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If you get anxious or uncomfortable visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry might be a good option for you to get the dental care you need comfortably. We are happy to offer this valuable service to our patients here at Dentist of Long Beach.
Sedation dentistry, or dental sedation, is the use of sedatives to help a patient relax and be comfortable while undergoing dental care. There are several types of sedation used in dentistry today. The most common is conscious sedation, but we also offer unconscious and twilight sedation at our Long Beach office for patients who need that level of care.
There are three primary types of dental sedation: conscious sedation, unconscious sedation, and twilight sedation. We offer all three at Dentist of Long Beach.
This form of sedation dentistry will help you relax during your procedure while also keeping you conscious. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is commonly used for conscious sedation. Medications such as valium, taken before your appointment, can also be prescribed. Sometimes mild anesthesia may be used. You will be awake for the entire procedure and will remember it. Conscious sedation is the most common type of dental sedation.
Unconscious sedation is used for most operations at hospitals and surgery centers. It is more commonly called general anesthesia and you will be completely unconscious during your procedure. You will have no memory of the procedure, or anything associated with it. You will fall asleep and wake up afterward in recovery.
This form of sedation usually involves medication administered via a breathing mask or by an IV. It is primarily used for patients with certain medical conditions, special needs such as autism, or severe phobias.
Twilight sedation means that you will be in between consciousness and unconsciousness during your procedure. You will usually receive the medication by IV, though sometimes nitrous oxide is used. You may have little memory of the procedure or remember it as a dream.
Most patients maintain consciousness during twilight sedation, but some do fall asleep. You may feel “out of it” for a few hours afterward.
Dental sedation is safe when performed by a trained and competent practitioner like those at our Long Beach office. Our staff has undergone rigorous training to be qualified to perform dental sedation. We use no more medication than necessary and will monitor you throughout the procedure to make sure that you are doing well.
Anyone who has a phobia or anxiety about the dentist and dental care may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. There are some medical conditions that may exclude you, so speak with your dentist at our Long Beach office to find out if it is an option for you.
The benefits of dental sedation include reduced fear and lowered anxiety. This may be the key to helping you get the dental care you need but have been putting off due to your anxiety. You will have a better and more comfortable experience if you choose to have dental sedation.
Depending on the kind of sedation used, you can expect to feel relaxed or sleepy, or to go to sleep entirely. The doctor will discuss which option will be used in advance and how it will make you feel. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have prior to the appointment.
The answer depends on the nature of your dental anxiety and the procedure you are having done. It may vary from procedure to procedure. You may be fine with conscious sedation for cleanings but need twilight or unconscious sedation for a root canal, for example. Any health conditions you may have will also play a factor in determining the best option.
Your doctor will speak with you before your procedure and together will go over the options and decide which one is best for you. You will also be given a chance to ask any questions you have about the administration and monitoring.
In some cases, yes. Nitrous oxide does not stay in the system for very long and you should be able to drive yourself home. Other forms of sedation last longer, however, and in these cases, we want someone to come with you to drive you home and ask you to avoid getting behind the wheel for 24 hours after your procedure.
Your doctor will explain the requirements and limitations of your particular sedation procedure beforehand.
The cost of sedation dentistry varies depending on the type of sedation used and how much is covered by your dental insurance. In some cases, you will have no out-of-pocket expenses while in others you may have to pay for the entire cost of the sedation. We will prepare a detailed breakdown of all expenses and your portion of them before your appointment so you will not have any surprises.
Dentist of Long Beach is committed to helping you get the dental care you need now instead of waiting. That is why we offer various financing options and payment arrangements. Ask our staff for more information if you are interested in pursuing these options.
Dentist of Long Beach is your full-service dentistry provider right here in Long Beach. We treat the entire family, from childhood to elderhood, and offer everything from cleanings to cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics in a modern, up-to-date office. We even offer flexible appointments to help you fit your dental care into your already packed schedule.
Call (562) 373-0026 and make an appointment today with Dentist of Long Beach!
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