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.
Why Choose Innovative Smiles for Sedation Dentistry in Cerritos?
Choosing a dental team you can trust is the first step toward overcoming dental anxiety. At Innovative Smiles, we are committed to providing the highest standard of safe and compassionate care for our patients in Cerritos.
A Team Trained in Your Comfort
Our dentists and clinical staff have undergone extensive training in administering and monitoring sedation. We adhere to the strictest safety protocols to ensure your well-being is protected at all times. Your health and comfort are our top priorities from the moment you walk through our doors.
Personalized Sedation Levels
We understand that every patient's anxiety level is different. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. After a thorough review of your medical history and a conversation about your comfort level, we will recommend a sedation option that is perfectly suited to your individual needs.
Accomplish More in Fewer Visits
Sedation dentistry allows patients to undergo longer or multiple procedures in a single, comfortable appointment. This is ideal for those with busy schedules or who need extensive dental work. You can catch up on years of missed dental care in just one or two relaxed visits.
A Safe and Positive Environment
Our entire practice is designed to be a calming space. From our friendly front office staff to our gentle clinical team, we are all here to support you. We will walk you through every step of the process, answer all your questions, and ensure you feel secure and respected.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
1. Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, when administered by a trained professional, sedation dentistry is very safe. Before recommending any type of sedation, we conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate. During your procedure, our experienced team will continuously monitor your heart rate, oxygen levels, and other vital signs to ensure your complete safety.
2. Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is an excellent solution for patients who experience moderate to severe dental anxiety or phobia. It is also beneficial for those who have a strong gag reflex, have difficulty getting numb, have very sensitive teeth, or need to undergo lengthy or complex dental procedures.
3. Will I be completely asleep during the procedure?
With nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, you will not be asleep. You will remain conscious and able to communicate with our team throughout the appointment. However, you will be in a state of deep relaxation and may feel drowsy. Many patients who choose oral sedation have little or no memory of the procedure afterward.
4. How will I feel after the sedation?
If you receive nitrous oxide, the effects will wear off within minutes of your procedure ending, and you will feel completely normal. If you opt for oral conscious sedation, you will feel groggy and relaxed for several hours. You are not permitted to drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day and should plan to rest at home.
5. How much does sedation dentistry cost?
The cost of sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation you receive. We believe that everyone should have access to comfortable dental care. Our team will provide a clear breakdown of all costs during your consultation and will discuss our flexible payment options to help fit treatment into your budget.
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.
