Four Essential Facts You Need to Know About Sedation (Painless) Dentistry

When you are scared of the dentist, it’s easy to think you are alone. However, dental fear is common and affects about 36% of adults, with 12% suffering from extreme dental fear. Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry understands dental fear is real and a significant barrier to your healthy, confident smile. Drs. Fanny Yacaman and Frank Vidjak offer sedation dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, to help you overcome dental anxiety. Visit our dental office today and enjoy a comfortable dental experience. 

What you need to know about sedation dentistry

Have you heard about sedation dentistry and want to learn more? You are in the right place. We strive to make your dental visits as comfortable as possible with sedation dental care. Here are the facts you need to learn about sedation dentistry. 

1. Several sedation options exist

Not all patients are created the same. Several sedation options are available to cater to different needs. Our office provides the following options. 

• Oral conscious sedation: Our endodontics specialist, Dr. Yacaman, is trained to administer oral conscious sedation. This sedation option involves taking an anti-anxiety medication in a drink or pill form. The drug is taken about an hour before your appointment to ensure you arrive at our office deeply relaxed. Oral sedation relaxes you, and you won’t think about your treatment. However, you’ll be awake to communicate with our team. 
• IV sedation: It’s ideal for patients with severe dental fear or undergoing complex dental procedures. The anti-anxiety medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream, and the effects kick in within five minutes. Although you won’t be unconscious, you’ll remember little about your treatment. Our office works with a certified anesthesiologist to deliver IV sedation with the safest outcomes. 

2. You’ll still need anesthesia

The medications used for sedation dentistry aren’t painkillers. The dentist will still numb you with dental anesthesia. However, this shouldn’t worry you, even if you have the fear of needles. We’ll administer anesthesia shots when sedation has fully kicked in. 

3. You won’t be unconscious 

The term “sleep dentistry” is often used interchangeably with sedation dentistry, but it’s a bit misleading. True sleep during dental procedures only occurs under general anesthesia (GA), typically reserved for highly complex cases. Most sedation dentistry options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or IV sedation, do not render you unconscious.

Instead, these techniques help you relax deeply while remaining awake and responsive. You may feel drowsy, and your memory of the procedure may be hazy, but you are still aware enough to cooperate with your dentist.

4. You need to prepare before your procedure

The day before your appointment, it’s best to avoid heavy meals to reduce the risk of nausea during sedation. Be sure to discuss your current medications, past experiences with sedation, and any underlying health conditions with us beforehand. This information helps us to customize your treatment to achieve the safest, most optimal outcomes. 

Ready for sedation dentistry near Beverly Hills?

Do you like what you have heard so far? So, why not schedule a consultation with Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry? Reach out by dialing (310) 861-3955. Talk to our team about your fears, and we’ll help determine the best sedation dentistry option for your needs. 

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