Sedation Dentistry – Mission Viejo, CA
Ease into Care with Relaxing Sedation
Whether you feel anxious ahead of dental appointments yourself or you know someone that finds it extremely difficult to complete treatments due to nervousness or dental phobia, Dr. Palmer and her team want you to know that you can rest easy whenever you visit. We do everything possible to create a relaxing and welcoming environment for you and your family, however, we also provide sedation dentistry for our Mission Viejo,CA dental patients in the event it’s necessary to complete your essential care.
Why Choose Palm Dentistry
for Sedation Dentistry?
-
Sedation Administered
by Experts -
Experience a Deep State
of Relaxation -
Fast-Acting for
Added Convenience
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
In short, nitrous oxide is considered to be the most common and mildest form of dental sedation. If you’re wondering why you haven’t heard of it before, it’s likely because you’ve heard it referred to by its nickname: laughing gas. This calming solution has a reputation for helping even patients with more considerable anxiety get the dental care they need without the stress, worry, and nerves. Does this sound like what you’ve been looking for? If so, give our Mission Viejo dental team a call or read on!
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is often helpful for patients who have:
- Mild to moderate dental-related anxiety
- A strong gag reflex
- Head/neck/jaw pain in the treatment chair
- A fear of needles
Of course, there are some cases where we don’t recommend it. For example, if you have asthma or another condition that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, nitrous oxide is not ideal. If that’s the case, don’t worry – we can explore other ways to give you the calm, positive experience you deserve.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask that is worn throughout your dental treatment. Thanks to the fast-acting properties of the sedation, it won’t take long for you to feel the calming and even euphoric effects wash over you. Throughout your visit, we will check in with you to make sure you’re doing well. If needed, we can adjust the nitrous oxide as well.
Oftentimes, patients are so relaxed that they drift off to sleep! If that’s the case, we can gently wake you or allow you to rest while we complete your treatment.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Once your procedure is complete, we will stop the flow of nitrous oxide and remove the nasal mask. Almost instantly, you’ll feel the effects dissipate and, within 10 minutes, they’ll be completely gone. That’s why you don’t need to worry about arranging for someone you know and trust to drive you to and from your appointment!
Before you leave our office, we’ll provide you with any aftercare instructions related to the treatment you received, like eating only soft foods and taking OTC pain medication as directed. Outside of that, just do your best to take care of your smile, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you have!
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
How long does dental sedation last?
The effects of nitrous oxide should wear off within about five minutes after you have stopped inhaling the gas. You should feel back to your normal self almost immediately. You can even drive yourself home from your procedure afterward, so you don’t need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you.
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
Contrary to popular belief, dental sedation doesn’t act as a “truth serum.” Despite it being a fun plot in common sitcoms, it is very unlikely that you will real any deep, dark secrets while you are sedated. Even if you do say something that you normally wouldn’t say while you are under sedation, you can trust that it will be kept within the walls of the dental treatment room.
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
If you have been putting off dental work, you might benefit from sedation dentistry. That being said, anxiety isn’t the only reason why patients like sedation. You may also be a good candidate if you have a low pain tolerance, sensitive gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still in the dental chair. It may also be beneficial if you have a lot of dental work that you want to address in one sitting. Patients who are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, or are taking certain medications may not be good candidates for sedation. Your dentist will go over your medical history and list of medications to confirm that sedation is a safe option for you.
Will I feel any pain with dental sedation?
Nitrous oxide sedation keeps you awake while suppressing your body’s ability to register pain. Depending on the procedure you get, your dentist may also numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to prevent you from feeling anything at the treatment site. Nitrous oxide doesn’t necessarily “eliminate” your discomfort, but it is the icing on top to make your treatment that much more comfortable.