We understand that our patients have typically never had oral surgery or periodontal treatment before and are naturally a little worried about pain. For this reason, we want to offer a clear reassurance that patient comfort is a huge priority at our practice. We want to do everything possible to make your treatment pain-free by providing several different sedation options.
Our Sedation Options
When you join us for your initial consultation, we will outline the options available to you. Generally, the sedation options we provide are based on the nature of the procedure and your comfort/anxiety level. We will also consider your weight, medical history, and overall wellness level.
Our three primary sedation options include:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous gas, also known as laughing gas, can effectively take the edge off and put you at ease. We often recommend this for patients who feel particularly apprehensive about their procedure. Note that nitrous gas may be used in conjunction with one of our other sedation options.
Oral Sedation
For some patients, we may recommend oral sedation. This method involves taking a pill then waiting a few minutes for it to take effect. This is an easy option and may work especially well for patients wary of needles.
IV Sedation
For other patients, we may recommend a continuous sedation option, specifically using an IV. This may be the best option for more advanced or time-consuming procedures, as it ensures a consistent sedation level for the patient throughout the process.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Of course, the primary reason why we offer sedation dentistry is to help our patients avoid any kind of pain during their procedure. There are some other benefits, as well. These include:
- Anxiety relief. If you have never had oral surgery before or have a phobia of dentists, then the prospect of a periodontal procedure may make you nervous. Sedation keeps you calm and provides peace of mind.
- Anterograde amnesia. For some people, having an oral surgery procedure can be traumatic. You may not wish to remember any of the details of your procedure. With the right sedation, you will not have to.
- Faster procedures. Ensuring your comfort level at the beginning of the procedure allows our doctors to concentrate on the surgery or technique and work faster.
What to Expect
With conscious sedation, most patients describe feeling as though they have slept through the appointment. Those who have had nitrous oxide sedation often compare it to feeling like they are floating or to having had a few glasses of wine. The oral sedatives have a similar effect, depending on the type of pill and dosage. All three sedation methods will allow you to communicate with your dentist during the procedure. Throughout the appointment, your doctor will closely monitor your vital signs and overall comfort level.
If you are sedated, you will need someone to bring you to our office on the day of your appointment. Our office will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for your visit. You must have no food 6-8 hours prior to the appointment. Also, you MUST make sure you have someone to take you home afterward.
Instructions Preceding IV Sedation
- You must be driven to and from your appointment by a responsible adult (relative or friend). No taxi or public transportation unless with an escort who can be with you at all times. Absolutely, DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF under any circumstances. Please be aware that medication may cause short-term memory loss until it wears off. Be prepared to provide the name and phone number of the person picking you up after your procedure.
- DO NOT eat or drink anything within 6 hours before your scheduled appointment, but a patient may have clear liquids up to 2 hours before the procedure.
- Wear clothing that is comfortable and loose fitting, preferably a short-sleeved shirt. Please bring a sweater with you.
- It is very important to REMOVE all finger nail polish/color.
- Take any medication the doctor has prescribed for you.
- Arrive (10) ten minutes prior to your appointment and use the restroom.
- For the remainder of the day following your appointment, DO NOT:
- Drive an automobile
- Operate machinery
- Drink alcohol
- Make important phone calls or conduct important business.
Instructions Preceding Oral Sedation with Triazolam or Diazepam
- You must be driven to and from your appointment by a responsible adult (relative or friend). No taxi or public transportation unless with an escort who can be with you at all times. Absolutely, DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF under any circumstances.
- Take your pill as directed one hour prior to your scheduled appointment time.
- DO NOT eat or drink anything within 6 hours prior to your scheduled appointment, but a patient may have clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to the procedure.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Wear a short-sleeved shirt.
- It is very important to REMOVE all finger nail polish/color.
- Take any medication the doctor has prescribed for you.
- Arrive (10) ten minutes prior to your appointment and use the restroom. Be prepared to provide the name and phone number of the person picking you up after your procedure.
- For the remainder of the day following your appointment, DO NOT:
- Drive an automobile
- Operate machinery
- Drink alcohol
- Make important phone calls or conduct important business
You’re in Good Hands with Burbank Periodontics
It is only normal to feel apprehensive about periodontal treatment or oral surgery. Rest assured that we go to great lengths to keep our patients comfortable and safe.
For more information about our sedation options, contact our Burbank, CA practice at (818) 842-6162.
