Sedation Dentistry
General & cosmetic dentistry in Newport Beach, CA
Reasons for Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Spath and his team are dedicated to providing gentle, compassionate dental care to patients of all ages. We are keenly aware, however, of the fact that some people, for personal reasons, find it very difficult to visit the dentist. Perhaps you have experienced sub-par dental care in your past, or you simply feel anxious having someone in your personal space. Whatever your reasons for dental anxiety, we have the experience and the tools to help you manage your oral health. Sedation dentistry has been used for several years, and has made it easy for millions of very anxious patients to care for their smiles.
Incorporating sedation into dental care, it becomes possible to completely change your dental experiences. Our patients, as well as our team, benefit from the improvement in patient comfort that stems from the use of oral conscious sedation or IV sedation. During your initial consultation with Dr. Spath, you can discuss the factors that have held you back from obtaining dental care freely. We will also provide information on sedation so that the correct form for your needs is chosen.
Sedation is a wonderful inclusion in dental care, easing anxiety as well as any physical discomfort that may come from sitting in the dental chair for extended periods. Under sedation, the passage of time seems very quick. After sedative medication has worn off, patients feel extremely well and tend to remember very little of their dental treatment. Your smile and oral health are important to quality of life. Under the care of Dr. Andrew Spath, your dental care needs can be met in a calm, friendly environment. Contact us to learn more about sedation dentistry.
Our Options for Sedation Dentistry in Newport Beach, CA
Oral Sedation
Oral conscious sedation provides a safe and convenient way to ease anxiety before dental care. If this option is chosen, a prescription is written and oral medication is taken about an hour before your dental visit. It is necessary to arrange reliable transportation due to the effects of the sedative medication. By the time you arrive at our office, you will be feeling calm and confident. Oral conscious sedation does not cause you to sleep through treatment, but impacts the central nervous system so that the dental environment does not cause emotional discomfort. Throughout your visit, you will be able to communicate with our team in full comfort.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is ideal in a number of situations. Administered by our on-staff anesthesiologist Dr. Avery C. Mittman, IV sedation takes effect quickly and may cause light sleep. Throughout treatment, Dr. Mittman or an experienced member of our staff continually monitors vitals to ensure the proper dosage of anesthesia is maintained at all times. IV sedation may be used for highly anxious patients or for those who want to complete an extensive amount of dental work in a single visit.
Sedation is a wonderful inclusion in dental care, easing anxiety as well as any physical discomfort that may come from sitting in the dental chair for extended periods. Under sedation, the passage of time seems very quick. After sedative medication has worn off, patients feel extremely well and tend to remember very little of their dental treatment. Your smile and oral health are important to quality of life. Under the care of Dr. Andrew Spath, your dental care needs can be met in a calm, friendly environment. Contact us to learn more about sedation dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide(NO2) is a great way to bring down dental anxiety making a dental appointment more enjoyable. NO2 is a gas that where nitrous is mixed with oxygen creating a safe and effective anxiolytic(antianxiety drug). This works well for the patient with mild to moderate dental anxiety. Contraindications include those with respiratory disorders and individuals that are unable to breath out of their nose. Nitrous oxide is available for your next dental visit just ask!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry in Newport Beach
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. It can be used for patients with dental anxiety, fear, or those who require extensive dental work.
The most common types of sedation used in dentistry include:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): It is a mild sedative inhaled through a mask placed over the nose. It helps to relax and reduce anxiety during the procedure.
- Oral Sedation: It involves taking prescribed medications (usually in pill form) before the dental appointment to induce a deeper level of relaxation.
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation: Medications are administered through an IV line, allowing the dentist to adjust the sedation level more precisely. It can provide a moderate to deep level of sedation.
- General Anesthesia: This is the deepest form of sedation, often administered by an anesthesiologist. It renders the patient completely unconscious and is typically reserved for complex or lengthy procedures.
Sedation dentistry is suitable for individuals who experience dental anxiety or fear, have a low pain threshold, have a strong gag reflex, or require extensive dental procedures. However, the dentist will evaluate your medical history, current health, and specific dental needs to determine if sedation is appropriate for you.
Dental insurance coverage for sedation dentistry varies depending on the specific insurance plan and the purpose of sedation. Some insurance plans provide coverage for sedation in certain circumstances, such as for extensive procedures or for individuals with specific medical conditions. However, coverage can vary, and it is advisable to review your dental insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for sedation dentistry.
The cost of sedation dentistry can vary depending on several factors, including the type of sedation used, the length and complexity of the dental procedure, the location of the dental practice, and any additional services or treatments required.