Sedation Dentist Morgan Hill
Enjoy a Stress-Free Dental Appointment
Some patients struggle to undergo dental care due to nerves, anxiety, or an unpleasant memory from a past dental experience – and some even forgo dental care entirely because of these negative feelings! However, our team here at Morgan Hill Dental Care has a great answer for dental-related anxiety: sedation dentistry. Using different safe and effective methods, we can ensure a smooth experience in the treatment chair for you and your loved ones. Contact our office to learn more about sedation dentistry in Morgan Hill!
Why Choose Morgan Hill Dental Care for Sedation Dentistry?
- Modern Office with Several Patient-Friendly Amenities
- Numerous Safe and Effective Sedation Options
- Flexible Financing Options Available
IV Sedation
IV sedation is often reserved for those patients who are undergoing longer or more complex dental procedures, or those who can’t receive nitrous oxide. It involves a sedative being administered directly to the bloodstream using an IV line, and the patient’s vitals are closely observed throughout the entire procedure. This means the medicine takes effect quickly and is remarkably effective, though patients will need to arrange for transportation home.
What is IV Sedation?
Unlike nitrous oxide sedation, which is inhaled, IV sedation involves administering the sedative medication directly into the bloodstream for more potent and fast-acting effects. Due to its strength, it puts patients into a deep and relaxing state. While you’ll remain conscious, it’s likely that you will feel so relaxed and drowsy that you will fall asleep. Additionally, patients also typically cannot remember their appointment, which is a unique benefit for those who have extreme dental phobia.
The effects of IV sedation can linger for up to 24 hours, so it’s important to arrange to have a trusted friend or family member stay with you during this time.
Who is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
In order to confirm whether you’re eligible to receive IV sedation, you’ll need to come into our office for a screening. Your IV sedation dentist in Morgan Hill will go over your medical history as well as any prescriptions you’re taking to make sure the medications will not create adverse effects when paired with the sedation. We typically recommend IV sedation for patients who are undergoing lengthy procedures, more complex treatments, or who have severe dental phobia.
The Benefits of IV Sedation
IV sedation offers a number of benefits for patients who are good candidates for the procedure, including:
- Experience a relaxing treatment that, in most cases, you won’t be able to remember.
- Avoid exacerbating dental phobia or fear by receiving calming sedation.
- Improve your oral health by being able to undergo your treatment more confidently knowing you’re going to be comfortable throughout.
- The dosage of the medication can be adjusted during your procedure based on how you react to it.
General Anesthesia (“Sleep Dentistry”)
The purpose of “sleep dentistry” is pretty much exactly what the name implies – patients are first put to sleep using specific anesthetic medications so that their dental-related anxiety and discomfort is drastically minimized during dental procedures. It’s also necessary for certain types of dental work, such as various oral surgery procedures. In rare cases it’s used to alleviate dental anxiety, if other options aren’t possible or have been exhausted.
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective way to make dental procedures much more comfortable for many patients because it makes them less sensitive to discomfort and is associated with no long-term side effects. However, the best way to find out if you can be a suitable candidate for this popular form of dental sedation is to schedule a consultation at Morgan Hill Dental Care. Here’s a quick look at how nitrous oxide works and who it can help from our friendly dental staff.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide can be a great option for both younger and older patients, and it’s remarkably effective for patients with oral care-related anxiety. This treatment involves no needles or long-term side effects, which makes it especially safe and comfortable. Nitrous oxide may be a suitable option for you if you deal with concerns like:
- Fear of needles
- Difficult feeling comfortable in the treatment chair
- Especially sensitive teeth
- An oversensitive gag reflex
- Anxiety or fear related to receiving dental care
- Difficulty achieving the desired effects of other anesthetics
However, nitrous oxide may not be for you if you are pregnant, have sinus congestion or a respiratory disease, are taking certain medications that can interact with the gas, or have a history of substance abuse.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Often referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide has been a valuable asset in dentistry for almost two centuries. Despite its nickname, it doesn’t cause patients to begin laughing during treatment. Instead, it instills a calm, pleasant state of mild euphoria that makes dental care much easier for all parties involved. We administer the gas with oxygen through a nasal mask and take special care to monitor the patient’s vitals when they are feeling its effects so we can ensure their safety.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
One of the amazing things about nitrous oxide is that it has no long-term side effects and is eliminated from the body about fifteen minutes after treatment ends. This means you can expect to be able to drive yourself home or back to work or school and resume your normal daily activities immediately after your appointment. While you may experience mild and temporary dizziness or queasiness, it should only take a few minutes for these symptoms to fade away before you leave our dentist’s office. However, you’ll still need to follow any aftercare instructions related to your dental treatment so you can understand how to enjoy a smooth and speedy recovery.