Sedation Dentistry in El Cajon

Worry and anxiety over dental visits are far more common than many patients assume. All it takes for many people is a single negative experience to tarnish how they feel about dental care for a lifetime. Sedation dentistry offers patients a path forward to have the oral care they need while alleviating any dental anxiety.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses certain medications to lower patient stress for any given procedure. These options are different from general anesthesia in that you will generally remain conscious, but the medication reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

  • Get the treatments you need
  • Overcome dental anxiety
  • Multiple options for individual needs
  • Safe when administered by an expert
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Types of Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide:

Commonly called laughing gas, this option involves the patient wearing a mask to inhale the sedative. You remain conscious but feel an increased sense of calm. One significant advantage is that the effects wear off quickly. Patients can have laughing gas during a treatment and safely drive afterward.

Oral Sedation:

Patients can take a pill before their procedure. The onset of effects is more gradual and can last for a longer time. The medication may cause you to drift off during treatment, and then we can wake you back up afterward. You will likely need someone to drive you after your procedure, as the sedative can leave you drowsy and with a slow reaction time.

IV Sedation:

This more powerful sedation is helpful for more intensive procedures, such as wisdom teeth extraction. You may become fully unconscious for the treatment and wake back up once the IV is removed.
What Treatments Are Best for Sedation Dentistry
Depending on the patient, any treatment could be suitable for some form of sedation dentistry. Dental anxiety is not only common, but it can impact patients for routine and complex procedures alike. From dental fillings to extractions, any treatment may cause dental anxiety. However, some of the more common treatments for choosing sedation can include:
  • Root canal
  • Deep cleaning
  • Tooth extraction
  • Wisdom teeth removal
  • Dental implant placement
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Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?

When deciding on dental sedation, we work with patients to evaluate three key elements.
1. First, we discuss their comfort with the procedure. If there is a high amount of anxiety, then we may recommend some form of sedative.
2. Next, we look at your health to determine which sedative is the safest. Certain medical conditions may be contraindications for some types of sedation. Our goal with any treatment is to first preserve the patient’s safety and well-being.
3. Lastly, we will discuss your preference and needs to choose from the safe options. Dr. Mansour can provide recommendations based on your procedure plan and answer any questions you might have.
You are not alone in feeling dental anxiety. Studies show that up to about 1 in 3 people have some fear about dental treatments.

Book Your Consultation

Do not let dental anxiety keep you from giving your smile the treatment and care it needs. Call the Highland Smiles Dentistry office today to learn more about sedation dentistry in El Cajon and see if one of the options will suit your needs.
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