Sedation Dentistry in Camarillo, CA, 93010
At Woodcreek Dental, we know how important it is for our patients to feel completely comfortable and content during their visits to the office. For many, a trip to the dentist is simply another task to check off of their to-do list; however, for some, even the most routine tooth cleaning can cause severe anxiety.
Whether you feel nervous about entering the dentist’s office because you’ve gone through extensive dental work in the past or you simply don’t like the physical sensations that go along with dental procedures, there’s a solution to your anxiousness: Sedation dentistry.
Sedation Dentistry Near You: How Does It Work and Who Is It For?
Sedation dentistry refers to the practice of sedating a patient before performing dental work so that the patient is in an altered state of mind throughout the procedure, therefore reducing pain and anxiety.
Sedation is often the best course of action for patients that experience anxiety or panic attacks in the dentist’s chair, patients who require an extremely in-depth procedure, patients with abnormally low pain tolerance, or patients with a significant gag reflex.
At Woodcreek Dental, our team understands that patients have different levels of comfort when it comes to the various methods of sedation. That’s why we offer several options for sedative dentistry that the dentist may recommend, depending on your unique situation and preferences.
Types of Sedation Dentistry in Camarillo, CA, 93010
IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, is a method that allows patients to be unconscious but not completely knocked out. This means that you’ll still be responsive to questions from the staff, but you may find that after the procedure, you have no memory of the event and didn’t experience any pain.
In order to administer the sedative, your dentist will insert a needle into your vein to access your bloodstream. Most patients that opt for IV sedation use it when they’re heading into an especially long or complicated procedure that would otherwise be painful and anxiety-inducing.
Patients can also opt for a general anesthetic, which can put you in a state of complete unconsciousness. In this case, you won’t be able to answer any prompts from your dental team. Due to the fact that this method of sedation can be relatively risky, depending on the patient, it’s typically only used in unique circumstances at the discretion of the dentist. Additionally, a licensed anesthesiologist needs to be present throughout the procedure when this method is used.
Oral sedation in the form of a pill or liquid is typically used for mid-length procedures that shouldn’t be too painful for the patient. The dosage can be adjusted, but most patients that receive this type of sedation become drowsy rather than completely unconscious.
Due to its general safety and its ease of administration, the most common form of dental sedation is nitrous oxide. If you choose this form of sedation, your dentist will provide you with a small mask attached to a nitrous oxide machine. Once it’s applied, you’ll feel the relaxing effects very quickly. This method is also very useful due to the fact that it fades quickly, allowing patients to safely drive home after their procedure is completed.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Camarillo
One of the gentlest and lightest types of dental sedation is what we call nitrous oxide or “laughing gas.” With dental nitrous oxide sedation, Camarillo patients can feel as if they’ve had a couple of glasses of wine rather than be fully sedated. You’ll still be alert and conscious about your surroundings, but you’ll generally care far less about what’s going on.
Nitrous oxide is fast-acting, taking full effect within just a few minutes. And it’s just as quickly reversible so that there are no lingering side-effects following your procedure. It’s the only type of dental sedation technique where it’s safe enough to drive yourself home afterward.
Laughing gas is ideal for nearly any procedure, whether it’s a basic filling or something more complex.
Oral Conscious Sedation in Camarillo
For a deeper level of dental sedation without an IV, oral medication is an excellent choice. Oral sedation (Camarillo) uses a special prescription that you take before your appointment, causing you to feel extremely drowsy. Some people call this “twilight sedation” because it’s as if they’re lightly napping but still slightly awake. Oral conscious sedation typically causes a bit of an amnesic effect. Although you’ll be able to answer questions or follow instructions, you probably won’t remember much of anything at all.
We recommend oral conscious sedation for our Camarillo patients that need lengthier appointments for multiple restorative treatments or more complex procedures. It’s also excellent for those individuals who suffer from moderate to severe dental phobia.
About Our Dental Anesthesiologist
Dr. Eric Winn, DDS is a licensed anesthesiologist in dentistry and recognized as a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology and Fellow of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. With over a decade of experience in sedation dentistry and a specialized residency in anesthesiology, Dr. Winn makes it possible for our patients to safely access dental sedation without extra referrals to surgical centers or a hospital.
In addition to more routine sedation dentistry options, Dr. Winn provides higher-level types of services such as IV conscious sedation as well as general anesthesia. His years of working with sedation dentistry patients make it possible for us to provide the very best care in a comfortable setting, with a team you already know and trust.
Outside of work, Dr. Winn enjoys cooking, woodworking, and scouting with his five children (three boys and two girls). He’s also a proud dog dad to what he describes as two “socially maladaptive” corgis. A self-proclaimed family man, his patients are only second to his wife and children.
Licensed Sedation Dentist in Camarillo
If you’re unsure about which type of Camarillo dental sedation is best for you, we encourage you to reserve a consultation with us. We can discuss the advantages of each type of sedation option (nitrous oxide/oral sedation/IV) to help you identify the one that’s ideal for your situation.
Is dental anxiety or a complex procedure getting in the way of you accessing the care you deserve? Contact our Camarillo sedation dentistry team today for more information.
Safe and Effective Sedation Dentistry Near You
Your safety is our primary concern when it comes to sedation dentistry, and we know it’s your top priority as well. At Woodcreek Dental, we take every precaution to make sure you’re receiving the right type of sedation for your needs and medical history. Contact us today at (805) 482-6389 to ask any further questions or set up an appointment.
