If you suffer from dental anxiety, it may be hard to imagine going through your dental procedure at Manhattan Beach Sedation Dentistry while you rest comfortably, waking without any memory of the procedure after it’s over. But, if you cringe at the thought of going to the dentist, have a fear of needles, or have sensitive teeth, you may be surprised to find out how sedation benefit can make dental anxiety a thing of the past.
There are essentially three types of sedation dentistry:
- IV (Intravenous) Sedation
- Oral Conscious Sedation
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation
IV Sedation
With IV (Intravenous) sedation, the medication is administered directly into the blood stream. This type of sedation allows you to enter a state of deep relaxation that leaves you feeling calm and unaffected by what’s happening around you. It is often the case that patients who have experienced IV Sedation recall little or nothing of what happened.
Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS)
If we determine that oral conscious sedation is best for you, sedation dentistry specialist Dr. Firshein will prescribe an appropriate form of medication that you should take prior to arriving at the office for treatment. This will also provide a sense of deep relaxation and comfort, enabling you to undergo your treatment while feeling drowsy and relaxed.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation (also known as laughing gas) involves conscious inhalation sedation, and is used to bring on a state of calm and relaxation. A local anesthetic is also administered in combination with nitrous oxide sedation in order to eliminate any chance of discomfort. Many patients who have experienced nitrous oxide sedation may fall asleep and even experience a degree of “amnesia” about details of their visit.
Throughout your procedure, our sleep dentistry team will ensure that you are relaxed and resting comfortably. At the conclusion of your treatment we will stay with you until we feel you are ready to go home. Please remember that, if you have a treatment planned that includes sedation dentistry, a driver will be needed to get you home.