Sedation dentistry is the practice of using sedatives to help patients relax in the dental chair. Oral-conscious sedation leaves patients conscious yet relaxed. Nearly all patients can safely receive sedation while under the care of a trained dentist. Dr. Paul Mundl provides dental sedation in Temecula so patients can remain confident and calm while receiving care. This guide was created to help patients understand what sedation is and how it may benefit them.
Who is Sedation for?
Many patients do not like visiting the dentist, but some experience heightened anxiety or fear even during routine cleanings and examinations. Perhaps they had a bad experience at a prior dentist, or they simply fear pain, but these patients require additional attention to their concerns before dental work can continue. Sedation offers those anxious patients the chance to have a positive dental experience. Sometimes those fearing the dentist neglect their oral hygiene, leading to symptoms of decay and infection throughout their smile. This, however, is no excuse not to take care of oral hygiene. Sedation allows individuals to obtain the extensive procedures they need without fearfulness or anxiety.
How will it affect me?
Oral-conscious sedation induces a relaxed feeling in patients. Whether administered as nitrous oxide, or in pill form, patients will become oblivious to pain though remain awake. Known as the ‘twilight’ state, patients may be unaware of time passing or the progress of their dental treatment. Some patients feel euphoric while under sedation, while others can feel drowsy. Nitrous sedation typically leaves no side-effects, and it can be completely reversed in-office with 100 percent oxygen. The effects of oral sedation can last for a few hours after treatment, causing patients to forget some details of their visit.
Depending on how nitrous affects patients, help with transportation may be necessary to and from the office. With oral sedation, patients will not be able to operate a vehicle for at least a few hours.
Is it Safe for Me?
When patients ask for sedation, the dentist will perform a medical history check to make sure it is safe to administer. Knowledge of prior experiences with sedation or medicine can help determine how safe it will be. It is important to note that patients will react to it differently, making it impossible to guarantee whether dental sedation will be effective for a patient.
During treatment, your dentist takes the necessary safety precautions to ensure sedation is properly administered. If you fall asleep, a gentle touch will wake you, and trained staff will be on hand until the completion of your treatment.
For Dental Sedation, Contact Paul Mundl, DDS
Our Temecula practice is proud to offer sedation services to those needing a calmer experience at the dentist. To receive the benefits of nitrous and oral sedation, call us today and we’ll help you determine if it is right for you.