Sedation Dentistry Near Me in Ahwatukee, Phoenix

Sedation in dentistry is an anesthesia used to make a patient comfortable during a dental operation. It is most typically used for patients who have severe fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist, as well as those who have difficulties regulating their movements or keeping still for long periods.

Dentistry has four levels of sedation:

Minimal
Moderate
Deep
General

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A mild sedative is often used for a little relaxation, but a larger sedative may be used for moderate sedation. Deep sedation is more intense and necessitates more monitoring, whereas general anesthesia is the most extreme kind of sedation, resulting in total loss of consciousness. The sort of sedation you receive is determined by the treatment, your level of anxiety, your general health, and the dentist’s choice.

On the very basic level, our sedation services include:

Nitrous oxide
Oral Sedation
IV Sedation

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, sometimes known as laughing gas, is a safe and efficient sedative frequently used in dentistry. It is used to calm worried individuals during dental treatments. It is especially good for people frightened or nervous about undergoing a dental operation. Nitrous oxide is given to patients using a mask they wear over their noses, and the effects are felt within minutes.

Nitrous oxide alleviates anxiety and assists patients in remaining calm during dental procedures. It also provides a slight pain-relieving effect, making it suitable for operations that may be uncomfortable. After removing the mask, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off, and patients usually recover to their normal condition within minutes.

Oral Sedation

Dentists utilize Oral Sedation to assist patients in relaxing during dental treatments. It is usually administered as a tablet approximately an hour before the surgery. Benzodiazepine is the most often used sedative, giving patients little or no remembrance of the treatment. One of the primary benefits of Oral Sedation is that it is both safe and responsive. Unfortunately, it is not instantly effective, and the sedative may take some time to become effective. One disadvantage of this form of sedation is that it cannot be easily modified.

IV Sedation

IV Sedation in dentistry is conscious sedation that helps patients feel calm throughout their dental consultation. It includes administering an anti-anxiety medicine into the bloodstream, allowing patients to get critical dental care without discomfort or worry. IV sedation does not send patients to sleep, but it does help them relax and feel at ease. The doctor will check the patient’s pulse and oxygen levels to ensure there are no adverse effects from the sedative. The patient may feel sleepy after the treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that they have a family member or friend drive them home and take the day off to relax.

Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is possible for children with severe dental fears, those who are very young and require considerable dental treatment, or those with specific requirements that would struggle with dental operations. Sedation can help children feel relaxed and comfortable throughout treatment, allowing them to safely get the care they require. They may not even remember the treatment, based on the kind of dental sedation used, which can help children avoid developing dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry is classified into several stages, from moderate sedation, such as nitrous oxide or laughing gas, to full anesthesia. Sedation options for children include:

Oral conscious sedation
Nitrous oxide
General anesthesia

At Atrium Dental, Dr. Foroughi is able to comfortably work on Children with mild to moderate fear with the use of Nitrous Oxide and an overhead TV. A handful of patients, who need more sedation, can be referred to a pediatric dentist.

Sedation Dentistry Cost

Sedation dentistry can be pricey, but the real cost is determined by the amount of sedation and the number of dental appointments required. Occasionally the cost of the dental procedure is reduced, which more than compensates for the higher sedative expenditures. In addition, it is easier on the patient, and the job may be accomplished faster and more successfully when a patient sleeps peacefully through the operations.

Sedation dentistry costs vary depending on insurance coverage, area, and your chosen dentistry. Amounts vary from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the type of sedative utilized.

Are You Asleep with Dental Sedation?

You don’t fall completely asleep with dental sedation like with general surgery. You are instead in a deep state of relaxation that is often called “twilight sedation.” Even though you might feel sleepy and not remember the process afterward, you can still answer questions and talk to the dental team if needed. The amount of drowsiness depends on the type used and how each person reacts to it.

What Drug Is Used for IV Sedation in Dentistry?

Intravenous (IV) sedation in dentistry can be done with different drugs based on the patient’s needs and the dentist’s preference. In dentistry, these are some of the most common IV sedatives:

Midazolam. A type of drug that helps people relax and feel less anxious.
Propofol. A short-acting anesthetic that puts a person to sleep deeply.
Fentanyl. A drug that is used to relieve pain and boost the benefits of other sleep aids.
Dexmedetomidine. A drug that makes you feel sleepy and relieves pain.
Ketamine. Used to put people to sleep, relieve pain, and make them forget what happened.

The drug or combination of drugs used will rely on the patient’s health history, how complicated the operation is, and how much sedation is needed. Dentists are trained to give these drugs to patients safely so they are comfortable during dental procedures.

Children’s Sedation Dentistry

Children’s sedation dentistry uses safe, controlled ways to help kids calm down and feel good during dental treatments. It’s especially helpful for young patients who might feel scared or have trouble staying still during treatments.

Some important things to know about sedation dentistry for kids are:

Purpose. The goal is to ensure that kids have a good and stress-free health experience while letting the dentist do what needs to be done.
Methods. Depending on the child’s age, level of anxiety, and the difficulty of the operation, different types of sedation can be used, such as laughing gas, oral sedatives, or even IV sedation.
Safety. Pediatric doctors and other trained professionals give and watch the sedation carefully to make sure the child is safe. The dose is changed based on how much the child weighs and how healthy they are.
Communication. Children may stay awake and alert during light sedation, but greater sedation might make them sleepy or tired.
Preparation. Parents are told how to prepare their children for treatment, such as having them fast before the sedation.
Post-Procedure. Children might feel sleepy or dizzy shortly after the process, so an adult should accompany them.

Positive Experience. Children’s sedation dentistry helps create a good feeling about going to the dentist, which makes future visits less scary and stressful.