Sedation Dentist – Burbank, CA
Relaxing Nerves for a Calmer, Enjoyable Experience
Dental anxiety is a real concern for many adults and often keeps individuals from maintaining regular dental appointments. As a result, tooth decay, infection, and damage can worsen over time, resulting in costlier and timelier procedures to fix the problems. Dr. Ruiz, a skilled sedation dentist in Burbank, CA, wants to change the way people view the dental office by offering sedation dentistry. With these safe, helpful, and effective solutions, individuals can feel more relaxed while receiving the necessary dental care that improves their oral and overall health. Let us know if you think you might benefit from sedation dentistry.
Why Choose Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for Sedation Dentistry?
- Comfortable Amenities for Improved Experience
- Dentist with More Than 20 Years of Clinical Experience
- Dental Insurance Welcome & Flexible Financing Available
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
Some patients are interested in sedation dentistry to deal with their dental anxiety but are a little uncomfortable with the prospect of needles or masks as a part of the process. Oral conscious dental sedation is an excellent option for patients like that—all you need to do is take a pill!
This small capsule is strong enough to keep you relaxed during the visit, making the entire appointment as seamless and comfortable as it can possibly be.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a form of dental sedation, which means that it’s a method of allowing patients with dental anxieties or strong physiological responses to relax during the process of getting their dental care.
Oral conscious sedation is a pill that can be taken before the treatment begins, timed out so that its efficacy peaks during the appointment. While the exact medication used can depend, we will usually prescribe Valium, Ativan, or Halcion to our patients.
The administration of the drug doesn’t require needles or face masks, which makes it a popular choice for patients.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Oral conscious sedation is delivered in pill form and is taken before your appointment. The effects of the sedative will kick in within around 15 minutes and should last for the rest of the day, meaning that it’s important to have someone drive you both to and from your dental appointment.
Oral conscious sedation is middling in its strength; it’s more effective than nitrous oxide, but less so than IV sedatives. Most patients report feeling deeply relaxed, even “heavy”, while under its effects. Many are also unable to remember what happened over the course of the procedure, something that especially anxious patients tend to appreciate.
While some patients nod off under the influence of oral conscious sedation, the intention isn’t to knock you out. Ideally you’ll be awake for the procedure, allowing you to respond to dentist’s instructions while remaining completely relaxed.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is an ideal option for patients who suffer from intense dental anxiety, and who wouldn’t otherwise be able to make it to the dentist. If you’re the kind of person who cancels appointments because of anxiety or who refrains from making them in the first place, this could help you.
These sedatives can also be helpful for patients who have strong physiological reactions that make dental care difficult, like powerful gag reflexes. It can also make things easier for you if you’re receiving several treatments back-to-back, or if you have trouble sitting still for any amount of time at all.
If you have any questions about what this form of sedative can do for you, reach out to us; we’ll be happy to talk to you about it!
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
If this is your first time hearing about nitrous oxide, then you might know it by a different name: laughing gas. Considered the most mild form of sedation, it’s extremely popular because of its anxiety-relieving effects. So, if you’ve had a bad dental experience in the past, you have a sensitive gag reflex, or you need extensive dental work done, this may be the solution you’ve been looking for. To learn more, you can read on or give our Burbank dental team a call.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
As we mentioned above, nitrous oxide is considered the most mild form of sedation. As a result, it’s suitable for a wide range of patients. There are some exceptions, however, including those who have a condition that makes it difficult to breathe through their nose and expecting mothers. That’s why the initial consultation is so important! Dr. Ruiz will meet with you to learn all about your dental and medical history as well as your reason for considering nitrous oxide. From there, he can determine if you’re a candidate and, if you are, arrange for it to be added to your treatment plan.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
After you settle into the treatment chair, we will place a small, comfortable mask over your nose. Then, we will switch on the nitrous oxide, allowing you to breathe in the colorless, odorless gas. After a few minutes of inhaling the solution, you’ll begin to feel the effects. Most patients describe a tingly or heavy sensation in their arms and legs as well as an overall feeling of calm. The dosage is controlled by our dental team to ensure safety, and we can adjust it at any time throughout your appointment. Although you won’t be asleep, it is quite common for patients to be so relaxed that they doze off. That’s perfectly okay – we’ll let you relax and wake you up when you’re all done!
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
When we’re done restoring or enhancing your smile, we will turn off the gas. At that point, the effects will begin to dissipate. It usually takes less than 10 minutes for them to completely wear off, which means that you won’t have to arrange for a trusted adult to drive you to and from your appointment. In fact, you can resume your usual activities – whether that’s heading to class or going back to the office.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes, dental sedation is considered perfectly safe for most patients. However, there are multiple options, so before administering any medication, our team will review your medical history and current medications (either prescribed or over-the-counter) with you. If we’re concerned about adverse effects from one type of sedation, another solution might work better for your circumstances. That way, we can help you feel calm and relaxed so you can receive the dental care you deserve without risking your general health.
Then, once the drugs enter your system, our team will closely monitor your vitals the entire time to ensure everything stays within the normal range to protect your well-being.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
How much of your procedure you can recall after the fact depends on the type and amount of sedation you receive. Generally, the stronger the medication or dosage, the less likely you will be able to retain specific details.
Usually, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation induce a sense of calm but keep you conscious, so you feel relaxed but can still respond to Dr. Ruiz’s orders or questions. That said, you likely won’t remember much about your appointment once the meds wear off. If you get overly anxious about dental visits, this temporary amnesia might work in your favor!
What Are the Risks of Sedation Dentistry?
Although it’s considered harmless for most, there are some circumstances in which sedating a patient is risky. For example, if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the medication can potentially suppress upper airway muscle activity, which can block your breathing and cause complications.
Also, if you’re pregnant, the medications might pass to your baby through the placenta. This can potentially cause issues during the first trimester or induce premature labor during the third trimester. If possible, you might want to wait until after your delivery to undergo a dental procedure requiring sedation. Nitrous oxide is often recommended during the 2nd trimester because it leaves the system faster than other medications.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation typically cost a few hundred dollars, but the exact amount depends on your unique circumstances. Usually, the longer you need to be sedated, the more medication is required, which drives up the total amount due. As a result, patients receiving multiple treatments or having a lengthier procedure will likely owe more.
Many dental insurance policies consider sedation a “luxury” solution that’s not always intended to preserve your dental health, so it’s not always included. If you’re worried about paying for your medications, you can apply for CareCredit financing. Once approved, you can break down your total invoice into more manageable monthly installments that won’t break your budget.
