DOES DENTAL ANXIETY OR FEAR make it difficult for you to keep up with your regular dental appointments? You're not alone. For around 30-40 million Americans with dental phobia, going to the dentist is a nightmare. Unlike a common nervousness when waiting for the dentist, people with dental phobia would rather suffer tooth pain, damaged teeth or gum infections than set foot in the dental office at all.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, rest assured we have safe, affordable and reliable ways to help. Sedation dentistry at South San Francisco Dental Care can help you get the dental care you need to stay healthy.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Dental sedation is a service that we provide at our South San Francisco Dental office to induce a relaxing state of mind for you to receive dental treatment or surgery in a comfortable setting. There are three different levels of dental sedation that we can induce via medications.
Mild dental sedation (nitrous oxide)
Medium dental sedation (oral and light IV)
Deep dental sedation (IV sedation)
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Absolutely. It is important that you let our team know about any medications and/or drugs you are taking. You should also let our team know about any medical problems that you may have had so that the sedation procedure can be customized to reflect your special needs. We use state of the art medical technology and medications that ensures your health and safety.
What Sedation Dentistry Options Are Available
Nitrous oxide is commonly known as “laughing gas.” It is a very safe and effective tool that helps patients feel relaxed and anxiety-free during dental treatment. It is used concurrently with local anesthetic (“novocaine”) to ensure that patients remain comfortable throughout each procedure. Once treatment is completed, patients are given pure oxygen to reverse the effects of the nitrous oxide so that they can return to their daily activities.
Oral conscious sedation is a wonderful option for patients who have high levels of anxiety receiving dental treatment but do not want to be put completely to sleep for procedures. We give the patient a sedative medication prior to treatment, along with nitrous oxide and local anesthetic during the procedure. Patients oftentimes get sleepy during treatment and may not remember parts of the procedure after the fact, but can still communicate with us and respond on their own during treatment.
Deep dental sedation or general anesthesia is a great option for patients who want to be “put to sleep” and complete a lot of treatment in one appointment in a comfortable and safe manner. We work with highly skilled and trained dental anesthesiologists to ensure that our patients remain in a deep state of relaxation and are completely comfortable while receiving dental treatment.
Why would I or my child need treatment under general anesthesia?
There are patients with specific needs that would not allow them to sit through a dental procedure. Children and patients with special needs may not voluntarily endure a long dental procedure or allow for any treatment to commence. True, most dental procedures could be done in multiple appointments but the patient as well as the provider may opt to get complete the procedure in a single appointment while the patient is comfortably asleep.
Bring Us Your Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Your days of avoiding the dentist’s office because of dental anxiety or fear are over! With our practice’s sedation dentistry options, you can be comfortable and relaxed while we take care of your teeth and gums. If you have any questions about sedation dentistry, just give us a call and we’ll be glad to answer them.
For a limited time, you can schedule a complimentary sedation consult with one of our general dentists to learn more about our sedation options, your insurance coverage and payment options. Use this offer by May 1, 2019 to save up to $100. Simply mention this offer when you schedule or when you come in. To schedule, call 650-273-4323 or book your appointment online.
