Sedation Options Huntington Beach CA Most people get a little anxious when having to go to the dentist. Whether it is for routine teeth cleaning or a more involved dental procedure, many patients are immediately anxious when it has to do with their teeth. Individuals can become more anxious and nervous the more involved the procedure is. Due to those anxieties, sedation dentistry has become the cutting edge of dental practices. While most patients were simply told to deal with their dental fears in years past, their anxieties and fears have brought about a shift in philosophy. Benefits of Dental SedationThe comfort level of the patient is important for several reasons. Being relaxed during a procedure is vital for a successful oral surgery. The patient shouldn't flinch or jerk in procedures in which they remain alert and awake because they could inadvertently cause damage to the other tissues in the oral cavity. At Surf City Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery we strive to ensure that our patients are relaxed and remain comfortable so they can stay calm while the dental surgery is performed. It can help aid in the chances of a successful procedure. Sedation DentistrySedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry because most patients think that they have been asleep throughout and remember little, if anything, about the procedure. The truth is, in fact, apart from general anesthesia, in most other sedation dentistry options patients are actually awake, or can easily be woken up if required. Types of Dental SedationThere are different types of sedation available. What type of sedation a patient receives may depend on their level of anxiety, their preferences, and what type of dental procedure they are receiving. Minimal SedationMinimal sedation could be given in the form of nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) and oxygen. A mask will be placed over your nose and you will breathe in the colorless, odorless mixture. It works very quickly, producing pleasurable feelings that relax patients. Once the mask is removed, the feeling wears off quickly. There are no ill effects, and this is the only form of sedation where patients are allowed to drive themselves home afterward. Oral medication is also another form of minimal sedation, but the drowsiness it produces will last several hours. Therefore, you will need to have someone else drive you home and take it easy for a few hours after the procedure. Moderate SedationModerate sedation is what most people understand to be conscious sedation. It is administered as a dose of oral medication and although you may feel that you have been asleep, you are usually conscious and can follow instructions. Deep Sedation/General AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia is administered intravenously. Patients are unconscious throughout and will not be allowed home until the effects of the medication have worn off and the patient is awake.  How Sedation WorksSedatives are designed to calm you down and make sure that you can remain still while the dentist is working. Sedatives are typically applied during oral procedures, and while they are not designed to deal with pain or relieve it, dental sedation is a wildly requested procedure at our office. Different Types of SedativesOral sedation dentistry is the act of manually taking a sedative in pill form, typically twice. The first dose is usually taken the night before the procedure, and the second round is typically around an hour before the procedure. You will still be awake during the procedure, but you will also be deeply relaxed. Typically, you will not remember anything that has happened. When taking sedatives, it is important to be prepared for your visits. You will need a ride home and will feel sleepy for the rest of the day, but other than that, you will be perfectly fine. IV Sedation for Dental ProceduresFor longer procedures, you will be hooked up to an IV and given a liquid sedative. There are a few variations on how strong this sedation is for you. The first level is called twilight, and it works the same as an oral pill. You are conscious but unaware of what is happening around you, and you are often sleepy during the procedure. General anesthesia is also an option. This is typically for more prolonged procedures, and for this, you will be completely asleep. You will be unconscious for the duration of the procedure and will not remember anything after falling asleep. With IV sedation or general anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home, and you might also feel a bit weak and woozy for the rest of the day. It is important to take it easy after any procedure. Sedation Techniques for AnxietyWhile dental sedation is commonly seen as a way to treat anxiety in coming to the dentist's office, it can also be used to reduce discomfort and pain. If you have to deal with a small mouth, an uncomfortable tooth surgery, or something more advanced like a total mouth reconstruction, then sedation is a good option for you. Sedation Dentistry Surf City Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryIf you get nervous when coming to the dentist, we can help resolve this issue. Sedation dentistry options allow dental procedures to be completed, so you don't have to worry about putting off needed dental work or procedures. Why not call us today at Surf City Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to talk about the sedation options for your procedure? We can answer your questions and discuss choosing the right sedation options to make sure you will be comfortable. Our number is 657-384-2787. Give us a call today to get things started. |
