Visiting the dentist might not be your favorite activity, but you realize that it’s important for maintaining an attractive smile and a healthy body. For some patients, however, going to the dentist is an anxiety-inducing experience and they’ll do just about anything to avoid it. Fortunately, Dr. Larson features a variety of sedation options that make any type of procedure easy and relaxing.
Types of Sedation
Dr. Larson is fully qualified to provide our patients with the type of sedation that fits their needs. The sedation used varies depending on the procedure being performed and the patient’s anxiety level. We offer the following three sedation options: inhalation minimal sedation, oral sedation, IV (moderate) sedation.
Inhalation Minimal Sedation
This type of sedation is great for patients who want to relax during the procedure without losing total consciousness.
Inhaled minimal sedation involves the dentist placing a mask over your nose, which allows you to breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. The gas helps you relax, and your dentist can easily control the amount of sedation administered. The gas tends to only last for a little while, so you may be able to drive yourself home following your procedure.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation can be effective as a form of minimal to moderate sedation, depending on what you require for your procedure. You just take a pill about an hour before the procedure, which helps calm you down and makes you drowsy—although you’ll still be awake throughout your procedure. Oral sedation is perfect for patients who are anxious about visiting the dentist.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a form of moderate sedation that lowers your awareness level, decreasing the intensity of the sights, sounds, and feelings you undergo during your procedure. This makes treatment more manageable for patients. Unlike inhalation or oral sedation, IV sedation is administered intravenously through the vein where it begins to work almost immediately.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sedation?
Talk to Dr. Larson if you’re interested in dental sedation. He’ll review your situation and go over your sedation options.
Patients commonly choose sedation for the following reasons:
- A real fear or anxiety that prevents them from going to the dentist
- A low pain threshold
- When a patient requires a large amount of dental work
- Sensitive teeth
- The inability to sit still in the dentist’s chair
- A gag reflex that makes it difficult to receive dental care
If you have further questions about IV sedation or dental implants in Brea, California, or if you would like to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Brooks Larson, call 714-784-5647 today. We’re dedicated to making your experience at our office as comfortable as possible, so we’ll be happy to discuss IV sedation and other treatment options with you.