Sedation Dentistry Q&As
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a pain-free method of dentistry that relies on various forms of anesthetics to numb sensations and promote relaxation. At Cottage Dental, in Fullerton, CA, the dentists and board-certified anesthesiologist offer:
- Nitrous oxide
- Sedative pill
- General anesthesia
Your dentist helps you choose the best type of sedation dentistry for your or your child’s needs.
Why would I need sedation dentistry?
At Cottage Dental, you may not need sedation dentistry at all. The dentists perform most tooth and gum procedures with Solea® lasers, not drills and scalpels, so you don’t feel pain and your procedure is over very quickly.
However, if you or your child has dental anxiety or must undergo a lengthy procedure, sedation dentistry keeps you comfortable. Other reasons to choose sedation dentistry include:
- Past traumatic dental experiences
- Easily triggered the gag reflex
- Trouble becoming numb
- Sensitive teeth
Sedation dentistry is particularly helpful if you, your child, or another family member has special needs and can’t tolerate sitting still in the treatment chair for long periods.
Can children use sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is appropriate for kids of all ages and may keep them extra safe during dental procedures.
Because sedation dentistry relaxes them, they’re less likely to move or jostle the dentist’s hand or instruments. Sedation dentistry, particularly with nitrous oxide, also helps ease any fear of the dentist they may have.
What happens if I get nitrous oxide?
When you or your child gets nitrous oxide, you inhale nitrous oxide through a special mask. You may feel a warm and tingling sensation or feel nothing at all.
Within five minutes, you feel very calm and relaxed, but you can still communicate with the dentist. You don’t fall asleep.
After your dental procedure, your dentist gives you pure oxygen to breathe which clears the nitrous oxide from your lungs. You completely recover within 2-3 minutes.
What happens when I take a sedative or have general anesthesia?
If you take a sedative pill, you’ll probably fall asleep for your entire procedure.
When you choose general anesthesia for a complex procedure — such as full mouth reconstruction — your anesthesiologist puts you deeply to sleep so that you feel no pain and don’t have any awareness of the procedure. After your operation, you need someone to drive you home.
Contact Cottage Dental about sedation dentistry. Call our friendly team during office hours or request an appointment online today!