Sedation Dentistry – Studio City, CA
Sit Back, Relax, & Smile
Sedation dentistry is an option for most procedures at Studio City Dental Arts. Its safety and effectiveness make it a sensible choice for major and more complex procedures. It is also available for patients who experience extreme anxiety or who would rather be unconscious for the duration of their dental treatment. Dr. Proshat Shahrestany has been especially training to use sedation dentistry for years, so trust that you are in capable hands for this treatment.
Sedation dentistry offers a lot of benefits. People who would otherwise avoid dental treatments due to dental anxiety or phobia can now have their teeth and gums taken care of without being stressed and nervous. Additionally, it allows for a lot of dental work to be done in a single visit, which is more convenient for busy patients. In a single sitting, several root canals, crowns, and fillings can all be done comfortably.
In addition, sedation dentistry can also benefit patients who have conditions that affect the ability to control body movement. Patients who are sedated are very relaxed so the dentist can perform the necessary procedures.
Not every patient is an ideal candidate for Dental sedation
This technique is not suitable for patients with conditions such as:
- Pregnancy
- Known allergies to benzodiazepine
- Continued alcohol intoxication and abuse
- Central nervous system (CNS) depression
- Some cases of glaucoma
This technique is also not recommended for patients with psychosis, impaired lungs, kidneys, or liver functions, or of an advanced age.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
If you need just a little help to feel comfortable in the dental chair, nitrous oxide sedation may be just the thing to “take the edge off.” It is a colorless, odorless gas, and when it’s inhaled, it helps a patient feel warm, happy, and more at ease within just a few minutes. The gas is administered using a small nasal mask, and it stays on for the entire appointment. When everything is done and the mask is removed, the gas’ effects wear off very quickly, allowing a patient to go straight back to their day.
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
For this sedation method, you will be asked to take a pill on the day of your procedure so you will feel relaxed for the entire treatment. You will be conscious and able to respond to instructions from our team the entire time, but you will have little to no recollection of your appointment when the sedative wears off. Time will pass by quickly, and your dental treatment will be done before you know it.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
With oral conscious sedation, all you have to do is swallow a prescribed pill shortly before your treatment is set to begin — no needles or mask are involved! Within about 15 minutes, you should start to feel relaxed and possibly a little drowsy. Your treatment experience should be easy and comfortable!
The medications used for oral conscious sedation can vary from case to case, but Valium, Ativan, and Halcion are some common choices.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Oral conscious sedation can be quite powerful, so you might drift off to sleep while under its influence. However, you should remain easy to awaken with gentle stimuli, and you will be able to respond to questions and directions from our team. Once your appointment is over, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home because it may not be safe for you to operate a vehicle for at least 24 hours.
Once the sedative wears off, you are unlikely to remember what happened during your treatment. Many patients who have had unpleasant dental care experiences in the past appreciate this aspect of oral conscious sedation.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation might be suitable for you if:
- You struggle with dental anxiety or fear.
- You are not easily numbed by local anesthesia.
- You have a very sensitive gag reflex.
- You need to undergo multiple procedures in a single appointment, or your scheduled treatment is somewhat complex.
- You have physical conditions that make it challenging for you to sit still for long periods of time.
- You went through traumatic dental care experiences in the past.
- You are free from medical conditions that could make sedation unsafe for you. For example, it is not generally recommended for pregnant women.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
We want every patient to have an enjoyable dental care experience, which is why we offer multiple forms of dental sedation. Before you consent to being sedated, however, you might have questions about this service and what it entails. Below, you will find answers to some relevant FAQs. If you do not see the information you were hoping for, call our Studio City dental office. We will be happy to personally assist you.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Generally speaking, sedation dentistry is very safe. Before approving you for sedation, we will perform a thorough screening to assess the risk that you could have an adverse reaction to sedatives. We will also carefully monitor you during your appointment.
Out of the two types of sedation that we offer, nitrous oxide is tolerated well by the greatest number of people. It is mild, and if it produces any unpleasant side effects, they tend to wear off quickly.
What Are the Risks of Sedation Dentistry?
If you experience any side effects, they are likely to be mild and wear off quickly. For example, some people feel nauseated or get a headache when they are exposed to nitrous oxide. Oral conscious sedation often causes grogginess that lasts for several hours.
Severe adverse reactions to sedation are rare. However, some people have allergies or medical conditions that increase their risk level. For example, respiratory conditions like sleep apnea can increase the risk of adverse effects. It is also important that you tell us about any medications you are taking because interactions can sometimes occur between sedatives and certain prescriptions.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
If you are sedated by nitrous oxide, it is likely that you will remember your appointment. The gas simply helps you to relax and remain calm. If you opt for oral conscious sedation, on the other hand, you may not be able to recall anything that happened during your treatment. Many patients like this aspect of oral conscious sedation, especially if they went through unpleasant dental care experiences in the past.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?
The exact sensations you experience will depend on the type of sedation you receive and how your body reacts to it.
Under the influence of nitrous oxide, most people feel relaxed, light, and possibly a little giddy. You might even get the giggles, which is why nitrous oxide is sometimes referred to as “laughing gas.”
Oral conscious sedation is more powerful. You may feel quite drowsy, and it could be challenging for you to speak. Your limbs might feel heavy, and time could seem to pass more quickly than usual.