Sedation dentistry can be the perfect treatment for patients with dental anxiety or fear. Dr. Karim Naguib and the professional team at Premier Dental Care want patients to feel welcome and relaxed. Sedation is part of our general dentistry services.
Dr. Naguib works with patients to find the best treatments for their oral health needs. He will review your medical history, dental care experiences, and goals before treatment.
The Different Levels of Sedation
Dental sedatives can provide minimal to deep sedation. Dentists use three main levels of sedation:
- Mild Sedation: This level of sedation helps you feel relaxed while you are still awake. You can talk to our dentist and stay aware during your procedure. Your breathing and heart rate will stay normal, and you can follow instructions easily.
- Moderate Sedation: With moderate sedation, you will feel relaxed and might even feel sleepy. You may still be aware of what’s going on but could forget parts of the procedure. You can respond if needed, but you may not fully remember what happened at the visit.
- Deep Sedation: Known as “twilight sleep,” deep sedation brings you close to unconsciousness. While you can respond to certain things, you won’t fully be aware of what’s happening.
- General Anesthesia: Under general anesthesia, you are unconscious. You won’t feel pain or move during the procedure. We will monitor you so you stay comfortable.
What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry can benefit patients who want to feel relaxed during treatment. It provides:
- Pain-free dental care
- Anxiety relief
- Quicker treatment
- Reduced gag reflex
We commonly offer sedation for patients with dental anxiety. However, it can benefit many other patients. People with disabilities, special needs, or movement impairments may struggle to get routine dental care.
Tics or movements can cause the dentist to struggle with treatment. We don’t want patients to get hurt. Sedation helps to ease these involuntary movements for safer, faster treatment.
If you have a gag reflex, it can actively fight the dentist trying to give you treatment. A gag reflex also causes severe discomfort and may make you avoid dental care altogether. Sedation helps to relax this reflex to provide effective and efficient treatment.
Lastly, dental anxiety makes it more likely for people to avoid dental care. However, this leads to more dental problems that may need more complex care. Sedation is ideal for patients who need multiple dental treatments in one visit. Even if you don’t have dental anxiety, it helps you feel comfortable throughout your procedure.
Sedation Dentistry Treatment in Lancaster and Palmdale
We offer different sedation options for our patients. These options range from being asleep to staying awake during the procedure.
IV Sedation
Dr. Naguib works with an anesthesiologist to provide IV sedation in the comfort of our dental office. An IV administers anti-anxiety medication through the bloodstream. This type of sedation takes effect immediately so you can rest comfortably during your procedure.
IV sedation also benefits patients who need multiple dental procedures or restorative care with dental implants. Implant surgery can be a lengthy process, especially if patients have more than one missing tooth.
Under intravenous sedation, patients feel deeply relaxed and calm. In combination with other sedation methods, patients can also fall asleep during their procedure. Many patients wake up with no memory of their treatment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
You take oral conscious sedation as a pill several hours before your scheduled procedure. As the anti-anxiety medication takes effect, you will feel completely relaxed.
You will remain alert and responsive during treatment. However, you will not feel pain from your procedure. Because it takes time for oral conscious sedation to take effect, you need a ride to and from your dental procedure.
Preparing for Treatment
Before treatment, we will review your medications and medical conditions. These conditions can impact sedation:
- Sleep apnea
- Respiratory problems
- Obesity
- Allergies to anti-anxiety medications
Because sedation can slow down your breathing, it can lead to problems in patients with sleep apnea. Patients with a narrow upper airway and breathing problems can find it hard to breathe. Some patients may also be allergic to certain types of sedation. We will ask if you have any allergies before we plan treatment.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about sedation dentistry in Lancaster and Palmdale with answers to these common questions:
Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is ideal for people with:
- Severe dental anxiety
- A low pain threshold
- Difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia
- Extensive dental work
- A sensitive gag reflex
Our dentist will evaluate your medical history and comfort level to determine if sedation is right for you.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is generally safe when performed by a trained professional. Before treatment, we will evaluate your medical history to ensure you are not allergic.
We will also monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. Clear guidelines ensure safety. We will adjust sedation levels to match individual needs.
Is sedation safe for children?
Yes, sedation is generally safe for children. However, the type and level of sedation depend on the child’s age, health, and the dental procedure. Our dentist will carefully evaluate your child’s medical history and needs before he decides on the best option. We often recommend mild sedation, like laughing gas, for children.
Will I be conscious during sedation dentistry?
The level of consciousness depends on the type of sedation used. You’ll remain awake but deeply relaxed with nitrous oxide or oral sedation. IV sedation often leads to a state of semi-consciousness where you might not remember much of the procedure. You are not conscious under general anesthesia.
Does sedation dentistry eliminate pain?
Sedation dentistry can help you feel relaxed and calm but it doesn’t directly block pain. We will still use local anesthesia to numb the treated area. With sedation and anesthesia, we ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.
How long does the sedation effect last?
The duration of sedation depends on the method used. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after we remove the mask. You can resume normal activities immediately. Oral and IV sedation may take a few hours to wear off, so you need someone to drive you home. General anesthesia effects can last longer, and you may need rest for the remainder of the day.
Will I remember the procedure with sedation dentistry?
It depends on the level of sedation you have. With mild sedation, you will likely remember the procedure because you’ll stay awake, though you’ll feel relaxed. If you get moderate sedation, you might forget parts of the procedure. But you’ll still be able to respond if needed. With deep sedation, you may not remember anything at all because you’ll be relaxed or almost unconscious.
Will I be asleep under dental sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation. You will be awake but feel relaxed and calm for mild sedation, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas). You can still talk to our dentist and follow instructions, but you won’t feel as anxious or tense.
If you get oral or IV sedation, you may feel relaxed or even sleepy. Some people might fall into a light sleep, but they can still be awakened if needed. If you have general anesthesia, you will be fully asleep.
Request a Dental Exam Today
Get comfortable treatment at Premier Dental Care today. Call our Lancaster office at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online. You can call our Palmdale office at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online.
Dr. Naguib and his team aim to provide patients with a warm and friendly environment. If you are concerned about pain and require dental care, talk to us about sedation.