Does the sound of a drill make your heart race? Do you find yourself canceling appointments or putting off necessary checkups because the thought of sitting in the dental chair feels overwhelming? If you answered yes, I want you to know that you are not alone. In fact, you are part of a very large group of people who experience dental anxiety.
At Dental Care of Beverly Hills, we understand that visiting the dentist isn’t everyone’s favorite activity. However, for some, it is more than just a minor annoyance; it is a genuine barrier to healthcare. The good news is that modern medicine has provided us with an incredible solution: sedation dentistry.
I want to walk you through exactly how sedation dentistry works, why it is safe, and how it can completely transform your oral health journey from a source of stress into a relaxing experience. Let’s explore how we can help you overcome your dental anxiety together.
Understanding Dental Anxiety: It’s More Common Than You Think
Before we dive into the solution, it is important to validate the problem. Many of our patients feel embarrassed about their fear. They worry that we will judge them for being nervous or for the condition of their teeth after years of avoidance. Please hear me when I say this: We are a judgment-free zone.
Dental anxiety is a widespread issue. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 36% of people in the United States suffer from a fear of dental treatment, with 12% suffering from extreme fear. This means that over one-third of the population feels exactly the way you do. This anxiety stems from various sources, including fear of pain, past negative experiences, a fear of needles, or simply the feeling of losing control.
Because of this anxiety, many people delay treatment until they are in severe pain. By that time, simple issues that could have been fixed with a filling may require root canals or extractions. Our goal with sedation dentistry is to break this cycle. We want to get you into the chair comfortably so we can maintain your smile before big problems arise.
What Exactly is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows your dentist to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety. It involves the use of medication to help you relax during dental procedures. It is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that term isn’t entirely accurate for all types. With the exception of general anesthesia, you are usually awake but in a state of deep relaxation.
When we utilize sedation, we are essentially turning down the volume on your nervous system. You might be aware of what is happening, but you won’t care. The sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office—which are often triggers for anxiety—fade into the background.
The Different Levels of Sedation We Offer
Not every patient needs the same level of help to relax. Some people just need to take the edge off, while others need to remember absolutely nothing about the appointment. We tailor the sedation method to your specific level of anxiety and the length of the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is the most common and mildest form of sedation. We place a small mask over your nose, and you breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Within minutes, you will feel a light, tingling sensation and a wave of relaxation. Some patients describe it as feeling “floaty” or happy.
The best part about nitrous oxide is that the effects wear off almost instantly once we remove the mask. You can drive yourself home after your appointment and return to your daily routine immediately. It is perfect for cleanings or simple fillings if you just have mild butterflies in your stomach.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If you need something stronger than laughing gas, oral sedation is a fantastic option. For this method, I will prescribe a pill (usually from the Valium or Halcion family) for you to take about an hour before your procedure. By the time you sit in the chair, you will feel drowsy and significantly more relaxed.
With oral sedation, you are still awake and can respond to commands, but you will be in a dream-like state. A major benefit here is the amnesic effect. Most patients do not remember much of the procedure afterward. Because the effects of the pill last longer, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation provides a deeper level of sedation and works much faster because the medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream. This allows us to adjust the level of sedation continually throughout the procedure to ensure you remain perfectly comfortable.
This is often the preferred method for long, complex procedures or for patients with severe dental phobia. While you are technically conscious and can breathe on your own, you will be so relaxed that you likely won’t remember the appointment at all. Like oral sedation, you will need a designated driver to get you home safely.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
While anxiety is the number one reason patients request sedation, it isn’t the only reason. You might be an excellent candidate for sedation dentistry if you have:
- A Low Pain Threshold: If you are highly sensitive to discomfort, sedation can make treatment bearable.
- Sensitive Teeth: If even cold air hurts your teeth, cleaning can be painful without help.
- A Bad Gag Reflex: This is a physical reaction that you cannot control. Sedation relaxes the throat muscles, making it easier for us to work and more comfortable for you.
- A Need for Extensive Work: If you need multiple procedures done in one sitting, sedation allows you to stay in the chair longer without fatigue or jaw soreness.
- Difficulty Sitting Still: Whether due to physical conditions or high energy, sedation helps you remain calm and still.
If you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions, please bring it up with us. We want to know your concerns so we can customize your care plan.
The Benefits of Choosing Sedation
Choosing to use sedation during your visits to Dental Care of Beverly Hills does more than just get you through the appointment; it has long-term benefits for your overall well-being.
1. It Promotes Routine Care
When you eliminate the fear, you are more likely to come in for your six-month checkups. Routine care prevents gum disease and tooth decay, saving you money and pain in the long run.
2. It Saves Time
Because sedation allows you to remain relaxed for longer periods, we can often combine multiple treatments into a single visit. Instead of coming back four times for four fillings, we might be able to do them all at once while you rest comfortably.
3. It Improves Healing
This might surprise you, but when your body is tense and stressed, it releases chemicals that can actually interfere with healing and increase inflammation. By staying relaxed during the procedure, your body is in a better state to begin the recovery process immediately.
Addressing Safety Concerns
I know that the idea of being sedated can bring up its own set of fears regarding safety. I want to reassure you that safety is our absolute top priority. Before we even consider sedation, we conduct a thorough review of your medical history.
We look at your current medications, past surgeries, and any chronic conditions to select the safest method for you. During the procedure, we don’t just leave you alone. We monitor your vital signs—heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels—continuously. Data indicates that modern sedation dentistry is incredibly safe; according to the American Dental Association, the incidence of serious adverse events in outpatient anesthesia and sedation is extremely low when performed by trained professionals.
We are trained to handle these medications and to monitor your well-being every second you are in our chair. You are in expert hands.
What to Expect: Your Sedation Experience
Let’s walk through what a typical appointment looks like when you choose sedation dentistry at our office.
Before the Appointment
We will have a consultation where we discuss your fears and your medical history. We will decide which type of sedation is best for you. If you are choosing oral or IV sedation, we will give you strict instructions, usually involving fasting (not eating or drinking) for a certain number of hours before your visit. You will also arrange for your ride home.
During the Procedure
When you arrive, we will guide you to our comfortable treatment room. If you are having oral sedation, you will likely already be feeling the effects of the pill you took at home. If you are having IV sedation or nitrous oxide, we will get you settled and start the medication. We will make sure you are completely relaxed before we begin any dental work. We will also use local anesthetic (numbing shots) to ensure you feel no pain, but we usually wait until you are fully sedated to do this, so you won’t even notice.
After the Procedure
Once the work is done, we will stop the sedation. If you had nitrous oxide, you will feel normal in minutes. For oral or IV sedation, we will let you rest in the chair until you are steady enough to stand. Your companion will drive you home. We recommend you plan to nap for the rest of the day. You should drink plenty of water and eat soft foods. By the next morning, most patients feel completely back to normal—with the added bonus of a healthier smile!
Overcoming the Stigma
There is sometimes a stigma that using sedation is “taking the easy way out” or that you should be “tough enough” to handle dentistry without it. I want to dispel that myth right now. Taking care of your health is the priority. If using sedation is the tool that allows you to access necessary medical care, then it is the smart choice, not the weak one.
Think of it like this: if you were having surgery on your knee, you wouldn’t expect to endure it without anesthesia. Your mouth is full of nerve endings and is a very sensitive part of your body. You deserve to be comfortable.
For more insights on how dental professionals view anxiety and the importance of comfort, you can read this article from the Colgate Oral Health Center regarding the specifics of sedation procedures.
Common Questions We Hear
Will I feel any pain?
The goal of sedation dentistry is to eliminate pain and discomfort. While the sedation addresses the anxiety and relaxes your body, we still use local anesthesia to numb the specific area we are working on. The combination means you should feel no pain.
Is it expensive?
The cost varies depending on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide is generally the most affordable, while IV sedation costs more due to the equipment and monitoring required. We will provide a full breakdown of costs during your consultation so there are no surprises.
Can children use sedation dentistry?
Yes, sedation is often used for children who are very young, have special needs, or have high anxiety. Nitrous oxide is very common and safe for children. We take extra precautions with our younger patients to ensure their safety and comfort.
Taking the First Step Toward a Fear-Free Smile
Living with dental pain or the embarrassment of a smile you hide is a heavy burden. It affects your confidence, your diet, and your social interactions. But it does not have to be this way. You do not have to “white knuckle” your way through a dental appointment ever again.
At Dental Care of Beverly Hills, we are committed to changing your perception of dentistry. We want you to look forward to the results of your visit, rather than dreading the process. Sedation dentistry is a bridge that helps you get from where you are now to where you want to be: healthy, happy, and pain-free.
If you have been avoiding the dentist, I invite you to call us. Let’s just talk. We can discuss your fears, explain your options, and show you how gentle modern dentistry can be. You are in control, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
