Sedation Dentistry

Many people fear visiting the dentist, so they don’t get the oral health care they need. If you worry about dental exams and procedures, Dental Studio of Pasadena in Pasadena, California, can help. Their compassionate experts understand how you feel and offer sedation dentistry to ensure that you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout any procedure. Call Dental Studio of Pasadena to learn more about sedation dentistry, or schedule a consultation online today.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves undergoing routine dental procedures while sedated. It can help significantly if you have dental anxiety.

Many people worry about visiting the dentist. Sometimes it’s a bad experience in the past that triggers this fear. Or you might have an anxiety disorder that makes dental procedures scary. Some people worry about the pain they might experience at the dentist.

The Dental Studio of Pasadena team understands that fear of the dentist is a common problem. They use advanced techniques and effective anesthetics to minimize discomfort. They also offer sedation dentistry to help you feel relaxed and comfortable.

What sedation might I need at the dentist?

Some people find that nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or an oral sedative before their appointment is all they need to relax. These forms of sedation dentistry ease your fears and keep you calm during procedures like teeth cleanings or laser dentistry.

Alternatively, you could choose to have nitrous oxide and a local anesthetic injection. Your Dental Studio of Pasadena dentist numbs the gum surface, then injects a pain medication like novocaine.

The injection should completely numb the area. Some patients require more anesthetic than others to achieve complete numbness, so you might need an additional shot. You can also have more medication throughout your treatment if you need it. The anesthetic your dentist uses only numbs the injected area — you can still feel the other side of your face.

For more involved procedures, intravenous (IV) sedation can be a good choice. With IV sedation, your dentist puts a slim tube (catheter) into a vein in your arm. The sedative goes directly into your bloodstream through this tube, relaxing your whole body.

Am I asleep when I have sedation dentistry?

Some sedation dentistry methods make you sleepy, but you won’t be unconscious. Total sedation (sleep dentistry) is usually only necessary for surgery or lengthy procedures like complete smile makeovers.

You might find it challenging to endure lengthy dental surgery. Trying to stay still and keep your mouth open for several hours is difficult. In these cases, a general anesthetic allows you to sleep through the entire experience.

If you worry about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry is a safe, effective way to ensure your comfort. Call Dental Studio of Pasadena to discuss your concerns, or book your sedation dentistry appointment online today.