Dentists can be a source of anxiety, fear, or panic for many. This emotional reaction, also known as “dental anxiety,” can be intense enough to prevent patients from seeking needed dental care. Sedation offers a compassionate, practical solution for people who feel fear or discomfort when they are in a chair.
Sedation involves using medications to help patients relax while undergoing dental procedures. There is no need to place someone completely under anesthesia unless this is medically required. However, different levels can be used to make the patient feel more comfortable, less anxious, and have a better dental experience. This allows dentists to carry out treatments more efficiently and ensures that the patients get the care they need with no emotional distress.
Sedation can help make dental visits for patients with dental fears more comfortable and enjoyable.
Sedation Types
Santa Monica’s sedation services are tailored to meet the needs and desires of every patient. Dentists often offer different levels and types of relaxation, depending on the type of sedation.
1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
The most common form of mild sedation (nitrous oxide) is inhaled using a mask. This sedative offers mild to medium relaxation. It acts quickly and wears out shortly after treatment, making it a good choice for patients needing to return to work or drive home.
2. Sedation by Oral Sedation
A prescription medication, such as Halcion, is taken by the patient around one hour before the consultation. Patients may experience a deeper state than that of nitrous oxide and feel drowsy. Although patients remain awake and alert, they can easily be awakened in an emergency.
3. IV Sedation
IV-sedation delivers a more intense level of conscious sedation. This allows the dentists to change the level of sedation in real time. This is commonly recommended for more complex dental procedures or patients with severe dental fears.
4. Anesthesia
There are rare instances where general anesthesia is administered to render a patient unconscious. This can happen for complicated surgeries, patients with high anxiety levels, or those who require special care. This option usually requires a surgeon and is performed in an operating room or hospital.
A dental professional administers each of these techniques to ensure comfort, safety, and security at every step of the process.
Discover sedation dentistry options in Santa Monica that align with your unique needs and take the fear out of your next dental visit. Leading dental practices provide consultations to assess anxiety levels, your medical history, and the treatment you need to determine what sedation is right for you.
Real Stories, Real Relief
The benefits of sedation dentistry have transformed many lives. Patients can regain control over their oral health, and they can get rid of years’ worth of fear and neglect. Here are some of the testimonials from people who have experienced it first-hand.
Emily, Santa Monica resident, age 34: “I’d been avoiding the dentist for ten or more years because I was so afraid. My life changed when I discovered a local dentist who provided oral sedation. Although I barely recall the appointment, I was left with a more attractive smile and without any trauma. My checkups are no longer a fear. “
James, 52. Santa Monica business owner: “IV sedation is a game changer. I needed multiple fillings and crowns. My dental office suggested that they be done all at once under sedation. The process was much easier and quicker than I had anticipated. “I didn’t feel any pain. I wasn’t even stressed. And I was able to catch up on years of neglect. “
Maria, 28, Graduate Student: “Laughing gas made my deep clean and wisdom tooth extraction easier. The nitrous gas was just what I wanted. I wasn’t looking for anything too powerful because I still had classes to attend. “It was just the thing I needed. “
These stories prove that sedation dentists can help maintain oral health in patients without fear and stress.
Conclusion:
Sedation dentistry can be a viable choice for you if your anxiety has been keeping you from getting dental care. Sedation dentistry makes dental visits easier and can boost your confidence and help improve your overall health.
Santa Monica’s dental professionals are compassionate and highly skilled. They specialize in reducing patient anxiety with personalized sedation. If you’ve avoided visiting the dentist for years or are simply looking for a little more support during your appointment, some options can help.
