Very few Monrovia patients enjoy going to the dentist, but some have such a high level of anxiety that even the thought of a simple filling makes them shudder. Instead of grinning and bearing it, patients can now feel at ease during any procedure with sedation dentistry.
There are various different types of sedation available to patients which affect the body in different ways. The three main types of sedation are:
Sedation dentistry tends to focus on the first two options since they milder and effective when combined with local anesthesia.
Sedation dentistry is an option for all patients, but selecting the right type of sedation is important. Monrovia patients should consider sedation dentistry if they have:
For most Monrovia patients, nitrous oxide is usually sufficient, however, if you have severe dental anxiety, oral sedation is a better option.
Kids may seem like the ideal candidates for sedation dentistry based on the description above, but there are limits to the type of sedation that can be administered based on the child’s age.
Dr. Q offers her pediatric patients nitrous oxide, the mildest form of sedation, to help them calm down and make the experience more pleasant for them. Because this type of sedation wears off quickly and has no negative side effects, unlike other forms of sedation, your child will be back to his or her normal self within a few minutes after treatment.
Every one of Dr. Q’s patients goes through a comprehensive oral examination before any procedure. This phase of treatment includes a review of your medical history and any conditions that may pose a higher risk for complications. Anesthesia is a safe and effective procedure but it can be riskier for patients with:
These patients may still be able to undergo anesthesia as long as they understand the benefits and risks associated with this treatment.
The time it takes for sedation dentistry to wear off depends on which type you choose. Our office offers both nitrous oxide and an oral sedative to calm patients. During your initial consultation with Dr. Q, she will go over the pros and cons of each sedative and explain the procedure to help you decide.
Most Monrovia patients prefer nitrous oxide when possible because it wears off within five minutes of ceasing treatment and you can drive yourself home after the procedure. However, we understand that some patients find all dental procedures extremely stressful and will recommend an oral sedative to relax them more completely. The drawback to this option is that you will not be able to drive yourself home and will need to sleep off the sedative.
Our dental practice is family-friendly and offers dental care for all ages. Many of our Monrovia patients bring in their children for treatment and we’ve seen some of our first patients grow from toddlers to teens.
Dr. Q has practiced general and cosmetic dentistry at her private practice for over ten years. In that time she has established herself in the community and participates in several non-profit organizations.
For more information about your treatment options or to schedule an initial consultation, call our office in the Monrovia area at (626) 599-9819.