Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Sedation-Dentistry-FAQs

DENTAL SEDATION FAQs

Sedation Dentistry FAQs Torrance, CA

At Dentist of Torrance, we know how important feeling confident, secure and safe is when it comes to your dental care. Your safety and your comfort are top priority for us. We know you have some questions about sedation and want to make finding those answers easy and stress-free.

Our office is devoted to creating a safe, secure and stress-free environment for you, so please find our sedation dentistry FAQs below. If you have any remaining questions, please reach out and we’ll be happy to answer them.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs: Our Most Commonly Asked Questions

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to help patients relax or sleep during dental treatments. These medications enable you to go through a procedure pain-free and comfortable for a better overall experience.

What Types of Sedation Are There?

There are three types of sedation used in dentistry that may be administered in a variety of ways. They are conscious sedation, twilight sedation, and unconscious sedation.

What is Conscious Sedation?

Conscious sedation is a form of anesthesia that is commonly administered for patients who have anxiety or panic during procedures like root canals, routine cleanings, or fillings. This type of sedation helps patients combat feelings of anxiety as well as pain and discomfort during less extensive procedures.

This kind of sedation may be administered through oral tablets, nitrous oxide or local anesthesia.

What is Unconscious Sedation?

Unconscious sedation is what most folks think of when they think of anesthesia. This is general anesthesia administered to patients via a breathing mask or IV prior to a dental procedure. This type of sedation puts the patient into a state of complete unconsciousness, meaning patients cannot be aroused while still under. Loud noises, pain or other similar distractions will not wake you.

This type of anesthesia is administered to patients undergoing more intensive treatments to reduce pain. It may also be administered to patients who are resistant to other types of anesthesia.

What is Twilight Sedation?

Twilight sedation is an “in-between” type of sedation used for mid-level dental procedures. This form of sedation is generally administered through nitrous oxide or IV and makes patients extremely sleepy and relaxed without putting them completely under.

This kind of anesthesia is administered when we need to have responses from you during your procedure or if you will need to follow simple directions. It’s intended to relieve stress and anxiety while lessening pain but still allowing patients to respond, as needed.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe??

As with any medication or medical procedure, there is always some risk with sedation. It is usually safe when administered by experienced dentists. Certain people, however, are more prone to risks associated with sedation. To ensure that sedation is a safe option for you, we will:

  • Go over your medical history to ensure there are no known issues preventing you from receiving anesthesia
  • Discuss any medications you are taking to ensure there will be no interactions
  • Verify the form of sedation recommended is suitable for your age and health
  • Discuss any concerns you may have about sedation
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry may be considered for any patients with the following:

  • Deep phobias of dental work
  • Fear of needles
  • Low pain threshold
  • Local anesthesia doesn’t usually work
  • High sensitivity in teeth and gums
  • Strong gag reflex
  • Difficulty sitting still for extended periods
  • Undergoing long procedures
Will Sedation Also Relieve Pain?

Sedation is meant to relieve both anxiety and pain for patients. Technically, sedation is different from anesthesia, so if pain is expected during a procedure or the patient has a low threshold for pain or high sensitivity, both will be administered to reduce pain.

What Kinds of Sedation Dentistry is Available at Dentist of Torrance?

At Dentist of Torrance, we understand that every patient is different and has different needs for their dental care. For this reason, we offer a variety of sedation and anesthesia options.

Oral sedation: A form of sedation which makes you sleepy and allows you to relax during mid-level treatments.

General anesthesia: This sedation method is given via IV or breathing mask for patients who are having more extensive procedures. This type of sedation puts you completely under.

Nitrous Oxide: This sedation, often called laughing gas, is a twilight sedation method that allows patients to relax and feel less stress and pain during mid-level procedures. This gas is breathed through a mask placed over the nose. The effects do not last long after the treatment is completed.

Questions About Sedation Dentisry

Let us Help You Restore That Gorgeous Smile, Stress-Free!

Anxiety and pain should never be the reason you don’t receive proper dental care! Call us today at 310-651-7660 to schedule your dental sedation consultation and learn how you can take better care of your smile stress-free!