Sedation Dentistry

Serving Sacramento, Modesto and Stockton, California

 

Many people avoid going to the dentist because of fear of dental treatment. Their fear is mostly based on concerns that their general dental procedure will be painful. One way around this dental phobia is through the use of sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry puts patients in a relaxed state through the use of medication given either orally or in a gaseous form. Feelings of anxiety completely vanish with sedation dentistry, and the patient is able to get the care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Another term for sedation dentistry is oral conscious sedation because the patient is never completely unconscious during their dental procedure. While they may feel drowsy and may even nod off, they will still be able to follow the instructions of Dr. Bartolome and Dr. Swearingen.

Dr. Bartolome and Dr. Swearingen are licensed by the State of California to administer oral conscious sedation to our patients. Our Doctors received their training through DOCS Education , the leading Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation.

Candidates for sedation dentistry include those who:

• Have dental phobia
• Have back or neck problems
• Struggle with their gag reflex
• Have soreness in their jaw
• Have trouble with getting numb during general dental procedures
• Have other health problems that prevent them from getting dental care

Types of Sedation

There are several different medications available to those who may be candidates for sedation dentistry. These will be determined by Dr. Bartolome and Dr. Swearingen and are based on your age, weight, and level of anxiety. Some of the common oral medications include:

• Ativan (larazepam)
• Sonata (zaleoplon)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Vistaril (hydroxyzine)

Dr. Bartolome and Dr. Swearingen may also suggest nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” which you will breathe through a mask during your dental procedure.

Both types of medication are very safe when used for sedation dentistry. our doctors will require that you have someone come with you to your appointment as the medication may take a while to wear off. Besides keeping you calm and free of anxiety, some of the medications may also cause retrograde amnesia. This means you will not remember all aspects of your procedure. This may also make you feel better about scheduling future appointments with Dr. Bartolome and Dr. Swearingen .

There are many benefits to sedation dentistry. If you have not visited the dentist for a long time due to one or more of the issues sedation dentistry candidates may have, please contact experienced sedation dentists, Dr. Michelle C. Bartolome and Dr. William Swearingen for a consultation. Our Doctors serve the area of Lodi, Sacramento, Modesto, and Stockton, California.

 

 

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