What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows patients to feel completely relaxed while they’re at our dental office. We offer both IV and oral conscious to choose from. We want all our patients to obtain the dental care they need, and we do not want dental anxiety or a previous bad dental experience to hold a patient back.  We offer this to reduce nervousness, anxiety, and fear.  To administer sedation, a dentist must undergo a rigorous program to be able to administer that, and Dr. Luu is permitted by the Dental Board of California to be able to perform oral conscious sedation.  Patients who receive this treatment have overall better dental experience and feel much more relaxed throughout and after dental procedures.

Who Can Benefit?

A lot of our patients can benefit from sedation dentistry, not just those who have a fear of the dentist. We’ve listed several reasons why patients like this option.

  • Fear of the dentist
  • Dental anxiety
  • Trouble sitting still
  • Pain from sitting for extended periods
  • Strong gag reflex
  • Need to complete multiple dental procedures in one appointment
  • Dental work is extra painful for you
  • The sounds and smells of a dental office make you anxious
  • You’re having a long or invasive dental procedure

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

When our patients ask, they’re gaining access to a wide range of benefits. First of all, using sedation dentistry for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist can help them finally get the dental care they need. It will also help them reform their relationship with dentistry and finally create positive associations. After several appointments, some patients may not even require sedation dentistry to feel comfortable. They simply get over their fear or anxiety from positive recent experiences.

Not only does it make for a much better experience for our patients, but it also helps us work faster. When you’re relaxed, we’re able to maneuver throughout your mouth much faster because you’re not distracted. 

Oral Conscious

One of our options includes oral conscious sedation. This type involves taking a pill one hour before your appointment. The pill is a sedative that will help you feel completely relaxed. You must arrange for a ride to and from your appointment because the drug will impair your driving ability. Oral conscious is the best option for most of our patients.

IV Sedation

Dr. Luu can also provide IV sedation to our patients. Instead of taking a pill, the IV involves a similar drug but it’s given to you intravenously. One way this differs from oral conscious sedation is that Dr. Luu can administer more medicine and you will feel the effects immediately. There is more control over the level you reach with an IV in comparison with oral conscious sedation.

Experience Sedation Dentistry in Carlsbad, CA

Are you ready to feel relaxed at your next dental appointment? Contact Elevated Smiles in Carlsbad, CA today to learn which sedation dentistry option is right for you. Please call our office at (760) 622-3010 to find out more and to schedule your appointment.