Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist On Conquering Dental Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry

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Dr. Michael Fulbright discusses how advanced sedation techniques can help patients conquer their fear of dental treatment.

Los Angeles, CA — Dr. Michael Fulbright is a Los Angeles dentist who sees many patients that have a genuine fear of dental treatment. In fact, dental anxiety is a common condition among millions of Americans, and often prevents them from attaining necessary dental care. However, Dr. Fulbright says, his practice offers a range of sedation dentistry techniques that can alleviate a patient’s fears and help them enjoy a relaxed, virtually pain-free dental treatment. “If patients say they are anxious, have had a bad experience in the past, or just don’t want to be awake during the procedure, they may be a candidate for sedation dentistry.”

Whether it’s due to past traumatic experiences, fear of needles and dental equipment, or discomfort with the sights, sounds, and smells associated with dental care, Dr. Fulbright says sedation dentistry options can effectively put patients at ease. At Fulbright Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry, there are several types of sedation dentistry techniques available, including:

  • Nitrous Oxide – Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is breathed through the nose and typically gives the patient a more relaxed feeling during treatment. It does not put the patient to sleep, and wears off very soon after the procedure is complete.
  • Oral Conscious Sedation – This technique involves the taking of a small pill before treatment. Oral conscious sedation puts the patient into a state of deep relaxation; however, he or she is conscious and able to communicate during the procedure.
  • IV (Intravenous) Sedation – This method is one of the most potent forms of sedation dentistry available. Administered via a small needle through the vein, an anti-anxiety medication relaxes the patient – typically to the point of deep sleep – throughout the treatment.

Although there are not many major side effects experienced by patients who undergo sedation during dental treatment, Dr. Fulbright says those who have oral conscious or IV sedation will be very groggy and tired after the procedure, and therefore will need someone to drive them to and from the practice. However, he notes, these patients may also experience a very positive side effect: they won’t remember the procedure having taken place at all.

Dr. Fulbright says there are certain situations that would cause him not to recommend patients undergo sedation dentistry: “If someone has a health problem, we may have to reconsider oral sedation or IV sedation.” However, he says, there are a variety of methods that can be utilized to make one’s trip to the dentist more comfortable and help them conquer their fear of the dentist. With that in mind, notes Dr. Fulbright, patients should never let dental anxiety keep them from getting necessary dental treatment.

About Michael Fulbright, DDS

Dr. Michael Fulbright earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of California, Irvine and graduated with a degree in Dental Hygiene and his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California. He obtained post-graduate training from the Pacific Implant Institute and the Advanced Aesthetic Continuum. Dr. Fulbright is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the West Los Angeles Dental Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Dr. Fulbright, visit fulbrightdental.com or facebook.com/FulbrightDental.

Contact:

Michael Fulbright, D.D.S.
1815 Via El Prado, Ste. 200
Redondo Beach, California 90277
(310) 593-2137

Rosemont Media
858-200-0044
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