Sedation dentistry provides an extra level of care for patients who have a sense of anxiety about dental visits. Deborah K. Ruprecht, DDS, a caring specialist with over 20 years of experience, uses a number of conscious sedation techniques to keep you calm during your appointment. If you live in the areas of Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, and Solana Beach, California, and want to get the treatment you need without apprehension, call us today or request an appointment online.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Several levels of sedation are available, including:
Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is one of the most common methods of light sedation used in dental offices. Nitrous oxide is an analgesic that is gently inhaled and works effectively to reduce anxiety for short procedures. Nitrous oxide allows you to be awake and relaxed and may be used in combination with local anesthesia.
Moderate oral sedation is a pill or liquid taken by mouth. Depending on the dose, it may produce a modest sensation of drowsiness and a deeper sense of relaxation. Oral sedation allows you to be responsive or sleep lightly and be relaxed during your procedure. Dr. Ruprecht performs this treatment for patients who have mild anxiety.
For patients who need this level of care, Dr. Ruprecht works with board-certified anesthesiologists to administer intravenous (IV) sedation. With this option, you remain awake, but are deeply relaxed and less aware of the procedure. For patients who require longer procedures and experience moderate to severe anxiety, IV sedation is an excellent option to complete more dentistry in fewer visits.
Most forms of sedation dentistry allow you to feel a deep state of relaxation while remaining aware of your surroundings and able to communicate. However, you often come away with minimal memory of your treatment with moderate sedation.
While you are resting and comfortable with sedation, the team monitors your vital signs, including your blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate.
Recovery from a procedure requiring anesthesia varies from patient to patient. However, drowsiness is often a common side effect. If your procedure requires sedation, you should arrange for a driver to drop you off and pick you up after your procedure.
Sedation isn’t just for people with a sense of anxiety, it also makes dental visits easier for those:
Call us today or request an appointment online to discuss the best way to make you comfortable for your dental visits.
