If you avoid dental care due to dental anxiety or stress, you are not alone.
Dental anxiety is a shared experience for many of our patients. At Claremont Dental Institute we believe that visiting the dentist does not have to be and should not be stress-inducing. Your safety and comfort are at the foundation of our practice. That is why we focus on methods to help our patients receive the dental care they need. We offer sedation dentistry in Claremont, CA for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or who need extensive dental work or oral surgery.
Another method we use to help patients overcome dental anxiety is by maintaining open and honest communication. We always outline all necessary procedures and walk our patients through each step of their treatment plan.
For many patients, having a better understanding of their treatment helps to reduce stress and anxiety associated with the unknowns of dentistry.
We Provide Sedation Dentistry in Claremont, CA
Our entire team of dental care professionals is highly skilled, experienced, and expertly trained to provide gentle, high-quality, modern dental care for patients of all ages. One of top services is sedation dentistry which includes IV Sedation and sleep dentistry.
Dr. Vijay Patel is specially trained in sleep dentistry. Sleep dentistry, or sedation dentistry, helps patients with sensitivity, a hyperactive gag reflex, or dental anxiety receive the dental care they need in a safe and supportive environment.
He provides patients in Claremont, Upland, La Verne, and San Dimas, CA, with sedation dentistry for the most relaxing, calming dental care experience in the area.
“The patient’s experience with Dentistry has come along way! You no longer have to endure the anxiety, stress or even the sounds with your visit. Our various sedation options can really improve your appointment. And, we have invested heavily in the best training, equipment andn technology so you can rest easy.”
—Dr. Vijay Patel
Dr. Patel is a sleep dentistry specialist. He provides safe, effective options for optimal relaxation during your dental procedure. Your well-being and safety are our top priorities, and all patients are closely monitored while under any sedation.
Before receiving any form of sedation dentistry, all patients undergo a thorough oral health exam, medical history evaluation, and personalized consultation with their dentist. Your dentist will help you choose the type of sedation that is most suitable for your required procedures and preferences.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Several types of sedation dentistry methods are available to accommodate our patients’ different needs. We provide nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation for our patients. Each one offers unique considerations and benefits, making it vital for you and the dentist to discuss the most suitable option for you.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that our dentist uses to help patients relax during their dental procedures. It is a colorless and odorless gas.
You will inhale nitrous oxide through a nasal mask that fits over your nose. You will instantly relax as soon as you inhale the gas. Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” can help make you more comfortable during routine dental visits. Our patients remain alert and awake during their treatment and can respond to directions without anxiety.
It can also help reduce pain and discomfort associated with certain dental procedures. In addition, nitrous oxide can help reduce gagging reflexes which can make it easier for the dentist to perform certain treatments.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation is a method of providing a deeper state of relaxation than nitrous oxide. Oral sedation works by using a combination of medications to help the patient relax and reduce anxiety. Safe and effective, you will take oral sedation in pill form before treatment. Patients will require a ride to and from our dental office as the effects can take several hours to wear off.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is a type of anesthesia that your dentist can administer intravenously to help patients relax during more advanced dental procedures or oral surgery. It works by providing a combination of medications that reduce anxiety and pain. Patients will fall asleep quickly and will remain unconscious during the duration of treatment. The effects of IV sedation can be felt almost immediately. It is an effective way to ensure that patients remain comfortable and safe during their dental treatments or surgeries.
Your dentist can perform many procedures in one sitting saving patients time and money. Our professional dental anesthesiologist will closely monitor you.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Sedation dentistry has made receiving dental care possible for many people. If you are new to the concept of using sedation during a dental appointment, we understand that you may have several questions. If we did not address your concern in the frequently asked questions section, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office for further help.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
If a trained professional administers sedation dentistry, then it is very safe. Dr. Patel is highly trained in sleep dentistry, including IV sedation dentistry. We carefully evaluate each patient’s medical history and health status to determine the best sedation method. Doing so is vital to mitigate any risks. Our dentists adhere to all sedation guidelines and our professional staff will monitor each patient during after the procedure to make sure they are safe. However, as with any medical procedure or medicine, there are always risks, even if they are very minimal.
Can any dental procedure be performed under sedation?
We can perform most dental procedures under dental sedation, from simple teeth cleanings to oral surgery and complex restorative procedures. Your dentist will suggest sedation dentistry if you suffer from dental anxiety or if you need extensive dental work. After assessing your medical history, we can help determine the level of sedation you need. Our trained dental staff will tailor the sedation method to meet your needs for the specific procedure you are receiving.
How long do the effects of dental sedation last?
The duration of sedation effects varies depending on the type of sedation used. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly once your dentist stops the gas. Oral and IV dental sedation will require a recovery period that will be for a few hours. You will need someone to drive you home following the appointment. You should plan on resting before resuming normal activities.
Will I remember what happened during my appointment?
While under IV dental sedation, you will not recall what happened during your dental appointment. With lighter versions of dental sedation, such as oral sedation or nitrous oxide, you may have a few memories. However, most people remember very little or nothing at all.
Can I eat or drink before being sedated?
All fasting requirements suggested by your doctor must be observed. You must not eat any sooner than 6 hours before your procedure, likewise, you must not have anything to drink any sooner than 2 hours before the same procedure.
Will I feel any pain at all after being sedated?
No, you should not feel any pain after being sedated. If you are undergoing conscious sedation, you may feel movement or pressure during your procedure, but no pain should be involved. If you experience pain, let your doctor know immediately.
Can you talk during conscious sedation?
Most patients will be able to communicate during conscious sedation. You will also be able to relay and receive information via verbal cues from the professionals undertaking the procedure.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, contact our Claremont, CA dentist office to learn more about how sedation dentistry can help you. Taking care of your oral health and addressing lingering dental concerns can help you enjoy a more fulfilling life and improves the health and wellness of your entire body.
Contact our welcoming front desk staff at (909) 277-6919 to request your sedation dentistry consultation, or request an appointment online.