Sedation dentistry
For patients who are afraid of the dentist
Cleveland Clinic lists a fear of dental treatment and a time-consuming procedure among the reasons sedation dentistry is used.
Who Sedation Dentistry Is For
Cleveland Clinic lists a fear of dental treatment, a fear of needles, a very sensitive gag reflex and claustrophobia among the reasons for sedation dentistry, along with a time-consuming procedure such as periodontal surgery.
What a Dental Anesthesiologist Does
A dental anesthesiologist is a dentist who specializes in sedation and general anesthesia for dental care. According to the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, the specialty requires three years of full-time, accredited postdoctoral training after becoming a dentist.
At Smile Care Valencia, IV sedation is given under the care of a Dental Anesthesiologist.
Sedation and Numbing
Cleveland Clinic explains that once you are feeling relaxed and comfortable, the dentist gives you shots to numb your teeth and gums.
Before Sedation
Your dentist may ask what medications you take, because Cleveland Clinic notes that certain medications may affect how sedation works. The ADA says the type of procedure, your overall health, history of allergies and your anxiety level are considered when choosing an approach.
If you are pregnant, Cleveland Clinic says your dentist may recommend waiting until after pregnancy for procedures that involve sedation. It adds that you may need to avoid food and drink for several hours beforehand, and that you should arrange for someone to take you home after IV sedation.
Coming Back After Years Away
The ADA notes that putting off visits raises the risk of dental problems that make future visits more difficult.
The ADA suggests telling the receptionist you are nervous when you book, and agreeing on a signal with your dentist, such as raising your hand, for when you need a break.
Our team takes dental anxiety seriously. The feedback we hear most often is that patients feel listened to, never rushed or pressured, and that we explain their dental health and treatment options clearly. Harley, our emotional support puppy, is part of the team as well.
Insurance and Payment
We accept most PPO dental plans, along with CareCredit and other financial arrangements. Benefits and network participation vary by plan, so our team will gladly verify your coverage before treatment.
Your options
Sedation Options at Our Office
With nitrous oxide you stay awake and responsive. IV sedation gives deeper relaxation, and Cleveland Clinic notes you may fall asleep.
Nitrous oxide
You stay awake and responsive, and the effects wear off quickly. Cleveland Clinic says you inhale nitrous oxide through a mask or nosepiece, feel calm and relaxed within three to five minutes, and recover within 15 to 30 minutes once pure oxygen flushes it out, and that you can drive afterward.
Twilight sedation
We offer twilight sedation where appropriate, after reviewing your health and the procedure you are having. Ask whether you will need a ride home.
IV sedation
IV sedation gives deeper relaxation through a line in your arm. At our office it is given under the care of a Dental Anesthesiologist, with the medication adjusted throughout and you carefully monitored. Cleveland Clinic notes you may fall asleep and may not remember the procedure, and that you should not drive for 24 hours afterward.
Common questions
Sedation Dentistry Questions
Will I be awake during sedation dentistry?
With nitrous oxide, yes. You stay awake and responsive. IV sedation gives deeper relaxation, and Cleveland Clinic notes you may fall asleep during the procedure.
What do most dentists use for sedation?
Cleveland Clinic lists nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation as the most common types. Options at Smile Care Valencia include nitrous oxide, twilight sedation where appropriate, and IV sedation under the care of a Dental Anesthesiologist.
Can I drive home after dental sedation?
Cleveland Clinic says you can drive after nitrous oxide, but should not drive for 24 hours after oral or IV sedation. Plan a ride home for IV sedation, and ask about twilight sedation when you book.
Does insurance cover sedation?
That depends on your plan. We accept most PPO dental plans, and our team will gladly verify your coverage before treatment.