What is Sedation Dentistry or Sleep Dentistry?
The patient is given oral medication about one hour before your appointment. The medicine puts you in a light state of sedation and you sleep thru your dental appointment. It is Safe! When you awaken your dental treatment is completed.
You need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Once you arrive, you are allowed to rest comfortably in a warm, quiet room under a cozy blanket. During the entire time you are here, we will closely monitor you to ensure your safety.
Complex dental treatments that often require six or more appointments can be done in as little as one! All while you sleep.
Will I feel an pain?
No. You will feel nothing!
Who is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
People who have:
- Fear of pain
- Nitrous Oxide
- High Anxiety
- Bad gag reflex
- Traumatic dental experiences
- Difficulty getting numb
- Very sensitive teeth
- Limited time to complete dental care
People who:
- Hate needles and shots
- Hate the noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental care
- Break out in cold sweats while thinking about the appointment
- Are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth
Will I be unconscious?
No, you are in a deeply relaxed state, and you will be responsive. You will not have any pain, fear, or have any anxiety.
How long will I be sleeping?
You will be asleep for two to six hours after taking the pill. The time you are asleep will vary depending on your needed treatment.
Will I be monitored?
Yes, one of our team is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.
Facts about sedation dentistry:
-
It
really works. You really sleep through your dental appointment.
-
It
is safe, You are not unconscious but in a light state of
sedation.
-
You
will have little or no memory of the experience. You will
not remember any smells or any sounds.
-
You
will save yourself up to five trips to the dental office.
-
If
you are the person who has been told that anesthetic does
not work, then this treatment is for you.
-
Sedation
dentistry is a safe way to eliminate the fatigue of long,
extended, repeated trips to the dentist.
How can I learn more about sedation dentistry?
To learn more about sedation dentistry, please contact Dr. Nolan today.
What kinds of dental procedures can be done while I am under sedation?
Many complex procedures can be performed with sedation dentistry. Some of these include root canals, treatment of gum disease, chips, cavities, cosmetic surgery, crowns and veneers. Dr. Nolan can discuss your case with you in particular.
How many appointments will I need?
Most patients require two to three visits to complete all dental treatment. Your first visit will be to consult with Dr. Nolan. The second and third appointments will be to focus on completing the treatment.
Types of Sedation
Oral Conscious Sedation — the ultimate in relaxation… without needles!
Oral conscious sedation, or OCS, utilizes oral sedative medication to significantly reduce your fears and discomfort. OCS does not require needles to administer and is less expensive than IV SEDATION.
Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation:
- It's very effective for mild to moderate anxiety
- It's safe and easy
- You can breathe and speak on your own
- It's less expensive than IV SEDATION
- In many cases, you can get ALL of your dental work done in one visit
Unlike general anesthesia, which renders patients completely unconscious, oral conscious sedation leaves you able to speak and breathe on your own. Although you will not actually be asleep, you will enjoy a heightened state of relaxation — and probably won’t remember much about the procedure afterwards. Your appointment will be a dream & hours in the chair will feel like minutes.
Oral conscious sedation will put you at ease so you experience little to no discomfort; however, your doctor will also administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t experience any pain. At this point in the procedure you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll hardly even notice.
Whether you’re anxious about going to the dentist or just too busy for multiple visits, OCS can be a great solution to getting ALL your dental work done during one visit…comfortably and stress-free.
Two appointments are generally required for a procedure utilizing oral conscious sedation. During your first visit, your doctor will take a detailed health history. If you’re comfortable, he or she will look in your mouth and take dental x-rays. Next you’ll be given a prescription for a sedative medication to take the night before your second appointment so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep.
You’ll be asked to have a companion bring you to and from the office for your second visit. Once you arrive, you’ll take additional medication to ensure that you’re in a tranquil state of mind. Dr. Nolan will monitor your comfort throughout your entire visit.
Don’t let fear keep you from having a healthy, sparking smile. Dr. Nolan is certified and licensed in Sedation Dentistry. He has the skills and training to put even the most anxious patient at ease . CALL DR. NOLAN TODAY AT 310-827-5094 and get ready to enjoy a total relaxation experience
IV Sedation makes going to the dentist a dream…
Sedation dentistry can put you at ease and virtually eliminates the pain associated with dental procedures. Intravenous sedation is one of several options available to significantly reduce your fears and discomfort.
Benefits of IV Sedation:
- It's extremely effective for moderate to severe anxiety
- It's quick-acting
- The level of sedation can be adjusted during the procedure so that you remain comfortable at all times
- In many cases, you can get ALL of your dental work done in one visit
During intravenous sedation (IV sedation), an anti-anxiety drug is administered into the bloodstream to achieve a state of "deep conscious sedation." Although you will not actually be asleep, you will enjoy a heightened state of relaxation — and probably won’t remember much about the procedure afterwards. Your appointment will be a dream and hours in the chair will feel like minutes.
IV sedation will put you at ease so you experience little to no discomfort; however, your dentist will also administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t experience any pain. At this point in you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll hardly even notice.
Throughout the procedure, your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure will be closely monitored. Patients generally recover quickly from IV sedation, although they may feel slightly groggy immediately afterwards. IV sedation is extremely safe when delivered by a specially trained dentist. Dr. Nolan is a specially trained dentist. In California, all specially trained dentists must have a special permit to do IV Sedation. Dr. Nolan has that permit. There are very few dentists in California that have this permit. Dr. Nolan is one of the few dentists in the Los Angeles area that have this special permit for IV Sedation.
Whether you’re anxious about going to the dentist or just too busy for multiple visits, IV sedation can be a great solution to getting ALL your dental work done during one visit…comfortably and stress–free.
Two appointments are usually required for a procedure utilizing IV sedation. During your first visit, Dr. Nolan will describe the benefits and risks of IV sedation, take your blood pressure , patiently answer all of your questions and give you detailed instructions for the day of your procedure.
On the day of your procedure, you will need to have another adult there with you to take you home. You should not perform strenuous activities, drive a motor vehicle or drink alcohol for the rest of the day. Do not take any medications prior to or following surgery unless your dentist has approved their safety.
Don’t let fear keep you from having a healthy, sparking smile. Dr. Nolan is certified in Sedation Dentistry. He has the skills and training to put even the most anxious patient at ease. CALL US TODAY AT 310-827-5094 and get ready to enjoy a total relaxation experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING SEDATION
Q. Will I feel any pain during my Dental Sedation appointment?
A. Most patients feel no discomfort whatsoever during their treatment and feel surprisingly good afterwards.
Q. Will I be totally relaxed during my Dental Sedation appointment?
A. With most Dental Sedation methods, you'll receive just enough sedation that you'll be completely unaware of the treatment, as you would if you were asleep.
Q. Will I be left alone during my Dental Sedation treatment?
A. No, along with your Sedation Dentist, there will be someone with you throughout the procedure to monitor your comfort and your safety. You can also have a companion present with you at all times.
Q. Will I remember anything after experiencing Dental Relaxation?
A. Depending on which Relaxation method is used, you may have little or no memory of your Relaxation Dentist visit.
Q. Will I be groggy after the treatment is over?
A. You will feel just fine. For your safety, you may be required to have a family member or friend drive you home.
Q. Will my insurance cover Dental Relaxation treatment?
A. Insurance generally does not cover the care. Your insurance coverage will be reviewed and, if necessary, financing can be arranged to ensure you get the dental care you need.
Q. What is the name of the drug that I will be given?
A. There are a number of safe and highly effective anxiety-reducing medications on the market today. For example, a drug called Triazolam or Xanax is commonly used during ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION or OCS, while Valium is often used during Axiolysis. . Dr. Nolan will choose the medication that best suits your individual needs.
DENTAL FEARS AND ANXIETIES
You are not alone — over 100 million Americans experience some form of fear or anxiety about going to the dentist. Sedation Dentistry can help!Call us today and find the relaxation technique that best suits your specific needs. Click on one of the links below to learn more about how Sedation Dentistry can ease common patient concerns.
I have a fear of the dentist and anxiety about needles and/or dental injections.
There are no needles required to administer most of the treatments used for Sedation Dentistry. Once any of these methods are used you'll be in a heightened state of relaxation and will likely be unaware of needles used to administer a local anesthetic or IV Sedation. The result is an anxiety-free dentistry experience
I have a fear of the dentist and what the dentist or the staff will say about my teeth & my poor oral hygiene — and how humiliated I will feel.
The individuals you will encounter will treat you with care, respect and understanding. Dr. Nolan and his staff are there to serve you and make you feel comfortable and relaxed as you work toward your new smile!
I wasn't given anesthetic for a painful dental procedure in the past and I'm afraid it will happen again.
With the Sedation Techniques such as OCS and ANXIOLYSIS, you will arrive at your appointment relaxed. Dr. Nolan and his staff will then use the proper amount of anesthesia for your procedure and will continually monitor you to ensure that you remain comfortable and relaxed. We eliminate pain and fear of going to the dentist, and provides an anxiety-free dentistry experience.
I don't like the sights, sounds and smells of the dentist's office.
Our dental relaxation techniques, including OCS & ANXIOLYSIS, ensure that you arrive at the dentist's office the morning of your appointment in a completely relaxed state of mind. Although you will be aware of where you are, most patients are so at ease when they arrive that they have few concerns so Nitrous Oxide may be used once you arrive to make you comfortable and relaxed. Sedation Dentistry eliminates the fear and anxiety that can accompany the sensory experiences of going to the dentist. The result is an anxiety-free dentistry experience.
I choke/gag very easily and I'm scared of embarrassing myself and/or throwing up.
The sedation techniques we use relax both your mind and your body. Sedation Dentistry allows you to feel at ease in the dentist's chair, allowing your dentist to work in your mouth without you feeling the urge to choke or gag.
I have a fear of the dentist not stopping if I am distressed or in pain.
Dr. Nolan is dedicated to ensuring you have a relaxed, comfortable, anxiety-free dental visit. Once you arrive at the dentist's office the morning of your appointment, your dentist and his staff will ensure that you are comfortably sedated. Debbie ( dr. nolan’s assistant will remain with you while the Dr. Nolan is working to continue to monitor you and your level of comfort throughout the procedure.
I'm worried that I will have a panic attack or start to cry or shake uncontrollably in the dentist chair and what the dentist/staff will think of me.
With most methods that Dr. Nolan uses, you will arrive at his office already feeling very relaxed and comfortable. If your level of comfort changes at any time, Dr. Nolan’s highly trained staff will make the necessary adjustments to ensure you remain anxiety-free. If Dr. Nolan has determined NITROUS OXIDE OR IV SEDATION is best for you, you will be put at ease the moment you arrive and will be closely monitored so that you remain relaxed and comfortable at all times.
I can't sit still for long periods of time — I'm afraid I will get restless or have a strong reaction to feeling out of control.
Sedationtechniques relax you into an almost "daydreaming" state of mind. Rest assured, you will be closely monitored to ensure that you remain completely relaxed and comfortable throughout your appointment.
I am afraid of not being told what's going on.
Dr. Nolan will go over your entire treatment plan prior to your scheduled appointment. The day of your appointment, depending on what method of Dental Relaxation you and Dr. Nolan have chosen, you may arrive already relaxed and will be mostly unaware of what is happening during your procedure. Someone will be with you throughout your treatment to reassure you and let you know how you are doing. Most patients have little memory of the appointment but are thrilled with the results they accomplish in one visit!
I am worried that I will not be able to afford the extensive treatment I need.
Dr. Nolan offers financing for all your dental needs. Ask us for more information.
Please call us if you are concerned about an issue that is not listed here. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about how Sedation can help.
ANXIOLYSIS — awake, but without a care
Anxiolysis refers to the use of a mild oral sedative (usually Valium) to achieve “light sedation,” or a heightened state of comfort and relaxation.
Benefits of Anxiolysis:
- It's effective for mild to moderate anxiety
- It's safe and easy
- You can breathe and speak on your own
- It's less expensive than IV sedation
- You can usually drive yourself home from the appointment
- In many cases, you can get ALL of your dental work done in one visit
Anxiolysis is best suited for cases of mild to moderate anxiety. While under light sedation you remain conscious and able to breathe on your own. Although you will not actually be unconscious, you will enjoy a heightened state of relaxation. You can expect to recover quickly and may even be able to drive yourself home from your appointment.
Anxiolysis will put you at ease so you experience little to no discomfort; however, your doctor will also administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t experience any pain. At this point in the procedure you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll hardly even notice.
Two appointments are generally required for a procedure utilizing anxiolysis. During your first visit, your doctor will take a detailed health history. If you’re comfortable, he or she will look in your mouth and take dental x-rays. Next you’ll be given a prescription for a sedative medication to take the night before your second appointment so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep.
On the day of your procedure, you’ll take another dose of medication to ensure that you’re in a tranquil state of mind. Our sedation experts will monitor your comfort throughout your entire visit.
Don’t let fear keep you from having a healthy, sparking smile. Dr. Nolan is certified in Sedation Dentistry. He has the expertise, skills and training to put even the most anxious patient at ease. CALL DR. NOLAN TODAY AT 310-827-5094 and get ready to enjoy a total relaxation experience.
NITROUS OXIDE (laughing gas) — from fear to euphoria
Sedation dentistry can put you at ease and virtually eliminates the pain associated with dental procedures. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is one of several options available to significantly reduce your fears and discomfort.
Benefits of nitrous oxide:
- It's effective for mild to moderate anxiety
- Proven safety record
- Offers an analgesic (pain relieving) effect
- It's quick-acting, with few side effects
- You don’t need someone to escort you to and from the office
- You can return to normal activities immediately
- In many cases, you can get ALL of your dental work done in one visit
Also called inhalation conscious sedation, nitrous oxide is best suited for cases of mild to moderate anxiety and is the most frequently used sedation method in dentistry. Under nitrous oxide you remain conscious and able to breathe on your own. Although you will not actually be unconscious, you will enjoy a sense of total well-being (euphoria) — and probably won’t remember much about the procedure afterwards. Patients generally recover quickly and can usually leave the office unescorted.
Nitrous oxide will put you at ease so you experience little to no discomfort; however, we will also administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t experience any pain. At this point in the procedure you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll hardly even notice.
A procedure utilizing nitrous oxide generally requires one to two visits. During your first visit, Dr. Nolan will take a detailed health history. If you’re comfortable, he will look in your mouth and take dental x-rays. Next he will carefully explain what you can expect during the procedure and will patiently answer any questions you may have.
Don’t let fear keep you from having a healthy, sparking smile. Dr. Nolan is certified in Sedation Dentistry. He has the expertise, skills and training to put even the most anxious patient at ease. Contact us today at 310-827-5094…and get ready to enjoy a total relaxation experience.
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