Sedation Dentistry

*Actual Patient

sedation dentistry

We do everything we can to help make your dental care as comfortable as possible. In addition to providing a soothing and friendly atmosphere in our office, our dentist in Redondo Beach offers sedation dentistry to help our patients receive the care they need without the anxiety.

We can often perform multiple treatments, such as those involved in a smile makeover or full mouth rehabilitation, in just one office visit while the patient is under sedation.

Sedation dentistry is extremely beneficial for people who:
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Experience a high level of anxiety about visiting the dentist

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Have complex dental problems requiring multiple treatments

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Experience difficulty becoming numb

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Have a highly sensitive gag reflex

Below, you will find some of the sedation dentistry options available at our practice. To learn more about sedation dentistry, please contact us today.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Before your procedure, you will take a small pill which contains an oral sedative that will help you relax. During your procedure, you will remain alert so that you can respond to the dentist’s requests, but will be in a state of complete relaxation. In this sleep-like state, you will be unable to feel pain and anxiety, and you will emerge from this state feeling calm with little or no memory of the treatment process.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas,” has been successfully used in dental procedures for many decades. Since it’s administered through a breathing apparatus, no needles or injections are necessary. For this type of sedative, patients are simply instructed to breathe in a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen using the nasal apparatus. The effects of nitrous oxide occur rapidly, often taking full effect within three minutes or less. There are different levels of sedation that can be experienced, but generally, patients are able to remain aware of their surroundings while feeling extremely relaxed, at ease, and pleasant. Once your dental treatment has been completed, the effects of nitrous oxide should quickly wear off. Because it does not cause any lasting grogginess or disorientation, most patients are able to drive themselves home. Dr. Michael Fulbright and our staff, however, will make sure that you are in a well enough condition before you leave our office.

Inhalation sedation is regarded as a very safe dental procedure suitable for most individuals. In cases where patients have certain medical or health conditions however, nitrous oxide may not be an appropriate treatment. During your appointment, Dr. Fulbright will thoroughly review your options to determine which treatment is most suitable for you.

IV Sedation

For patients who are affected by more extreme dental anxieties, we offer Intravenous (IV) sedation. IV sedation uses a very thin needle attached to a tube to administer an anti-anxiety medication during your dental procedure. Throughout the procedure, Dr. Fulbright and our staff will also monitor your pulse and oxygen levels to ensure that you are in safe state. The benefits of IV sedation ensure that patients are in a deep state of relaxation, calmness, and comfortability. As the level of sedation is much deeper, you will also not be able to remember what occurred during your procedure. Because the effects of IV sedation will take time to completely wear off, you will need to make arrangements to have an escort drive you home following the procedure.

If you would like more information on our sedation dentistry techniques, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.