What Are Sedation Dentistry Options?

Dental sedation is a treatment procedure that helps patients to overcome fear, anxiety, and nervousness about receiving dental work so that they get the care they need as comfortably as possible. Dental fear and anxiety are common and understandable. Unfortunately, they’re also common obstacles to people getting the treatment they need. Too many patients develop more significant dental issues that require more complex and invasive procedures to address than they otherwise would because they’re afraid to get the care they need. Dental sedation helps eliminate those obstacles. Here’s how.

Sedation dentistry in Los Angeles isn’t a single product but is a suite of products that can be tailored to meet the needs of individual patients. Here are the four types of available sedation dentistry near you. Keep in mind that these sedation dentistry options are not alternatives to local anesthetic. Your dentist will always numb the area of your mouth and gums being treated to be sure you feel minimal pain and discomfort. Sedation dentistry supplements local anesthetic by helping you to remain still, calm, and comfortable while being treated — so calm and comfortable that you may not even remember your appointment (depending on what option you choose).

Nitrous oxide

You may know nitrous oxide better than laughing gas. Patients inhale laughing gas through a mask or tube placed just below their nostrils. Laughing gas takes effect quickly; you’ll begin to feel relaxed and maybe even a bit giddy within 30 seconds. Once you stop inhaling, the effect quickly clears your system.

Oral sedation

To achieve a deeper level of relaxation while still remaining completely awake during your procedure, your dentist may recommend oral sedation. Oral sedation is usually achieved by taking a pill or tablet the night before your dentist’s appointment and a second pill or tablet an hour before your appointment. Patients usually remember very little about dental work received while under the influence of oral sedation.

IV sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation comes in a couple of different levels: “twilight” sedation and general anesthesia, which we’ll introduce below. Intravenous sedative drugs are administered through an IV placed in a vein in your arm. Under the influence of twilight IV sedation, you’ll feel markedly sleepy but will be aware of your surroundings. Your dentist can rouse you to full wakefulness at any time if needed. Twilight IV sedation is appropriate for people with very high levels of anxiety undergoing lengthy or complex treatment. 

General anesthesia

General anesthesia is the most extreme option of sedation dentistry available and is, in fact, very unusual except in cases of extremely lengthy and complex oral surgery. Under the influence of general anesthesia, you’ll be unconscious and asleep and will have no memory of undergoing treatment. Procedures under general anesthesia are performed at specialist surgery clinics under medical supervision.

Which type of sedation is right for you? To determine the answer to that question, your dentist will consider a wide range of factors: your age; what is the nature of your fear or anxiety; how extreme is that fear or anxiety; what types of procedures are you undergoing; how long will you need to remain calm and still to get the care you need; your medical history; and any prior experience with different types of sedative drugs.

Whether you’re a child having a tooth pulled, an adult undergoing root canal therapy or a senior citizen undergoing periodontics in Los Angeles, there is a sedation dentistry option that can — in addition to the use of local anesthetics — ensure you get the treatment you need as comfortably as possible. Whatever dental work you need, including periodontics near you, as your dentist what sedation option is best for you?