GENERAL CARE SERVICES

SEDATION DENTISTRY

Dedicated to providing gentle care in a comfortable, stress-free environment.

What Is Sedation Dentistry

A significant number of Americans do not visit the dentist for regular checkups because they suffer from dental anxiety. Here at Corona Del Mar Dental, we want all of our patients to feel as comfortable as possible.  Sedation dentistry in Corona Del Mar offers an excellent way to provide a safe, anxiety-free, dental experience to those who are afraid of the dentist.

Sedation Dentistry is often mistakenly thought to induce sleep.  In fact, most sedatives allow the patient to stay awake during the procedure.  Sleepiness is a side effect of some medications, but nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation only work to calm anxiety throughout the dental visit.

Sedation dentistry is popular because most sedatives can be taken by mouth, meaning no anxiety, and no pain.  Some sedatives work so effectively that even the smells and details of the procedure cannot be recalled afterward.  Safety and compliance are two important aspects of treatments, so sedation dentistry offers both the individual and the dentist the best alternative.

Whatever the form of sedative, it is essential to be accompanied by a caregiver.  Sometimes, sedatives are provided the night before the dental visit, which means that driving to or from the appointment is not advisable.

Here are some advantages associated with Sedation Dentistry:

• Anxiety is alleviated
• Few side effects
• More can be accomplished during each visit
• No pain
• Perfectly safe
• Procedures seem to take less time

What kinds of sedatives are available?

The most popular types of dental sedatives are oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation.  Different levels of sedation (mild, moderate and deep) can be utilized depending on individual needs.  Before administering any sedative, the dentist must analyze the full medical history of the patient, as well as taking note of any current medications.

The most common types of sedation dentistry in Corona Del Mar:

IV Sedation – Intravenous sedation is a moderate type of sedation.  Patients who have previously experienced IV sedation often report feeling like they slept through the entire procedure.  Generally, IV sedation is used for shorter treatments.  It is administered via direct injection into the bloodstream, which means the effects are immediate.  Sometimes patients feel groggy and sleepy when the IV sedatives are withdrawn.  This is why it is important to bring a designated driver for the drive home.

Oral Conscious Sedation – Oral conscious sedation is an excellent choice for people who fear needles.  Oral medication is provided prior to treatment in order to induce a moderate state of sedation.  Though oral sedatives do not cause sleep, they usually dull the senses.  This means that most patients cannot remember the pain, smells or noises associated with the procedure.  Usually, a dose of medication is taken prior to the appointment and then topped up during the procedure as required.

What types of drugs are used in oral conscious sedation?

Most of the drugs used in sedation dentistry are classified as benzodiazepines.  Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia, and seizures.  Each medication has a different half-life, meaning that the effects last for varying amounts of time.  The estimated length of the procedure determines which type of drug is going to be most effective.

Here are some of the most common drugs used in oral conscious sedation:

Valium® – This sedative has amnesic properties and a long half-life. It is usually used for time-consuming, complex procedures.

Triazolam® – Triazolam 2.5 miligrams is a mild sedative hipnoautic. It has a quick onset and offset.