- When patients need to undergo extensive dental procedures, they may experience anxiety or fear about the process. At SoCal Prime Dentistry, we understand this concern and are here to help you relax during your treatment. We offer several forms of sedation dentistry to help our patients feel calm and comfortable during their visit.
Sedation dentistry is the practice of using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s common for patients to feel anxious or nervous when going to the dentist, and this anxiety can prevent them from getting the care they need. Sedation dentistry can help ease those fears and make treatment more comfortable.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a gas administered through a mask placed over your nose. The gas is inhaled through the nose and mouth, which induces relaxation. Patients remain awake and responsive during the procedure but will feel a sense of euphoria and relaxation. This form of sedation wears off quickly after the mask is removed.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For patients who require a deeper level of sedation, we offer oral conscious sedation. This type of sedation involves taking a pill before your procedure. It induces a feeling of relaxation and sleepiness, but patients will remain awake throughout the procedure. However, they will not remember the process afterward.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered intravenously by a nurse or anesthesiologist. This form of sedation produces a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. Patients under IV sedation can still respond to verbal commands but will likely not remember the procedure afterward.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Anxiety and Fear Reduction
Dental anxiety and fear are common reasons many people avoid going to the dentist, even for routine checkups. Sedation dentistry helps to alleviate these anxieties by inducing a state of deep relaxation. Patients can receive the dental care they need without experiencing overwhelming fear or stress, leading to a more positive and comfortable dental experience.
Pain Management
Depending on the type of sedation used, patients may experience a diminished sense of pain or discomfort during the dental procedure. While sedation is not an anesthetic, it can be combined with local anesthesia to relieve pain effectively. This is especially beneficial for patients with low pain tolerance or require extensive dental work.
Improved Cooperation and Compliance
Sedation dentistry can be particularly advantageous for patients with special needs or behavioral issues that may hinder cooperation during dental treatments. Sedation helps ensure better patient cooperation and compliance by inducing a calm state, allowing dental professionals to perform necessary procedures with greater ease and effectiveness.
By providing a relaxed and pain-free experience, sedation dentistry enables individuals to prioritize their oral health without the stress and apprehension often associated with dental visits. If you experience dental anxiety or require extensive dental work, contact SoCal Prime Dentistry, a trusted dentist in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Locate them at 22032 El Paseo Ste 230 , Rancho Santa Margarita, CA , 92688, or call (949) 713-1606.