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Posts for: December, 2014

Fight Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry

By E.John Baron DDS INC.

December 22, 2014

Category: Dentistry

Tags: Sedation Dentistry

Your Santa Cruz dentist offers sedation dentistry to calm your dental fears.

Does the idea of going to the dentist make you bite your nails? Maybe it’s a bad experience with another dentist or just the sound of the drill that has you cancelling your dental appointments time and time again; however, routine dental checkups are vital to a healthy smile. During these visits we can clean your teeth and make sure that there are no signs of gum disease or decay. The more often you see your dentist the quicker we can pinpoint problems and treat them quickly and effectively. However, dental anxiety is real and afflicts millions of Americans. If you are crippled by dental anxiety in Santa Cruz, find out how sedation dentistry could help you.

What is sedation dentistry?

Your Santa Cruz dentist uses medication to help you feel calm and relaxed during your dental visit. While some people may call it “sleep dentistry”, this term isn’t technically correct. After all, you will generally still be awake while under the effects of sedation dentistry; however, you will feel anxiety-free.

There are different levels of sedation from minimal sedation, in which you are fully awake but just relaxed, to deeper forms of sedation in which you may not remember parts of the procedure and you may be only slightly conscious but easily awakened.

What are the different forms of sedation dentistry?

Oral sedation is often the most common way to provide patients with minimal to moderate forms of sedation. Oral sedation is often used as an anti-anxiety medication, and is a member of the Valium family. The pill will be taken about an hour before your dental procedure and you may feel drowsy or sleepy after taking it.

Another common form of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas”. Nitrous oxide is combined with oxygen and delivered to the patient through a mask placed over the nose. Your dentist controls the level of nitrous oxide you receive during your treatment to help you stay relaxed throughout the procedure. An added benefit to this treatment is that the effects wear off quickly so you may be able to drive yourself home afterwards.

Who can get sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz?

Sedation dentistry can be offered for any dental procedure, no matter how small. Even if the idea of a routine dental cleaning has you nervous, we can offer you sedation dentistry. It doesn’t just have to be for major dental procedures.

While sedation dentistry is also great for those with dental anxieties, it can also be used for those who have trouble sitting for long periods of time, those with sensitive gag reflexes and those with special needs.

Let sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz make your next visit to the dentist a breeze. Call us today to schedule your much-needed appointment and let us know that you’re interested in getting sedation dentistry.

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Find Out How Much You Truly Know About Sedation Dentistry In Santa Cruz

By E. John Baron DDS, INC.

December 05, 2014

Category: Dentistry

Tags: Root Canal Therapy Dentist Sedation Dentistry Dental Cleaning

The Dental Fears Research Clinic reports that about 5 percent to 8 percent of Americans will avoid seeing their dentist due to fear. A whopping 20 percent have enough anxiety surrounding the dentist that they only go when it’s imperative. There are a variety of reasons why someone may not see their dentist; however, whether getting a dental cleaning or having root canal therapy, sedation dentistry can make any trip to the dentist a breeze. Before you start doing online research on sedation dentistry, here are some of the top five myths you need to know about.

Myth #1: Sedation dentistry can’t be offered for all dental services.

There is no reason why sedation therapy can’t be offered for any dental procedure, including your standard cleaning. Some people think that sedation is only used during surgery; however, you can opt to have it whenever you need it. If even the thought of having someone clean your teeth makes you nervous, then sedation dentistry can help.

Myth #2: Sedation dentistry is only for those with dental anxieties.

While sedation is most certainly a comfort to those with dental fears and phobias, it can also be helpful for other patients as well. Those will serious gag reflexes, those who have trouble staying in one position and even patients with special needs will find that sedation dentistry can make the next visit significantly easier.

Myth #3: Sedation dentistry will put you to sleep.

While there are some forms of sedation that can put you to sleep, the most common forms such as oral medication and nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) will not. You will feel tired and sleepy, but you will not actually be asleep. Patients that opt for nitrous oxide can even drive themselves home after their visit.

Myth #4: Sedation dentistry is dangerous.

General anesthesia does have its risks; however, that’s what makes sedation dentistry a wonderful option. The oral medication offered is considered an antianxiolytic, which is safe for most patients. Plus, unlike general anesthesia, sedation dentistry promises fewer side effects; however, patients who have recently undergone surgery and those who are allergic to certain medications should talk to their dentist before opting for sedation.

Myth #5: Sedation dentistry is still experimental.

Our dental office has safely used both nitrous oxide and anti-anxiety medications for years. We also follow all the necessary requirements put forward by the American Dental Association, so you know you are in capable, safe hands when you choose sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz.

Visit E. John Baron DDS, INC. Today!

To find out whether sedation dentistry is right for you, call our office today. We would be happy to discuss your options for making your next visit more relaxed. Are you a patient of E. John Baron DDS, INC.? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences below!

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