Dental anxiety affects patients of all ages and can stem from a negative past experience, influences during childhood, or general feelings of unease. Regardless of the cause, this anxiety can sometimes be so overwhelming that it prevents individuals from seeking necessary dental care. At Innovative Smiles, we are proud to provide sedation dentistry in Cerritos, offering a range of “sleep” dentistry options designed to help patients feel calm and comfortable throughout their treatment.
When to Consider Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry may be a great solution if you experience any of the following:
- Severe dental fear or anxiety
- Past traumatic dental experiences
- Difficulty getting numb with local anesthetics
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Complex or multiple dental conditions
- Trouble sitting still during long appointments
- Anxiety about needles or injections
- Strong aversion to dental office sounds, smells, or tastes
- TMJ issues or discomfort when keeping your mouth open for long periods
Our Sedation Dentistry Options in Cerritos
- Oral Sedation: This involves taking a prescribed pill or liquid medication prior to your appointment, helping to ease anxiety and promote relaxation. In some cases, a dose can be taken the evening before and another an hour before your procedure.
- Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this sedative is inhaled through a soft nasal mask at the dental office. It creates a mild and quick-acting sense of calm and can be entirely reversed by switching to oxygen at the end of your treatment.
- Intravenous (IV) Conscious Sedation: For those with significant anxiety, IV sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation. Medication is administered directly into the bloodstream, allowing you to stay awake but minimally aware of the dental work being performed.
Enjoy Our Cerritos sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry can truly change how you feel about dental care. Our team is trained to safely administer sedatives while closely monitoring your vital signs to ensure your safety and comfort. If you are interested in a calm, low-stress environment for your dental treatments, contact our Cerritos sedation dentist today to learn more about your sedation options.
