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Sedation Dentistry
Portland, OR
Sedation Dentistry provided by Dr. Eddie Ramirez
and Dr. Evan Campbell
in Portland, OR at Lombard Smiles
 Sedation dentistry ensures comfort during dental procedures, making it advantageous for individuals dealing with dental anxiety or undergoing extended treatments. Various options are available, such as nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation, and dentists need specific certifications to administer certain forms of sedation dentistry. We work to ensure our patients feel comfortable and are out of pain during dental procedures. You can always visit our clinic at Lombard Smiles for a personalized approach to your dental care.
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What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to pharmacological techniques to induce sleep for a more relaxed and comfortable dental procedure. These agents depress the central nervous system, specifically the areas concerned with conscious awareness.
Types of Sedation Techniques
Depending on the dosage, oral sedation varies in intensity. Your dentist may recommend a pill for minimal sedation, such as Halcion, a member of the same drug family as Valium. This medication should be ingested an hour before the procedure. Although the pill induces drowsiness, patients remain awake.
Minimal sedation through inhalation involves breathing nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, mixed with oxygen. This is done through a mask positioned over your nose. Nitrous oxide helps induce relaxation, and your dentist can regulate the level of sedation. The effects of the gas typically dissipate rapidly.
General anesthesia involves administering medications that induce a state of either near unconsciousness or complete unconsciousness, rendering the individual deeply asleep throughout the procedure. While under general anesthesia, it becomes challenging to awaken the person until the effects naturally subside or are counteracted with specific medications.
Intravenous (IV) moderate sedation involves administering the sedative drug through a vein for faster onset. This approach enables the dentist to fine-tune the sedation level throughout the procedure.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Relieves Anxiety
Sedation dentistry alleviates stress and fear linked with dental procedures. If you are apprehensive or uneasy about dental visits, opting for sleep dentistry can significantly enhance your overall comfort and minimize stress during the experience.
Help With Pain Relief
Pain-free dental care is a universal desire, contributing significantly to the current widespread popularity of sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry eliminates this discomfort by rendering the brain incapable of registering pain under the influence of potent sedatives and anesthetics.
Ensures Comfort
Opting for sedation dentistry can enhance your comfort level during dental procedures. Sedation helps alleviate discomfort and minimizes stress associated with specific treatments, such as root canals or tooth extractions.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry offers advantages for a diverse spectrum of patients, encompassing individuals grappling with dental anxiety, fear, or phobia. Those contending with a sensitive gag reflex, individuals facing physical limitations hindering them from sitting still comfortably, and those undergoing extensive or intricate dental procedures may also benefit.
Common Procedures Using Sedation
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is intricate and inherently invasive, as implants are inserted into the jawbone, often causing significant anxiety. To ensure calmness and relief from anxiety, oral sedation or general anesthesia may be administered.
Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Despite its relatively short duration, typically around 30 minutes, oral surgeons often choose sedation to ensure patient comfort and facilitate access to the deep-rooted areas where wisdom teeth are located. The choice of sedation method may vary among oral surgeons, with some preferring nitrous oxide over intravenous (IV) sedation.
Pulling Teeth
Commonly associated with younger patients, the prospect of tooth extraction may seem more intimidating than the actual procedure. Many young individuals may encounter this necessity before undergoing orthodontic treatments like braces. Employing an oral sedative helps relax the patient mentally and physically, alleviating concerns for the dental professional.
FAQs About Sedation Dentistry in Portland, OR
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Everyone?
As mentioned earlier, dental sedatives provided to patients are generally considered safe, with the risk of severe side effects being sporadic. This makes them a favorable choice for individuals seeking to alleviate their fears related to dentistry. However, it is important to note that additional complications may arise due to other factors. Overall, dental sedation is considered safe for the vast majority of patients. Feeling uncertain about a medication or procedure you have not encountered before is natural, so it is crucial to seek clarification by asking questions.
How Long Does the Sedation Effect Last After the Procedure?
The duration of recovery from dentistry sedation varies depending on the type of sedation used and the factors of each patient. The sedation effect can wear off over a period of 8 to 24 hours.
Are There Different Levels of Sedation Available?
Sedation dentistry offers different levels of sedation to cater to individual needs. Considerations such as your anxiety level, procedure duration, health history, and personal preferences influence the choice. The most prevalent forms of sedation for invasive dental procedures include oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, and intravenous (IV) sedation.
Will I Be Conscious During the Procedure With Sedation
Sedation dentistry ensures a tranquil and relaxed experience during dental procedures, offering a moderate level of sedation that leaves you technically awake yet profoundly at ease. Often referred to as conscious sedation dentistry or twilight sleep, it induces a temporary state of amnesia, resulting in insensitivity to pain without a loss of consciousness.
What Should I Do to Prepare for My Sedation Dentistry Appointment?
Communicate Openly With the Dentist
The initial step is to openly and honestly communicate with your dentist. Inform them about any allergies or medical conditions that could impact the procedure. This enables the dentist to make informed decisions and ensure the safe administration of sedation.
Empty Your Stomach
The primary rule for sedation is to refrain from eating anything before your appointment, typically extending the fasting period to midnight the night before. This precaution ensures an empty stomach, as sedation, while generally enjoyable, may induce a feeling that could lead to nausea for some individuals.
Arrange for a Ride Home
Sedation dentistry frequently includes anesthesia, which may lead to disorientation and confusion for several hours post-procedure. Consequently, planning a safe transportation method for your journey home after the appointment is crucial. Options include having a friend or family member pick you up, utilizing public transportation, or taking a taxi.
Contact Us Today!
If you are experiencing a toothache and feeling anxious about the dental sedation method, we work to ensure our patients are comfortable, less anxious, and relieved of pain by using approved sedation methods. Our dentists at Lombard Smiles will help you achieve that perfect smile and restore your chewing capabilities. If you want to enquire more about our services, feel free to call us at 503-283-2553.
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