Sedation dentistry, also known as relaxation or sleep dentistry, will not truly make you fall asleep, but will make you very drowsy and feel virtually no pain during your treatment. Sedation eliminates anxiety by helping you stay calm and relaxed, and most patients have little to no memory of the dental procedure.

 

Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry

• Fear going to the dentist

• Have a long list of treatments that they want completed at one appointment

• Have difficulty lying in the dental chair for long amounts of time

• Have trouble holding their mouth open for long appointments

• Have difficulty getting numb

• Patient with mental or physical handicaps

 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

• Relaxed soothing state of calm

• Diminished fear of treatment

• Little to no sense of sound or smell

• Amnesia: Loss of memory of the dental appointment

• Long appointments seem to finish in just minutes

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation?

If you have had past traumatic experiences, such as difficulty becoming numb, bad gag reflex, very sensitive teeth, or complex dental problems, sedation might be right for you. To determine if you can benefit from sedation, we will first schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Choi to evaluate your medical history and current health. During your consult, he will also discuss the several sedation options available to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Prescription Anti-Anxiety Medication

 

In some cases, Dr. Robert Choi may choose to prescribe a dosage of anti-anxiety medication such as Valium. This will help you relax in a tranquil and semi-drowsy state. This type of sedation requires that you follow the medication instructions specifically and you will need to be escorted to and from the appointment. 

 

Sedation Options

Oral Sedation

For those who do not want to have any recollection of the treatment, we can prescribe oral sedation. This option requires you to be accompanied to and from the dental office. Taken an hour before your dental appointment, you will be very drowsy in time for your treatment. Your vital signs will be carefully monitored. While you won't be completely unconscious, you probably will not realize when the appointment has started. Once complete, your companion can escort you home to relax.

 

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Deep Sedation

For those who do not want to have any recollection of the treatment, we can prescribe oral sedation. This option requires you to be accompanied to and from the dental office. Taken an hour before your dental appointment, you will be very drowsy in time for your treatment. Your vital signs will be carefully monitored. While you won't be completely unconscious, you probably will not realize when the appointment has started. Once complete, your companion can escort you home to relax.

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Learn more about Deep Sedation

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Is Sedation Safe?

Yes, sedation is safe and works well. Our team is specially trained to provide you sedation and will closely monitor progress during your dental treatment. Before we can give you any sedation, however, we need to discuss your medical history, including any past complications involving family or relatives. We also need to know if you are pregnant, or on any other medications.

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