• Meet Our Staff

• Cosmetic Smile Design
• Porcelain Veneers
• Teeth Whitening
• Mercury-Free White Fillings
• Tooth Bonding
• Porcelain Inlays
• Instant Orthodontics

• Sedation Dentistry Benefits
• Common Questions

• TMJ Symptoms
• TMJ Treatments

• Root Canal
• Dentures & Partials
• Full Mouth Rejuvenation
• Tissue Recontouring
• Same-Day Crowns

• Dental Hygiene
• Childrens Dentistry
• Extractions
• Cavity Removal

• CEREC Technology
• Digital x-rays
• Dental Laser
• Pain Management

Sedation Dentistry Questions

Serving Sonora, near Stockton & Modesto

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a technique used by Sleep Dentist, Dr. Berger in which sedatives are used to alter the central nervous system. This creates a calming and feeling of relaxation during dental procedures and reduces the level of anxiety some patients feel.

What kinds of sedatives are used in sedation dentistry?

There are a number of different sedatives that can be used. Dr. Berger will discuss the details with you about which sedative he believes is best, depending on your procedure and your past experience with sedatives. The types of drugs commonly used in sedation dentistry include diazepam (Valium), hydroxyzine (Vistaril), larazepam (Ativan), and zaleoplon (Sonata).

How will the sedative be given to me?

Sedation Dentist, Dr. Berger may give you a sedative orally as a pill, or he may give you nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas.” The type of delivery depends on your age, weight, overall health, as well as your level of anxiety. Sedatives given in both a pill form and as a gas are extremely safe.

What level of consciousness will I have during sedation dentistry?

One of the misconceptions with sedation dentistry is that you will completely “out” during your procedure. Different drugs may make you drowsier than others, but they will mostly keep in you a calm state. You will be able to still follow Dr. Berger’s instructions.

Who are candidates for sedation dentistry?

Candidates for sedation dentistry include patients who:

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

Are there any side-effects to sedation dentistry?

If you suffer any side-effects, they are temporary. Some of the side-effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, hiccups, or retrograde amnesia (meaning you will not remember much of your procedure). The type of side-effects a patient has depends on how their body reacts to the sedative.

If you would like to find out more about sedation dentistry and you are in the Sonora, Stockton, or Modesto, California area, please contact sleep dentist, Dr. Berger to set up an initial sleep dentistry consultation.