Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can cure your dental anxiety.

If you feel nervous or anxious about going to the dentist, we understand. For some, going to the dental office for an appointment is like any other day. For others, it can be terrifying, bringing back bad memories that cause them to avoid the dentist altogether. It may seem like skipping regular cleanings and checkups can help lessen dental anxiety. But in reality, skipping dental appointments can lead to additional dental problems, resulting in even costlier procedures.

Dental anxiety has kept many patients from getting the dental care they need and desire. But we are here to help. At Espire Dental, we welcome you free of judgment from your past dental care. We’re here to help you face the future brightly with newfound confidence in our compassionate providers. If you’re familiar with minimal sedation, you have many options available to you. Our licensed sedation dentists are experts in sedation dentistry, a practice that helps transform patients’ oral health appointments into experiences of comfort.

What To Know About Dental Sedation

Sedation dentistry is an extraordinary option for people who fear the dentist but still want to care for their mouth and teeth. At Espire, all sedation dentistry services are performed by licensed dentists who have received extensive training in the discipline.

Sedation dentistry is administered in a variety of ways: oral conscious sedation, laughing gas, or IV sedation. Each type of sedation has its own benefits depending on the procedure itself and the patient receiving care. We offer customized experiences for patients seeking sedation dentistry in California.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s possible to be sedated during a procedure, but maintain consciousness and autonomy over your body. Sedation dentistry allows you to relax, decreasing your anxiety while you receive oral treatment. Though relaxed, you remain conscious and our dentists are able to communicate with you about any adjustments or needs you may require. If you’ve been looking for a way to experience dental care in an empowered, yet relaxed manner, sedation dentistry could be a wonderful option for you.

Oral Conscious Sedation: Pill or Tablet Oral Medication

With oral conscious sedation, you have the option to take a sedative either in pill form or in rapid-release under the tongue form. Each patient, along with our dentists, will help you choose the form of medication that you’re most comfortable with. Our sedation team will help to administer oral medication in the office. Once you take the oral sedation medication, , you will begin experiencing its effect quickly.

Generally, patients are aware of what’s happening around them, but are not bothered by it. This means that the fearful memories that may have kept you from dental visits can be left in the past. Patients love this option because you will feel relaxed and still be able to communicate with your dentist during your visit. That way, you can bring up any questions or concerns. When your procedure is finished, it’s likely you’ll feel as if you’re waking up from a nap. In fact, it’s possible that after taking oral sedation, you won’t recall your dental visit at all. It will be like a dream! We currently offer oral sedation at no extra cost as part of our New Patient Special (some limitations apply).

Laughing Gas, Replacing Fear with Relaxation

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is another form of sedation you can choose from for your dental treatment. It got its nickname because nitrous oxide helps to lessen pain and anxiety and can create feelings of euphoria. Rather than taken in pill or tablet form, patients receive nitrous oxide through a mask, placed over their nose. After breathing regularly for a short period of time, most patients begin to experience effects that relax their bodies. Often a patient will experience a feeling of heaviness in the arms and legs.

But despite the calm, the patient still has the ability to speak to and understand their dentist. Laughing gas is a safe sedation option for children, as well as adults. A benefit of choosing laughing gas is that the effects wane as quickly as they begin. Once the mask is removed, most patients begin to feel like their normal selves again, helping to ease recovery time from your dental procedure.

How IV Sedation Works in Dental Procedures

If oral conscious sedation or laughing gas don’t feel like the right options for you, consider IV sedation. While the other forms of sedation are orally administered, IV sedation is delivered directly to the bloodstream. We bring in highly trained, board-certified dental anesthesiologists to administer sedation dentistry in California. This level of sedation and anesthetic provides the patient with deep sedation. Patients can communicate with their dentist and dental anesthesiologist, but won’t be bothered by the sights, smells, and sounds typically experienced during a dental visit. Intravenous sedation may be delivered consistently throughout a dental procedure or only for some time.

Your blood pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse, and other indicators will be taken before and after your dental procedure, as well as monitored throughout, to ensure you are safe and comfortable. IV sedation may be best for a patient who have a gag reflex or requires at least moderate sedation due to anxiety. After receiving IV sedation, it’s common to feel less alert, so you will need someone to drive you home after your appointment.

The Many Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Whether your dental anxiety is moderate or severe, sedation dentistry can help transform your experience. Any dental procedure, from simple fillings to root canals or full mouth reconstruction, can be experienced with less pain and anxiety. Beyond lessening the stress and fear surrounding dental procedures, there are many benefits to sedation dentistry.

• Patients may have more procedures completed in less amount of time, meaning fewer dental visits overall.
• Many patients have little or no memory of their procedure.
• Most patients experience less soreness and an easier recovery thanks to sedation dentistry.
• You’ll likely feel as if you slept through your procedure, despite having the ability to communicate with your dentist.
• It’s suitable for patients of all ages, including minor patients with a pediatric endorsement.