Brookside Dental Care

Dentist in Stockton, CA Brookside Dental Care 3031 West March Lane Stockton, CA 95219

(209) 952-8804

Sedation Dentistry in Stockton, CA

Everyone is afraid of something. Some people are terrified of heights, while others run from the room at the sight of a mouse. For some people, the dentist is scary. Dental phobia makes individuals postpone routine dental care, or neglect it completely for years. Sedation DentistryThe results can be gum disease, bone recession and tooth loss.

In addition, some patients worry about pain, gag easily or have sensitive teeth. Others fear going to the dentist because of past dental experiences.

What's the solution to this health issue? It may be sedation dentistry.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses drugs administered by mouth or via inhalation or intravenous injection to reduce a patient's level of anxiety. While many dentists have specialized training in administration of anesthesia and sedation, some practitioners choose to employ staff members whose sole job is to administer these drugs and to monitor patients during procedures.

What types of sedation are available?

Before using any sedation or anesthetic for a dental procedure, dentist and patient should discuss the individual's concerns. This helps the doctor determine if sedation is the correct choice and what kind of sedation will help the individual relax while getting the work done. The dentist will review the patient's medical history and any prescription or over the counter medications or supplements they take. People with complex medical issues, sleep apnea, or who are obese may not do well with some kinds of dental sedation.

Sedation can be administered in 3 ways, from the most to least conscious:

  • Inhaled: Inhaled sedation is more commonly known as nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. It gives patients the feeling of being euphoric, yet relaxed, The effects of laughing gas wear off fast, and the patient can drive home from the appointment.
  • Oral: Oral sedatives are tranquilizing pills such as Valium or Halcion. They allow a patient to nap during dental procedures. While the patient is easily roused from this moderate sedation, he or she must be driven home by a friend or relative.
  • Intravenous: Intravenous or IV sedation is administered by injection into a blood vessel. It allows a patient to sleep soundly in the dental chair, and the doctor can increase or decrease the drug as needed.

General anesthesia may be an option for patients who are especially nervous and are undergoing complex restorations. It is not really sedation because it makes the patient unconscious. For the patient to wake up, they must be given another drug or must wait until the anesthesia wears off. Heart rate, blood pressure and respiration are monitored while the patient is "under."

Alexander Pritsky DMD understands your concerns.

At Brookside Dental Care in Stockton, California, Dr. Alexander Pritsky and his staff want you to have the best dental experience possible and the healthiest smile, too. He, along with Ravneet Nijjar DDS and Harpreet Tiwana DDS, combine state of the art dental services with compassionate care of the individual. To discuss if sedation dentistry is right for your next dental appointment, call the office at 209-952-8804.


OUR LOCATIONS
3031 West March Lane, Suite 318E
Stockton, CA 95219