A Guide to Sedation Dentistry

If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.

Settings that Practice Anti-Anxiety

The dental office has long been the most common setting for routine dental procedures that use sedation and anti-anxiety techniques. These techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure depending on the needs of the patient. Ultimately, your fears and phobias can be managed so that you can receive the dental care you require no matter where the treatment takes place.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?

Your overall health, as well as physical and mental conditions you may be battling at the time, are important to be able to safely undergo certain types of sedation ñ especially in the dental office. Certain of these conditions may require clearance from a physician: cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases should all be addressed prior to a given type of sedation. Your dentist will take a thorough medical history and physical assessment before proceeding, and if need be, recommend a product like Colgate® Total®  Advanced Deep Clean to get home care on the right track. He or she may also ask you to receive medical clearance from your physician.

To read the entire article written by James Burke Fine DMD, please visit Colgate.com

Melinda Marino DDS 
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego, CA 92131 
(858) 578-0800 
MelindaMarinoDDS.com

Sedation Dentistry

 

Sedation Dentistry Makes Treatment Easy and Comfortable

We understand how apprehensive some patients are about dental work. With sedation dentistry, all treatments become easy. You retain a level of consciousness but no memory of the work being performed.

By simply taking one pill one hour before your appointment, you start to feel relaxed. You gradually reach a deeper level of sedation before any work begins. Your vital signs are monitored throughout treatment. You will be unaware of the dentist's work, but still be able to answer any questions she asks. Within an hour after treatment, you will be back to normal.

Some people fear being "knocked out," as during surgery. Their fear centers on losing control of perception. But it is important to know you remain aware of your environment, but not of the procedure being performed. Conscious sedation provides a happy medium of losing your anxiety but not your awareness.

This type of sedation is also a good option for those who are highly resistant to anesthesia. They require an alternative to have their work performed. Also, when patients can't spare the time for multiple visits, sedation dentistry is the option that allows more or even all work to be accomplished in just one visit. 

Melinda Marino DDS 
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego, CA 92131 
(858) 578-0800 
MelindaMarinoDDS.com