Sedation In Coronado

Dental sedation is the practice of using sedative medications to help patients get the dental care they need. There are many different kinds, ranging from minimal sedation with nitrous oxide to general anesthesia, which renders you completely unconscious.
 
At our office, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. This method of sedation is ideal for most treatments, has a very low risk of complications, and will help fight feelings of anxiety, fear, and pain as you get the dental care you need.
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No needles or pills are needed, either. You’ll just put on a comfortable nose mask, then Dr. Villalobos will send a stream of nitrous oxide gas and oxygen into the mask, and you’ll start breathing in deeply. 
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The gas will make you feel a bit “floaty” and strange, and may even make you think what’s happening around you is funny, hence the term “laughing gas.” Feelings of pain, fear, and anxiety will be inhibited dramatically.

The most common reason patients choose dental sedation is simply because they feel anxious or nervous about an upcoming dental surgery, like a filling, a crown, or a tooth extraction. With sedation, you can fight against these feelings and get the care you need.
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If you have a history of serious dental anxiety, dental sedation is also a good idea, since it will help you feel better and allow you to get the dental care you need. No more avoiding the dentist! 
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Dental sedation can also be helpful if you have a fear of needles, since numbing needles are required for most dental procedures. Sedation will ease your fear when your mouth is numbed and prepared for treatment.
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Finally, nitrous oxide and other methods of sedation impair your gag reflex, so they can be helpful if you have a very strong gag reflex and need to have dental work done on one or more of your rear teeth.

Nitrous oxide wears off about 5 minutes after your procedure. Immediately after your treatment, you may experience a headache, nausea, dizziness, or confusion. However, these side effects are minor and will go away quickly. There are no serious risks involved for healthy patients who get nitrous oxide sedation.

If you are a healthy adult with no serious respiratory issues and you are not taking any prescription drugs that may cause issues with nitrous oxide sedation, you are likely a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Contact Coronado Dental Associates to set up an appointment, and discuss your medical history in more detail with Dr. Villalobos or Dr. Meadows.