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Sedation Dentistry

Serving Sonora, near Stockton & Modesto

Sedation dentistry is a term used when medicine is given either orally or as a gas to calm anxious patients. More people than you imagine have some level of “dental phobia” and this is simply a way to get them to relax to get through their general dental procedures they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Sedation dentistry is also called conscious oral sedation because the patient is never completely out during the procedure. They may feel drowsy during the process, but will still be able to answer questions and follow Dr. Berger’s instructions. As a member of DOCS, or Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, Dr. Berger not only understands why patients might wish to be sedated during their dental procedure, but has been professionally trained in the practice of sedation dentistry. As a result, Dr. Berger’s patients can rest assured that they will be completely safe throughout their entire procedure.

Patients who are nervous about visiting the dentist may be sedation dentistry candidates for a variety of reasons, including:

• Suffer some level of dental phobia
• Have chronic soreness in their jaw
• Have back or neck problems
• Struggle with their gag reflex
• Have a history of health problems that may interfere with dental procedures
• Have trouble getting numb during typical procedures

Types of Sedation

There are several types of medication available to those who might best be suited for sedation dentistry. Sedation Dentist, Dr. Berger will determine which type is the best for you and depends on your age and weight, as well as your level of anxiety about your procedure. Some of the most common sedatives used include diazepam (Valium), hydroxyzine (Vistaril), larazepam (Ativan), and zaleoplon (Sonata). If these do not seem like good options, Dr. Berger may suggest nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” which you breathe through a mask.

If you are going to have your procedure combined with sedation dentistry, you will need to have someone available to drive you to and from your appointment. While the procedure is completely safe, it may take some time for the medication to wear off. You may also have retrograde amnesia, so you will remember only bits and pieces of the procedure. Because of this, you may feel much better about seeing Dr. Berger for future appointments.

There are many benefits of sedation dentistry. If you are in the Sonora, Stockton, Merced, or Modesto, California area and have sedation dentistry questions, please contact Sleep Dentist, Dr. Paul Berger for an initial consultation about sedation dentistry.