GENERAL DENTISTRY

Conscious Sedation

CONSCIOUS SEDATION

AT OTAY LAKES DENTAL ARTS

Conscious sedation is a technique in which the use of a drug or drugs produces a state of depression in the central nervous system (CNS), enabling treatment to be carried out, but during which verbal contact with the patient is maintained throughout sedation. The drugs and techniques used to provide conscious sedation for dental treatment should carry a margin of safety wide enough to render loss of consciousness unlikely.

If the idea of visiting your dentist in Chula Vista, CA, for a six-month checkup fills you with intense stress and worry, you may be among the 15% of people suffering from ongoing dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is now a widespread practice that helps patients relax and complete their entire appointments in comfort. Fear of the dentist is common, but it’s also highly manageable. If you’ve stubbornly avoided the dentist, sedation dentistry Eastlake can help you get the care you need without any anxiety.

TYPES OF SEDATION DENTISTRY

Sedation dentistry aims to alleviate the effects of dental phobia by relaxing patients who feel too scared or overwhelmed to sit calmly during an exam or procedure. There are three different types of sedation dentists can utilize based on patient needs and requests.

NITROUS OXIDE

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless and odorless gas used in the lightest form of sedation dentistry in Eastlake. Laughing gas is prevalent because it’s safe and easy to control, even for children!

Unlike other sedations requiring IVs or injections, laughing gas is easily administered through a face mask. As you inhale nitrous oxide gradually slows your body’s reaction time. Without immediate responses to pain and fear, anxiety decreases, allowing you to coast through your dental appointment feeling calm and relaxed.

Laughing gas is also the first choice in dental sedation because it doesn’t knock you out or cause a lengthy recovery. You remain awake and alert while using laughing gas, but with the added benefit of feeling relaxed and unaware of pain. Nitrous oxide also wears off quickly, so you feel normal as you walk out of your procedure.

ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION

Oral conscious sedation is also a simple way to combat dental anxiety and bring more comfort to each dental appointment. It involves taking a small sedative pill at a predetermined time before your appointment, so a trusted family member or friend must drive you to and from your appointment to ensure safety.

You’ll take another sedative about an hour before your procedure. You’ll take another sedative to initiate the complete conscious sedation process. The sedative allows you to remain conscious throughout your appointment, but you will feel relaxed and at ease.

With the use of oral conscious sedation, you’ll know what’s happening without enduring any feelings of worry or anxiety. By the time your medication wears off, your appointment and reasons for concern will be over!

Remember that oral conscious sedation can’t be used if you’re pregnant or have preexisting health conditions like impaired kidney or liver function, congestive heart failure, or glaucoma.

INTRAVENOUS SEDATION

IV sedation is the most potent form of sedation dentistry. It’s reserved only for specific situations and procedures when laughing gas or oral conscious sedation can’t offer the level of sedation necessary. IV sedation works instantaneously to make patients less aware of their surroundings and prevent fear or anxiety.

Make sure your dentist is qualified to perform intravenous sedation and follow your preparation instructions carefully. It’s best not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before your procedure. You can expect to feel groggy when you wake up, so having a friend or family member drive you to and from the dentist’s office is essential.

SIGNS YOU NEED SEDATION DENTISTRY

Sedation dentistry is a valuable tool for anybody with dental anxiety that makes it harder than usual to visit the dentist and receive essential oral care. If you can relate to any of the following problems, talk to your dentist about the availability of sedation dentistry:

Trouble sleeping the night before your dental appointment
Nervousness, rapid heartbeat, and the temptation to cry while waiting
Becoming nauseous at the idea of going to the dentist
Difficulty breathing when you think about visiting the dentist
Skipping appointments and treatments to avoid the dentist’s chair
Accepting pain, discomfort, and decay instead of making an appointment for treatment with the dentist

There’s a big difference between feeling inconvenienced by a dentist appointment and feeling too stressed or frightened to attend. Keep the lines of communication open with your dentist so that you can find the right solutions for your situation.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SEDATION DENTIST

Many dentists offer sedation dentistry, but which dentist best fits you? It’s essential to choose a sedation dentist who understands the overwhelming power of dental anxiety and provides a compassionate approach to help you receive the dental treatments you need.

At Otay Lakes Dental Arts, Dr. Miller and his team appreciate the importance of addressing dental anxiety. Dr. Miller promises the highest standards of care and uncompromising safety as he uses sedation dentistry to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during every appointment.

HOW TO KNOW IF SEDATION DENTIST RIGHT FOR YOU

You can trust Dr. Yaron Miller in sedation dentistry to make your comfort and well-being his top priority. Call (619) 216 – 3333 today to schedule your appointment and discuss your best sedation options.

MON – THU	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FRI	By Appointment Only
SAT	By Appointment Only