Sedation Dentistry in Encino, CA
When oral health issues arise, getting the right dental treatment is essential. With treatment, we can help to stop the progression of your oral health issues, and restore the health of your mouth. However, if the thought of receiving any kind of dental treatment fills you with fear or anxiety, you may do everything you can to avoid getting the care you need. This can lead to worsening issues, which can result in serious complications and the need for more invasive treatments. At Encino Cosmetic Dentistry we can help you to get the care you need, when you need it, with sedation dentistry.
Effects of Ignoring Dental CareWhen you notice symptoms of an oral health issue, it is important to seek treatment right away. The earlier treatment is provided, the easier many issues are to resolve. If you ignore oral health issues, however, they often do not disappear on their own. Instead, they tend to grow worse, leading to more serious oral health complications including infections and tooth loss. The worse the condition becomes, the more invasive, and more expensive, treatment becomes.
What is Sedation?Sedation uses special medication to help you feel calmer and more relaxed, allowing you to receive your necessary dental treatments. Sedation is commonly used on patients who experience fear or anxiety. It can be used in other situations as well. These include: | • |
Low pain tolerance.
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Extreme tooth sensitivity.
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Difficulty sitting still.
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Strong gag reflex.
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The need for extensive treatment that will take a long time or the need for multiple procedures in one visit. |
Sedation LevelsThere are a few different levels of sedation, enabling us to customize your sedation to your specific needs. Sedation levels include: | • |
Minimal. Minimal sedation is the mildest form of sedation. With this sedation, you are still completely conscious, but you are very relaxed.
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Moderate. Moderate sedation is a form of conscious sedation that makes you feel sleepy and relaxed. With this sedation, many patients report temporary amnesia and are unable to recall parts, or any, of their procedures.
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Deep. Deep anesthesia is a form of conscious sedation where you are placed right on the brink of consciousness. Many patients fall asleep.
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General anesthesia. General anesthesia is a form of sedation in which you are made to sleep throughout your treatment. |
Types of SedationThere are several different types of sedation available. During your initial consultation, we go over all of your options to help determine the best form of sedation, which will help to provide you with the best results. | • |
Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, uses a gas that is inhaled through a small mask on your nose. It is a form of minimal sedation and is the lightest form of sedation available. You are completely conscious during treatment, but you feel relaxed. You can respond to questions and requests. With this form of sedation, your pain threshold is raised, and your gag reflex is weakened.
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Oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation involves the use of a medication that you take by mouth before your appointment. The medication typically takes about 30 minutes to go to work, but the exact time varies. This is a form of moderate sedation. Effects of sedation linger for several hours, so it is important to have a driver to bring you home.
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IV sedation. IV sedation can be used for moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia. The medication is administered through a needle directly into your bloodstream. It goes to work almost instantly. The effects linger, so a driver is needed to take you home after your procedure. |
If the thought of stepping foot into a dental office for treatment fills you with dread, sedation can help you to relax. For more information about sedation, and to find out what options are right for you, call Encino Cosmetic Dentistry at (818) 783-0408 today. |
