Sedation Dentistry

Dentistry by Design Palisades

Cosmetic Dentistry & Implant Dentistry located in Pacific Palisades, CA

Did you know that 9%-15% of the American population suffers from dental phobia? If you’re one of them, sedation dentistry can ease your fears and allow you to receive the oral health care you desperately need. Maria Tapia, DDS, and the team at Dentistry by Design Palisades in Pacific Palisades, California, proudly offer several types of sedation dentistry. The team also has a dedicated anesthesiologist on staff who can monitor your overall well-being. To request your sedation dentistry appointment today, call the office or click the online scheduling tool.

Sedation Dentistry Q & A

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a branch of oral health care that helps patients relax during routine and more complex dental procedures. 

Many people use the terms sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry interchangeably, but sedation dentistry doesn’t necessarily put you to sleep. Depending on the type of sedation used, you may be able to answer your dentist’s questions and/or follow instructions during treatment. 

Are there different types of sedation dentistry?

The team at Dentistry by Design Palisades offers several types of sedation dentistry, including:

Inhaled minimal sedation

Inhaled minimal sedation is the most common type of sedation dentistry. During this type of treatment, you inhale nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas.” Your dentist combines nitrous oxide with oxygen, and you inhale it through a face mask. Once nitrous oxide enters your bloodstream, it promotes relaxation. 

IV sedation

IV sedation involves your dentist administering a sedative drug directly through a vein. This allows the medication to bypass your digestive system completely. This type of sedation dentistry also allows your provider to adjust the level of medication you’re under throughout treatment.

Oral sedation

During oral sedation, you’re asked to take prescription medication such as Halcion or Valium orally. These pills make you drowsy and help you relax. Oral sedation might cause you to fall asleep, but your dentist can wake you up if necessary with a gentle nudge.

Deep sedation

If you need extensive dental work or your dental phobia is extreme, your dentist might recommend deep sedation. Deep sedation puts you to sleep. At Dentistry by Design Palisades, there’s a dedicated anesthesiologist on staff who can monitor your overall well-being during sedation. 

Can I drive home following sedation dentistry?

Your ability to drive home following sedation dentistry depends on the type of medication received. For example, inhaled minimum sedation wears off quickly, so you should have no problem driving home. 

If you undergo IV, oral, or deep sedation, you need to ask a friend or family member to drive you home. You also need at least 24 hours off work or any other activity to give the medication time to wear off.

To learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry, make an appointment at Dentistry by Design Palisades today by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool.