Ensuring your relaxation and comfort in the treatment chair: Explore the benefits of sedation dentistry
It’s estimated that around three out of every four cases of extreme dental anxiety or phobia stem from past experiences at the dentist’s office, usually rooted in negative associations or memories from childhood. It is our great privilege to rethink your perception of and relationship to dental care. At Advanced Dental, our team in Aliso Viejo, California, transforms individuals’ perceptions of dentistry for the better with our truly kind, caring, and non-judgmental approach. Our office is also inviting and relaxing. And, when these amenities are not adequately calming, we have a powerful ally to fight even the most intense fear: sedation dentistry.
What do you mean by “sedation dentistry”?
This is simply the use of a relaxing gas or medication. We incorporate the particular sedative into your service or treatment. It helps to make your worries and concerns float away so your experience is pleasant. This also supports the safest and most efficient treatment because your body relaxes and tension is lifted, which makes it easier and more predictable for our dentists to complete your procedure.
Sedation Dentistry to the Rescue
Sedation dentistry benefits not just patients who are fearful or anxious about dental visits. It can also help children and adults with special needs, who find it difficult to sit still throughout treatment, patients undergoing complex and lengthy treatments, and those with sensitive teeth or a bad gag reflex. Want to learn more about Advanced Dental’s life-changing approaches to dental care?
Relaxed, Calm Care
Ideal for Special Needs
Complex Treatments Made Easy
Comfort for Sensitive Patients
Can I benefit from sedation?
Possibly! To find out, schedule a consultation with Drs. Chitra Tiruveedula or Joseph C. Yang. During your visit, we will discuss any specific fears or unique triggers for fear with you. With an understanding of the source of your apprehension, our team can work to accommodate and address those concerns. Also, our dentists and team will speak with you throughout your service or treatment. We’ll ask how you are doing and then read any cues that might suggest you are uncomfortable. We can also stop what we are doing at any time. Our approaches to care may be all it takes to build trust and to support a positive, stress-free experience.
How do you apply the sedative?
Dentists use sedatives in various ways. At Advanced Dental, we offer many different options for our patients. The best choice for you depends on the nature and extent of your fear or apprehension and the nature of the treatment you may be undergoing.
Generally, “laughing gas” or nitrous oxide is a minimal form of sedation. It is most appropriate for individuals with more mild nervousness who just need to take the edge off. Deeper methods include oral conscious sedation (with a prescription medication taken by mouth) and IV sedation, where the relaxing drug is administered intravenously through a vein.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Which is the best sedation method?
There’s no one-size-fits-all sedation option. The “best” option depends on your needs, comfort level, underlying health, and the type of treatment. Sedation options in our office include nitrous oxide, oral conscious, and IV sedation. Our sedation dentist will help you choose the best option that matches your needs and goals.
When is IV sedation needed?
IV sedation provides deeper sedation than nitrous and oral sedation. We recommend IV sedation for longer or more complex procedures, such as surgical extractions or multiple implant surgery. It’s also an excellent option for patients with severe dental anxiety. IV sedation kicks in within minutes, and the dentist can adjust the level of sedation, from mild to deep.
Is sedation dentistry only for anxious patients?
Not at all! While it’s great for nervous patients, it’s also helpful for patients who have:
- Overly sensitive teeth
- Difficulty sitting still for long periods
- A sensitive gag reflex
- Inability to numb with local anesthesia
- Complex issues that require lengthy or advanced procedures
- A desire for a more comfortable dental experience
Sedation dental care is a solution that makes dental care smoother for many people. You can try it today!
Will I be asleep during sedation?
Sedation is not like general anesthesia. Nitrous oxide keeps you awake but relaxed. Oral and IV sedation may lead to a deep level of relaxation that makes you fall into sleep, but you’ll be conscious. When need be, you can be awakened easily to communicate with your dentist.
How long does sedation last before it wears off?
It depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide dissipates rapidly, usually within a few minutes following the procedure. This allows you to go back to your normal activities shortly after your appointment. In contrast, oral and IV sedation remain in your system for a longer duration. You may feel drowsy for several hours after your appointment. That’s why you’ll need someone to accompany you to and from our office.
Does sedation cause amnesia?
Yes, in many cases. For oral or IV sedation, patients often remember little to nothing about the procedure. And this is a significant benefit for patients who dread sensations such as the whine of a drill.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry is a safe way to deliver anxiety-free dental care. Before administering sedation, your dentist will assess your medical history, including current medications, allergies, and past interactions with sedation. During treatment, we’ll monitor your vitals, including heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure, to maximize your safety.
What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?
What’s not to love about sedation? Its benefits include:
- Pain-free and anxiety-free experience
- It makes lengthy procedures feel shorter
- It makes dentistry safer by reducing movements while the dentist works on you
- It allows your dentist to complete more work in fewer visits
Overall, sedation creates a more positive dental experience. This makes you more consistent with your dental care, enhancing your overall oral health.
What is the cost of sedation dental care in Aliso Viejo, CA?
Costs vary based on the type of sedation and the length of treatment. Inhalation is usually more affordable, while IV sedation costs more due to its advanced nature. We’ll provide the exact cost of your treatment during your consultation.
Does insurance cover the cost of sedation dentistry?
Your insurance may cover sedation if it’s medically necessary, such as for complex procedures. However, the exact coverage varies by plan. Our team will review your coverage and explain the benefits applicable.
Who offers sedation dentistry in the Aliso Viejo area?
Dental anxiety should not hold you back from getting your best care. Dial (949) 289-9993 and discover relaxing dental care with sedation dentistry at Advanced Dental.
Is sedation just for fearful or anxious patients?
Absolutely not! Many different types of patients can benefit, including children and adults with special needs, which makes it challenging for them to sit still throughout treatment. Sedation dentistry is also well-suited for individuals undergoing lengthy and complex treatments (we can do more in less time with sedatives as a "helper") and those with sensitive teeth or a bad gag reflex. To learn more about our life-changing approaches to dental care, call our office in Aliso Viejo, CA, today at (949) 289-9993.
Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula
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Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After advanced training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she relocated to Orange County, CA in 2015. Dr. Chitra is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. Committed to continuous education, she provides top-quality dental services using the latest advancements.
Dr. Joseph C. Yang
Dr. Joseph C. Yang has over 30 years of dental practice experience. He earned his B.S. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Naval Dental Officer, including a residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Yang is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. As a board-certified Periodontist, he has performed thousands of successful periodontal and implant procedures. He is also a renowned lecturer and trainer in the latest implant and periodontal techniques worldwide.
