at CaliDental offers to help you remain calm and relaxed while you receive the treatments you need to improve your oral health.  

Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, is ideal for those who may be anxious during dental procedures. Depending on the type of dental procedure you need, you may be awake but very relaxed or may sleep during your procedure. 

Before your dental procedure, your dentist takes time to explain your sedation options and what you can expect during treatment. Any form of sedation requires you have someone drive you home, as your judgment could be impaired.  

Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?

You may be an excellent candidate for sedation dentistry if you are generally healthy, and:

• Have extreme dental anxiety
• Have put off procedures due to fear or anxiety
• Expect procedures to take a long time
• Require multistep procedures 
• Have difficulty lying still for long periods

If you have chronic conditions, such as cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes, or respiratory disease, you should discuss with your physician and your dentist the best approach to your dental sedation before your procedure.  

What are the different types of sedation dentistry?  

The team at CaliDental offers a variety of medications used for sedation dentistry that offer differing degrees of alertness during your procedure. The main types of sedation dentistry include:

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, offers mild sedation when you breathe it in slowly through a mask that your hygienist places around your nose and mouth. This relieves anxiety and reduces pain during the procedure while you remain awake but relaxed. 

IV sedation

In the future, CaliDental plans to offer patients the option of IV sedation, which gives a deeper level of sedation and usually leaves patients feeling like they slept throughout their procedure. Medication is delivered through an IV catheter placed in your arm. Often, patients feel groggy or sleepy after their procedures.

Oral conscious sedation

Oral conscious sedation is an excellent option for those who fear needles or would rather not use IV medications. Your dentist prescribes oral sedation before your procedure, which you take about 30 minutes before you arrive. Oral sedatives leave you relaxed but awake, though many people don’t remember anything from their procedure at all. 

Your dentist creates a dental sedation plan based on your procedure, level of anxiety, and your health history. The team at CaliDental strives to make your dental experience as comfortable and pain-free as possible so that you are relaxed as you protect and improve your oral health. 

To see if sedation dentistry is right for you, call or schedule an appointment online with CaliDental today.