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Posts for tag: Sedation Dentistry
Many in Santa Cruz, CA, get nervous when going to the dentist and use sedation dentistry when undergoing various procedures. Sedation dentistry helps ease the nerves for patients who feel anxious about visiting the dentist and has become very common over the past few years. Call the dental office of Dr. John Baron for more information about sedation dentistry.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is also known as dental sedation or sleep dentistry and uses a range of different techniques to help calm a patient before a dental procedure. It is common for patients in Santa Cruz, CA, to undergo sedation dentistry for procedures such as new crowns and root canals. This method has been very effective among patients who experience dental anxiety.
Levels of Sedation Dentistry
There are several levels of sedation dentistry available for patients suffering from dental anxiety. The level of sedation is based on the procedure you are getting done and your level of stress. The different levels of sedation dentistry include:
- Minimal sedation helps relax you, but you remain awake.
- Moderate sedation keeps you awake, but you may slur your words and not remember much of what happened.
- Deep sedation places you on the edge of consciousness but makes it possible to wake you still quickly.
- General anesthesia is when you are completely unconscious for the procedure.
Different Types of Dental Sedation Methods
Dentists may use different methods of sedation to help ease the patient's nerves. Common types of dental sedation used include:
- Inhaled minimal sedation is administered through the patient breathing in nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas, and a mask is placed over the nose.
- Oral sedation is when a pill at varying doses is given to the patient approximately one hour before the procedure.
- IV moderate sedation is done by administering a sedative drug through the vein, and the doctor can adjust the level of sedation.
- Deep sedation and general anesthesia place the patient in an unconscious or semi-unconscious state.
Anyone in Santa Cruz, CA, who is nervous about visiting the dentist should call the dental office of Dr. Baron to discuss destination dentistry. Call (831) 426-9200 to schedule your appointment today.
Sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz, California helps create a relaxed and calm experience for those that are fearful of dental work. With the use of sedatives, fearful patients can have a series of dental treatments in just one visit that would otherwise take them several visits. Different sedatives are used by Dr. E. John Baron fitting the needs of each particular patient.
Sedation Dentistry Options
Conscious sedation is one option that administers a sedative such as nitrous oxide to a patient. During the dental work, the patient is alert and awake but is slightly relaxed. Local anesthesia is another option that injects medication into tissue or is applied topically to eliminate any sense of feeling during procedures. Both are these are recommended for more minor procedures.
For more severe treatments or for severe cases of dental phobia, Dr. Baron may suggest the help of an anesthesiologist that puts a patient under for procedures. Oral conscious sedation is another option where patients take something orally. All of their bodily functions remain the same and they are able to breathe on their own. The patient may experience some amnesia on what happened.
Patients that are scared of the dentist oftentimes are hesitant to undergo any type of dental procedure, even an exam or cleaning. This puts them at risk of tooth decay and other future dental issues that could have been avoided with preventative dental care. However, with sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz, California, patients can get the check-ups and procedures they need in order to maintain their oral health. These sedatives make procedures seem fast, anxiety-free and relaxed.
To learn more about what sedation dentistry can do for you, call Dr. Baron’s office at 831-426-9200 today to schedule an appointment.
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.

Myth #1: Sedation dentistry can’t be offered for all dental services.
Myth #2: Sedation dentistry is only for those with dental anxieties.
Myth #3: Sedation dentistry will put you to sleep.
Myth #4: Sedation dentistry is dangerous.
Myth #5: Sedation dentistry is still experimental.
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E. John Baron DDS, INC.
550 Water Street, Suite L-1
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-9200
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