Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
At Santa Teresa Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with exceptional care with a gentle touch. We are pleased to offer sedation dentistry options to create a calm state, helping our patients relax in the dentist’s chair. Your safety and well-being are always our topmost priorities.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Also known as sleep dentistry, sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to create a relaxed and calm state during treatment. There are different types and levels of sedation, including nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and deep sedation. Dr. Huang will recommend the ideal sedation option depending on your unique needs.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a light form of sedation that involves breathing nitrous oxide gas mixed with oxygen through a mask. It helps reduce pain and induces a pleasurable feeling, ensuring you enjoy a positive dental care experience. Dr. Huang can adjust the level of sedation based on your needs.
Once the treatment is over and we turn off the nitrous oxide gas, the effects will wear off, allowing you to drive home and resume normal daily activities without interruption. Laughing gas has been used in dentistry for decades and has an incredibly high safety record.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For patients needing more help to relax, we may recommend oral conscious sedation. This involves administering oral medication before treatment. You may feel drowsy and may even drift off into sleep but will remain conscious and responsive to directions.
Oral conscious sedation can be an ideal option for patients with dental phobia. The level of sedation will depend on the dosage of medication administered. Most of our patients have little, if any, recollection of their treatment. The effects of oral sedation may take some time to wear off completely, so you will need to rest for the remainder of the day.
General Anesthesia
Some patients cannot tolerate dental procedures because of medical reasons, past traumatic dental experiences, or dental phobia. At Santa Teresa Dental, we have partnered with board-certified anesthesiologists to administer general anesthesia. Our experienced providers will monitor your vital signs and ensure you are safe and comfortable before, during, and after treatment.
General anesthesia induces a deep state of sleep, so you will have no recollection of your treatment. It is beneficial for patients with extreme fear or high levels of dental anxiety, those requiring lengthy or extensive treatments, and patients with special healthcare needs. You will need a trusted adult to accompany you and stay with you until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation dentistry has an excellent safety record when administered under the care of a trained and experienced dental professional. Dr. Huang of Santa Teresa Dental is ACLS-certified (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) and is licensed by the state of California to administer adult OCS. His experience and expertise will ensure you have a safe and rewarding experience.
At Santa Teresa Dental, we follow the strictest safety protocols and monitor your vital signs throughout treatment. When it comes to deep sedation, our Board-Certified Anesthesiologist will administer the sedatives and oversee the entire procedure, focusing on your safety and well-being. Whether you require nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or general anesthesia, we go above and beyond to ensure you are safe and comfortable while receiving the best possible care.
Sedation Dentistry Near Me in Morgan Hill, CA
Contact Santa Teresa Dental to learn more about our anxiety-free dental care. Dr. Huang and our team are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable experience for our patients while providing cutting-edge dental care. We invite you to call us at 408-782-6568 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!