Worry-free Dental Sedation at Willow Pass Dental Care
At Willow Pass Dental Care we are dedicated to both the highest standard of dental care and the highest level of comfort for our patients. A key component of ensuring maximum comfort and minimal pain during any dental procedure is the use of anesthetics and other forms of sedation.
Unfortunately, the idea of being sedated or receiving anesthesia can cause mild anxiety and, in rare cases, outright fear in some patients. These fears are largely unfounded. Modern applications of dental anesthesia and sedatives are incredibly safe and well-documented. Our goal is to show both the medical necessity and safety of our use of sedatives and anesthetics for dental procedures and treatments to help our patients have a worry-free experience at Willow Pass Dental Care.
Combating Fears of Dental Sedatives
The most effective way to combat fears of dental anesthesia and sedatives is to educate and enlighten patients by addressing their questions and concerns. At Willow Pass Dental Care, we thoroughly explain which sedatives will be used and for what purposes. One of the biggest reasons patients may feel anxious about being sedated is the fear of not being in control and of not knowing what will happen. Many patients find that knowing why a particular sedative or anesthetic is being used, how it will be applied, and how it will positively affect the procedure goes a long way towards addressing their fears.
"Anesthesia is designed and intended to reduce stress and anxiety by blocking pain and providing relaxation."
--- DR. REZA KHAZAIE, DDS. PROSTHODONTIST
As it turns out, the more you know the less you fear. That’s why our goal is to educate the patient about his or her own dental health condition as well as treat dental disorders. Fear of the unknown is particularly relevant to the use and application of anesthesia and sedatives, however, it is only one fear many patients can experience. Another is a simple distaste for or apprehension of dentists and dental offices in general. Whether it be the seemingly alien medical equipment, the sterile environment, or expected discomfort, visiting a dentist can be stressful. We provide a clean, comfortable environment staffed by caring professionals. Your comfort is our concern.
Why Anesthetics Are Needed
Many essential and cosmetic dental procedures, such as tooth extractions and implantations, can be painful or uncomfortable. That’s why anesthesia is so important. Anesthesia and sedatives not only provide patients a painless experience, they also allow dentists, doctors, and oral surgeons to operate effectively, quickly, and with as few complications as possible. Nothing would be more difficult or detrimental for a delicate procedure than a distressed patient moving about.
Types of Dental Sedation & Anesthesia
Dental sedation and anesthesia can be delivered in a variety of ways, induce various levels of consciousness, and can be targeted at a very specific region of the body or the whole body.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is by far the most common form of anesthesia employed for a majority of dental and cosmetic procedures. Generally speaking, local anesthesia involves the injection of an anesthetic agent, such as Novocain, into or near the problem area to numb a small area. The effects of local anesthetics typically only last a short amount of time, usually a few hours, which means that they are best for less involved procedures such as cavity fillings. More complex operations, such as All-On-4 dental implants may require local anesthesia in combination with other sedation options such as intravenous (IV) anesthesia.
Oral Sedatives
Oral sedatives in pill form are often prescribed prior to a procedure or operation to help patients feel more relaxed and less anxious. Sedative pills and tablets are an easy, needle-free way to calm fearful patients while still allowing them to respond to a doctor or dentist's instructions.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is reserved for the most complex and time-consuming procedures. This form of anesthesia is where a patient is completely unconscious and must often be administered in a hospital setting or surgery center. The use of general anesthesia requires professional oversight of a licensed anesthesiologist.
Intravenous (IV) Anesthesia
Unlike general anesthesia, intravenous (IV) anesthesia does not “knock out” a patient. It does not induce unconsciousness. Instead, it puts patients in a “twilight” state that makes them unaware of the procedure without completely making them unconscious. Intravenous anesthesia is the sedation protocol of choice for many dental clinics when it comes to All-On-4 Dental Implants and other longer tooth-replacement procedures. IV anesthesia is particularly useful for putting fearful patients at ease without completely making them unconscious. Like general anesthesia, IV-delivered anesthesia may also require that a board-certified anesthesiologist be present to help monitor the patient during the surgery.
Anesthesia Fears and Concerns
Anesthesia is designed and intended to reduce stress and anxiety by blocking pain and providing relaxation. However, anesthesia can, in extremely rare cases, cause additional complications. These types of anesthesia-induced complications are exceedingly rare and are typically associated with elderly patients undergoing major surgery, such as open-heart surgery, or patients with very fragile health. Most patients will only experience mild or no effects from the use of anesthesia including confusion, memory loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, sore throat, shivering, sleepiness, and mild hoarseness.
Serious side effects do not typically apply to the use of local anesthetics and oral sedatives. Local anesthesia and relaxing pills comprise the vast bulk of all anesthetics employed for dental and cosmetic procedures and are by far the most common forms of anesthesia patients will encounter.
A Worry-free Experience at Willow Pass Dental Care
What’s preventing you from taking the first steps towards a beautiful smile? Call our office today at 925-326-6114 to schedule a consultation or make an appointment. Let our world-class facility and staff show you why Willow Pass Dental Care is the leader in dental care in Concord CA. We offer our patients worry-free dental or cosmetic services through a wide range of dental and cosmetic procedures. Call today and let us give you a reason to smile!
