Sedation dentistry offers an extra level of care for those who have a sense of anxiety about dental visits. Dr. Deborah K. Ruprecht, DDS, a caring specialist with over 20 years of experience, uses several conscious sedation techniques to keep you calm during your appointment. If you live in the area of Newport Beach, California, and want to get the treatment you need without apprehension, call us today at 949-833-2263 or request an appointment online.
Sedation Dentistry Q&A
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Several levels of sedation are available, including:
Minimal — Awake but relaxed
Nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) is one of the most common methods of light sedation used in dental offices. An analgesic that is gently inhaled nitrous oxide works effectively to reduce anxiety for short procedures. Nitrous allows you to be awake and relaxed and may be used in combination with local anesthesia.
Moderate — Conscious but drowsy
With moderate oral sedation, a patient takes medication by mouth. Depending on the dose, it may produce a modest sensation of drowsiness and a deeper sense of relaxation. Oral sedation allows you to be responsive or sleep lightly and be relaxed during your procedure. Dr. Ruprecht performs this treatment for patients who have mild anxiety.
Moderate IV — On the edge of consciousness
For patients who need this level of care, Dr. Ruprecht works with Board Certified anesthesiologists to administer intravenous (IV) sedation. With this option, you remain awake but are deeply relaxed and less aware of the procedure. For patients who require longer procedures and experience moderate to severe anxiety, IV sedation is an excellent option to complete more dentistry in fewer visits.
How does sedation dentistry work?
Most forms of sedation dentistry allow you to feel deeply relaxed while remaining aware of your surroundings and able to communicate. However, you often come away with minimal memory of your treatment with moderate sedation.
While you are resting and comfortable with sedation, the team monitors your vital signs, including your blood pressure, breathing and heart rate.
Recovery from a procedure requiring anesthesia varies from patient to patient. However, drowsiness is often a common side effect. If your procedure requires sedation, you should arrange for a driver to drop you off and pick you up after your procedure.
Why use sedation dentistry?
Sedation is not just for people with a sense of anxiety; it also makes dental visits easier for those:
- With temporomandibular disorders and neuromuscular disorders
- Undergoing multiple or complex procedures
- Who have trouble becoming numb
Call us today or request an appointment online with Dr. Ruprecht to discuss the best way to make you comfortable for your dental visits.