09/17/2015 10:26
Many people are afraid to go to the dentist even for the simplest of procedures. When going to the dentist causes a patient a significant amount of anxiety, they are said to suffer from a dental phobia. For patients with a dental phobia, sedation dentistry is available. But how exactly does it work?
There are four levels of sedation into which you can be placed. The first level of sedation is called minimal sedation. You are left awake by our dentist in San Fernando Valley during minimal sedation, but given a gas such as nitrous oxide to help you relax. Moderate sedation is the next level of sedation. You are still awake during this level of sedation, but are unlikely to remember much from your visit. This level can be achieved either by oral or intravenous medicine. If you do fall asleep at this level, you can easily be awoken.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia are the last two levels of sedation. Deep sedation puts you near the brink of unconsciousness, while general anesthesia renders you completely unconscious. Only an anesthesiologist or a professional who has been properly trained is allowed to administer sedation at these levels.
If you are interested in sedation dentistry as an option, contact our expert in sedation dentistry in San Fernando Valley to set up an appointment.
