Some patients do not mind visiting the dentist, but others experience a lot of fear and anxiety or an outright phobia around such visits. We understand this at See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard and we do our best to put all our patients at ease and make them comfortable every step of the way.
We have designed our office to be soothing and our friendly, helpful staff is experienced in helping make our patients more comfortable. We also offer several options for dental sedation to reduce anxiety during procedures.
This is the use of various types of medication to reduce anxiety and fear in patients before and during a dental procedure. Our staff is highly trained and experienced at providing dental sedation services and will work with you to help determine the best sedation option for you.
While there are many different types of medications used in sedation dentistry and several routes to administer them, there are only three basic types of sedation: conscious sedation, twilight sedation, and unconscious sedation. The best one for any patient depends on the patient in question and the procedure to be performed.
In this form of sedation, the patient is fully conscious but is relaxed and comfortable. It is most often achieved using oral drugs, nitrous oxide, and/or local anesthetics. This is the most common form of dental sedation and is often used for procedures such as fillings and root canals.
The next step up in dental sedation is twilight sedation. The patient will not be fully conscious or unconscious during the procedure but in an “in-between” state. Twilight sedation is normally administered via IV or nitrous oxide. Patients are able to talk and answer questions during the procedure but may or may not remember it.
The final level of dental sedation is unconscious sedation, also known as general anesthesia. The patient is rendered completely unconscious during the procedure. It is normally administered using an IV or a breathing mask. Unconscious sedation is only rarely used in dental procedures. It is normally reserved for serious oral surgeries.
All medical procedures involve some risk, and sedation dentistry is no exception. However, it is generally considered safe when administered by trained and certified professionals like those at See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard. The primary side effect of dental sedation is drowsiness and temporary forgetfulness. Some patients experience nausea or headaches. More serious side effects are rare.
Dental sedation reduces stress, fear, and anxiety before and during a dental procedure. It allows patients to undergo procedures comfortably and painlessly. It allows our staff to perform procedures more easily and effectively. It is an extremely safe option for improving patient comfort during a dental procedure.
Even if you do not have a fear of the dentist, there are times when dental sedation might be necessary for you. For example, local anesthetics are used to relieve pain during fillings. Stronger sedatives may be necessary for procedures such as root canals to allow you to be comfortable during the procedure.
You will make this decision in consultation with our dentist, who will review your medical history and the procedure you are going to undergo and discuss the best options for you. You will always receive customized, individual care when you choose to come to our Oxnard office for your dental care.
Nitrous oxide is more commonly known as laughing gas. It is one of the most commonly used sedatives in dentistry. It is administered using a breathing mask and makes patients sleepy and relaxed during their treatment. It wears off quickly afterward, however.
Oral sedation is a form of dental sedation that involves either taking a medication in tablet form or by a breathing mask. It is usually used for either conscious sedation or twilight sedation. Nitrous oxide is a form of oral sedation, as are oral antianxiety medications. The goal of oral sedation is to make you sleepy and relaxed without making you unconscious.
This is also known as unconscious sedation. It involves making a patient completely unconscious for the duration of the procedure. Unconsciousness is usually induced by a breathing mask or medication given through an IV. It is rare for it to be used in dental procedures but is sometimes needed for serious surgeries or with patients who do not respond well to other kinds of sedation.
You will not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours post-procedure no matter which form of dental sedation you undergo, but recovery is rapid for all forms of dental sedation. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes. Twilight sedation will wear off within a few hours. If you undergo unconscious sedation, you may be sleepy for the rest of the day.
The cost of sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation and your insurance benefits. Some dental insurance plans will cover sedation dentistry, or various forms of it, while other plans will not. Oral sedation is usually inexpensive and often covered by insurance, while IV sedation is considerably more expensive.
Our staff will verify your insurance benefits and let you know what you will have to pay before you undergo any procedure.
Call (805) 716-6890 and make a new patient appointment with See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard today!
Dr. Hamid Barkhordar, DDS has earned his reputation as a leading family and cosmetic dentist in Santa Barbara, the Central Coast, and Southern California. He is committed to providing patients of all ages with compassionate care.
From general dentistry to advanced procedures, Dr. Hamid uses innovative technology and gentle techniques to deliver safe and stress-free dental care so patients can enjoy a painless, healthy, and gorgeous smile.
Dr. Hamid earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry in one of the best dental programs in the United States. His dedication to helping patients achieve their perfect smile has earned Dr. Hamid the continued trust and recommendation of many clients.
No matter the age or needs of the patient, Dr. Hamid is committed to helping you discover the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.
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