Sedation Dentistry – Huntington Beach, CA
Stay Calm No Matter What Your Needs Are
Regardless of the treatment, you intend to pursue, whether it’s dental implants, cosmetic periodontal surgery or bone and tissue grafting, Dr. Braga takes all the necessary steps to ensure your comfort. While local anesthetics are used regularly to numb treatment areas, sometimes patients need something a little extra to remain calm, especially if they have dental anxiety. Thanks to varying levels of sedation dentistry in Huntington Beach, CA, our team can make sure that your next visit is as relaxing and productive as possible.
Why Choose Huntington Beach Periodontics for Sedation Dentistry?
- Nitrous Oxide for Fast-Acting Relief
- Certified to Provide Oral Conscious and IV Sedation
- Periodontist with Over 10 Years of Practice Experience
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
The mildest form of sedation available, nitrous oxide is an effective method for providing fast-acting relief to those suffering from dental anxiety or phobia. Administered through a nasal mask, nitrous oxide is inhaled throughout the entire treatment to keep you at ease and relaxed. You’ll be awake during treatment so you can inform Dr. Braga of your comfort levels. Once treatment is complete, we’ll remove the mask, and you can continue your day without interruption.
Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry
A stronger form of sedation, oral conscious sedation comes in the form of a pill that is taken orally several hours before your appointment. After you’ve taken the sedative, you’ll need to have a friend or family drive you to and from the practice as the sedation will have taken effect by the time your appointment begins. Like nitrous oxide, you’ll be awake so you can speak with Dr. Braga, even though the sedative is much stronger than nitrous. Make sure to give yourself at least 12 hours for the effects of the sedative to wear off before resuming normal activities.
Learn More About Oral Conscious Sedation
IV Dental Sedation
For those with more severe dental anxiety or phobia, IV sedation is the strongest form of sedation Dr. Braga offers. This sedative is administered intravenously, which means we can control the level of sedation provided on the fly in much larger quantities. Keep in mind that Dr. Braga will have staff to assist him and make sure that your vital signs are in order during your treatment. Many patients tend to fall asleep while receiving sedation, but it is not necessarily guaranteed. However, most patients do not recall their treatment after using sedation and will need to have a friend or family member drive them home.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
There are some cases where dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of sedation dentistry, like if you need multiple tooth extractions. In most cases, however, it’s considered a “luxury,” which means the patient is responsible for paying for the cost out of pocket. The good news is that our Huntington Beach dental team can help you navigate the ins and outs of your dental insurance coverage. We also welcome CareCredit flexible financing for patients who are uninsured. In short, we’ll help you find a way to make sedation dentistry fit into your budget.
Is sedation dentistry worth it?
After hearing that sedation dentistry often isn’t covered by dental insurance, you might be wondering, “Is it really worth it then?” The answer is “yes!” Nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation successfully help patients with everything from dental-related anxiety to sensitive gag reflexes get the preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry they desire without the stress. In that way, it’s priceless.
Can dental sedation make you sick?
Nausea with nitrous oxide is pretty rare since it’s so mild. Since oral conscious sedation and IV sedation are more powerful, it’s more likely, especially if you are prone to getting nauseous. That’s why we recommend fasting prior to your appointment.
Note: If you have trouble skipping meals, consider scheduling your appointment first thing in the morning.
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
In movies and TV shows, dental sedation often acts like a truth serum. Don’t worry – that’s not the case in real life; it’s very rare for patients to share deep, dark secrets while getting dental work. With all of that said, if you do say anything unusual during your time in the treatment chair, it will never leave that room.
Will I remember anything with dental sedation?
Dental sedation makes time go by quicker, which, in turn, makes it harder to remember every detail – even if you were fully awake the whole time. This is actually one of the many reasons patients love nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation; it helps create a more positive association with the dental office.
How long does dental sedation last?
How long the effects linger depends largely on the type of sedation you receive. The effects of nitrous oxide, for example, dissipate within minutes. Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation stick around for much longer, which is why patients are instructed to have a trusted adult drive them home from their appointment.