Sedation Options - Berkeley, CA

We Make Dentistry Relaxing

dental patient under sedation

Sedation Dentistry is a Path Free from Fear

Many people avoid going to the dentist because they experienced traumatic care as a child, suffered painful procedures as an adult, or are influenced by the stereotypes they see on TV and in movies. Even when they experience warning signs like pain in the mouth, many people avoid seeking treatment because of the fear they experience. At our office, we understand these feelings and want to help.  Whether you just need a routine cleaning or a brand-new smile, we offer sedation dentistry to make your experience comfortable and relaxing.

Sedation dentistry is used by many dentists to provide a relaxing, calming experience for patients who are afraid of going to the dentist and/or having dental procedures performed. There are many forms of sedation that can be administered in a variety of ways offering us the flexibility of three levels of sedation – minimal, moderate, and deep – depending on the level of anxiety the patient experiences.

Patient smiling after sedation dentistry

Are You a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Types of Sedation We Offer

Patients who suffer anxiety at the mere thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair can rest comfortably during an appointment at our office with the following sedation options:

  • Our office offers oral sedation dentistry. Oral sedation dentistry allows us to relieve anxiety without the use of needles or intravenous tubes.  Additionally, patients who traditionally have trouble getting numb have no problem when sedated and relaxed.

  • About an hour prior to the appointment, the patient will be asked to ingest your medication, which will make you feel slightly drowsy. By the time a companion accompanies the patient to our office for the appointment, the patient will be feeling relaxed and calm.  We will escort you to a comfortable room and cover him/her with a warm, thick blanket.

  • Once the patient is comfortable and completely relaxed, the doctor and experienced clinical team will complete the dental procedure. During the entire procedure, the patient’s vital signs will be monitored to ensure their health and safety. After the treatment is completed, the companion will take the patient home to rest and sleep for a couple of hours after the appointment.
 
  • IV Conscious Sedation is an effective technique for managing moderate to severe dental anxiety. While not as readily available in most dental offices, we believe it is a valuable tool for ensuring a patient’s complete relaxation during a procedure they would not ordinarily have done due to extreme fear.

  • Prior to the procedure, drugs are administered intravenously. Drugs administered by IV are far more effective than those taken orally because the doctor can control exactly how much is administered directly into the bloodstream.

  • During the procedure, monitoring devices are placed on the patient to monitor their heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, and breathing. The patient will be awake through the whole procedure, allowing the dentist to give them directions, which they will be able to follow. However, the medications administered during IV conscious sedation leave the patient with amnesia of the procedure. The patient will remember nothing about their experience!
  • Nitrous oxide has been a mainstay of sedation dentistry for decades and is still the most frequently employed sedation technique today. Commonly known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is used by more than 35% of all U.S. dentists.

  • Nitrous oxide is commonly used because within five minutes of inhaling the colorless, odorless gas pain is neutralized and a euphoric feeling spreads through the body. Within minutes, the dental procedure can begin and the patient will be completely relaxed. Nitrous oxide allows the dentist to alter the depth of sedation from minute to minute, making the experience pain and fear-free.

  • After the gas is stopped, the patient will return to normal within minutes. You will be able to safely drive yourself home and will not need an escort. Nitrous Oxide does not require the use of a needle, so those who are afraid of needles will benefit from this form of sedation. And, nitrous oxide is very safe; there are relatively few side effects and the drugs have no effect on the major organs.
  • For certain dental procedures, your dentist will need to numb parts of your mouth. In order to do so, medicine is injected into your gum or inner cheek. This medicine is called a local anesthetic.

  • Lidocaine is the most common local anesthetic used in dentistry, however, there are many others. All types of numbing drugs are combined with other medications to make the numbing last longer. Numbing usually lasts several hours but wears off over time.

  • Numbing just the area where dentistry needs to be performed allows the dentist to perform procedures without pain or discomfort. Because you are still conscious, you can answer prompts and commands quickly and easily. And, because you have not been sedated, you can usually drive yourself home or go back to work immediately after the appointment.
    • Oraqix® is a needle-free anesthetic that is administered topically and below the gum line. Oraqix® is effective and efficient for many dental procedures and offers our patients a needle-free alternative to traditional anesthetics.
    • Oraqix is first applied to the gums around the area receiving treatment. The gel is applied using a blunt-tipped applicator. After waiting 30 seconds, the pockets around the teeth are filled with Oraqix®. After waiting an additional 30 seconds, treatment can begin. Delaying treatment does not enhance the anesthetic effect. The scaling and root planing procedure, or alternative procedure, can then be completed.
    • We may recommend this alternative anesthesia for several reasons:
      • A needle-free option has been found to be overwhelmingly preferred over traditional anesthetics. In clinical studies, 70% of patients preferred Oraqix® to needle injection.
      • Numbing occurs quickly, usually within 30 seconds.
      • The sensation of numbness usually lasts about 20 minutes. So, normal sensation is typically returned by the time your appointment is completed!
      • Oraqix is site specific which allows the doctor to selectively numb specific areas of the mouth.

Enjoy Your Next Appointment!

Contact us today to learn more about no-fear dentistry.