Sedation dentistry is a dental specialty that uses medication to help you feel more relaxed during your dental appointments. At Swati Agarwal, DDS, we recommend sedation dentistry to patients who struggle with dental anxiety or need extensive work done on their teeth.
Sedation dentistry in San Francisco, CA can also make your dental visits more comfortable if you have a low pain threshold. In addition, sedation dentists in San Francisco, CA can help if you have difficulty sitting still for long periods or have a sensitive gag reflex. Contact us to learn more.
Sedation Dentistry Options
Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative commonly used in dental procedures to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable. It is administered through a small mask placed gently over your nose, allowing you to inhale the gas with ease. As you breathe in the nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen, it works quickly to induce a calm, relaxed state, reducing any feelings of anxiety or discomfort during the procedure. One of its key advantages is that it wears off rapidly once the treatment is finished, leaving you clear-headed and able to drive yourself home afterward. This makes it a convenient option for those seeking stress-free care without lingering effects.
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill before your treatment begins. This pill will make you drowsy, but it will not put you to sleep. You will still be awake during the procedure but will likely be very relaxed.
You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment because the effects of the sedative will last for several hours.
IV sedation is administered intravenously, which means the medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream. This type of sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation than oral conscious sedation. It can be used for more prolonged procedures or patients with extreme dental anxiety.
General anesthesia is used when a patient needs extensive work or has severe anxiety. With this type of sedation, you will be completely unconscious and not feel any pain during the procedure.
The Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry
One of the primary benefits of sedation dentistry is its ability to ease anxiety and fear, especially for patients who are typically nervous about dental visits. It helps them feel calm and relaxed throughout their procedures.
Sedation can help patients with a strong gag reflex by reducing this reflex. This makes dental treatments more manageable for both the patient and the dentist, ensuring a smoother process.
With sedation dentistry, patients experience little to no pain or discomfort during their treatments, making it ideal for those with a low pain tolerance or undergoing more complex dental work.
Sedation can also assist children and individuals with special needs who may find cooperating difficult during dental visits, allowing for more effective and comfortable care.
For patients struggling with jaw tension due to TMJ disorders, facial rejuvenation for TMJ can provide additional relief, ensuring a more comfortable overall experience.
To learn more about sedation dentistry, call our office. We will happily answer any questions and help you determine which type of sedation is right for you.
