Sedation Dentistry Specialist
Dental Art of South Bay
Dentist located in South Bay, Torrance, CA
Around 40 million Americans avoid visiting the dentist due to fear and anxiety. Sedation dentistry allows patients to remain conscious but relaxed enough to undergo dental procedures. Dr. Dana Samet takes the necessary steps to ensure her patients feel comfortable. With a wealth of experience in administering sedatives in her Torrance, California, office, Dr. Samet is an excellent choice for dental care and sedation dentistry.
Sedation Dentistry Q & A
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry describes the various processes and methods of managing the pain and anxiety of patients undergoing dental care procedures. It involves Dr. Samet administering a sedative drug to produce a state of calm and relaxation that allows patients to receive the treatments they need comfortably.
With sedation dentistry, you’re relaxed but still conscious enough to respond to verbal commands and physical stimulation. There are different methods and varying degrees of sedation that Dr. Samet can customize for each patient.
Though it’s often referred to as sleep dentistry, this terminology is inaccurate, since you’re awake and conscious during the procedure. You may feel drowsy and your memory of your time in the dental chair may be cloudy, but you’ll be awake.
What are the different types of sedation used?
The three most common types of sedation are:
Oral sedation
Oral sedation involves liquid or pills that the patient ingests to enter a state of total relaxation. Sometimes, Dr. Samet uses an injection of local anesthetic in conjunction.
Inhalation sedation
Inhalation sedation, such as nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas), is provided to you by Dr. Samet along with a local anesthetic to avoid pain.
Intravenous sedation
During intravenous sedation, Dr. Samet administers the sedatives directly into your bloodstream through an IV. Going straight through the vein accomplishes the deepest level of sedation without the need for general anesthesia.
Why choose sedation dentistry?
If you’re one of the many Americans who eschews dental checkups, you may end up needing much more invasive therapy and involved procedures as a result.
Sedation dentistry can reduce and even alleviate your anxiety, so you can return to the dentist’s chair and be proactive with your oral health. Sedation dentistry may be the right choice for you if you have:
- Overly sensitive teeth
- A high level of anxiety or fear
- More complex dental complications
- Difficulty responding to methods of numbing
- Suffered from traumatic dental experiences in the past
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) and the inability to open your mouth for extended periods of time
Without regular dental care, the aesthetics of your smile can diminish, and your oral health can suffer. Don’t let your anxiety hold you back from receiving necessary dental care from a compassionate provider. Call or book online to see Dr. Samet.
Feel free to email us regarding any scheduling or general questions!